Servicing question - What to get first?

**Will the ninja** · 4th September 2010, 22:04

I'm pretty strapped for cash atm, but have to choose whether to replace my tires or do the valve adjustment for my 250R.

My front tire is in better cond than the back (which has .5 - .75mm left in the centre). Ideally I'd like to replace both of them with the same model as I can't get the same Dunlops in Wellington. All up looking at roughly $400.

Then there is the Valve clearance which I was meant to do at 12k but it is now 15k and has developed a rattle in the engine noise. Took it to the shop and the mechanic said it'll be fine for a while - it'll just get louder over time, just get a valve adjustment at the next service. Quoted me $300 + $12 per shim. There a are 8 valves.

I'm using it to commute to work which is 15mins away (with the occasional weekend ride). Eventually I will do both, but should I do the Valve Adjustment first?

**mrchips** · 5th September 2010, 07:10

If it was me i would change the tyres first.

But.....

Don't bike shops do tyres on time payment ?. Drip feed the tyres & pay the cash diff for the valve adjustment & get all done at the same time !.

Been pretty wet in the week lately + the rain has been very intense. I would want at least 1.5 - 2mm min warrantable tread on my tyres in these conditions, your life may depened on it.

Something else to consider, how about a 2 CT type tyre with a harder compound in the middle, may get more mileage out of the rear for commuting ?

**p.dath** · 5th September 2010, 07:27

I think I'd rather have new tyres. Have you considered looking around for second hand tyres?

Sometimes people buy tyres, dn't like the way the feel on their bike, and replace them.

Perhaps the dealer might even have some second hand tyres.

**Latte** · 5th September 2010, 11:48

Originally Posted by p.dath

I think I'd rather have new tyres. Have you considered looking around for second hand tyres?

Sometimes people buy tyres, dn't like the way the feel on their bike, and replace them.

Perhaps the dealer might even have some second hand tyres.

Treads on the shore have 2nd hand tires.

**bsasuper** · 5th September 2010, 13:32

I would never buy second hand tyres, you just dont know whats happened to them, even though they look mint.Spend the money on new tyres, a few thousand k's over on the valve shims is nothing.Its when the valve train goes quiet you have to worry.I like to hear a bit of valve tick, tells me everythings fine.

**breakaway** · 5th September 2010, 17:17

Tyres, no question. Ive had several bikes with questionable service history, and I've put tens of thousands of KMs on them without any problems at all, just the usual 5000km oil changes. Last one was a K1 GSXR1000 with 50,000km. Ran like new, and I put 20,000 of those KM on it.

**Will the ninja** · 5th September 2010, 21:15

Thanks guys - tires it is. I'll get some Sport Demons as I've got a limited range for my bike. Had Dunlop GT501's and loved them, but I can't find a shop in Welly that stocks them.

Can you really pay things off in weekly payments? Will there be interest? I usually save up a bit and try to pay in full, but that might be the better option.

**tamarillo** · 5th September 2010, 21:30

I am no expert but thought the ninja was a real simple engine with old fashioned screw adjustment - no shims needed. Did a quick search and found this amusing site which confirms - you can do valve adjustment easy yourself. SO buy best new tyres you can and do adjustment yourself - if you have no tools and no clue find someone who has and will talk you through it for some kinda contra deal. Much more satisfying than paying for it and that is a simple old donk in their so it's easy - it seems!

http://www.ninja250.org/howto/barbievalves/

**SS90** · 6th September 2010, 04:34

Originally Posted by mrchips

If it was me i would change the tyres first.

But.....

Don't bike shops do tyres on time payment ?. Drip feed the tyres & pay the cash diff for the valve adjustment & get all done at the same time !.

I really think that is the most niave thing I have heard.... tyres for a bike on time payment?

I have never heard of such a thing!

**SMOKEU** · 6th September 2010, 17:29

Do a skid on diesel and get a mate to film it for Youtube, then replace both rubbers.

**The Pastor** · 6th September 2010, 18:00

Originally Posted by tamarillo

i am no expert but thought the ninja was a real simple engine with old fashioned screw adjustment - no shims needed. Did a quick search and found this amusing site which confirms - you can do valve adjustment easy yourself. So buy best new tyres you can and do adjustment yourself - if you have no tools and no clue find someone who has and will talk you through it for some kinda contra deal. Much more satisfying than paying for it and that is a simple old donk in their so it's easy - it seems!

http://www.ninja250.org/howto/barbievalves/

i think that might be for the older ninja 250 (gpx250) could be wrong tho.

**tigertim20** · 6th September 2010, 18:04

Originally Posted by Will the ninja

I'm pretty strapped for cash atm, but have to choose whether to replace my tires or do the valve adjustment for my 250R.

My front tire is in better cond than the back (which has .5 - .75mm left in the centre). Ideally I'd like to replace both of them with the same model as I can't get the same Dunlops in Wellington. All up looking at roughly $400.

Then there is the Valve clearance which I was meant to do at 12k but it is now 15k and has developed a rattle in the engine noise. Took it to the shop and the mechanic said it'll be fine for a while - it'll just get louder over time, just get a valve adjustment at the next service. Quoted me $300 + $12 per shim. There a are 8 valves.

I'm using it to commute to work which is 15mins away (with the occasional weekend ride). Eventually I will do both, but should I do the Valve Adjustment first?

its a dollar either way. dont do the engine, and you could fuck it. dont do the tyres and youll increase the risk of binning the bike. remember, the lower the tread is on a tyre, the faster it wears, ie tyres wear slowly when new, and extremely fast when low, just did a 700km ride last weekend with a friend and he found that out the hard way.

Id suggest going into the shop, explain the situation, book it in to get the whole lot done, and pay $400 up front, then pay the balance off. if youre oaying a big chunk up front, and go in and ask, talk to them about it, theyll likely help you out.

**tigertim20** · 6th September 2010, 18:07

Originally Posted by SS90

I really think that is the most niave thing I have heard.... tyres for a bike on time payment?

I have never heard of such a thing!

wrong, I am doing it right now for the rear tyre I got put on my R1 two weeks ago. didnt have enough money, its my daily ride, so I went and talked to them, and they were really good about it

**mrchips** · 6th September 2010, 20:54

Originally Posted by SS90

I really think that is the most niave thing I have heard.... tyres for a bike on time payment?

I have never heard of such a thing!

Whats wrong with that ?

The bike shops i frequent here in Welly are extremely accomodating. One shop in masterton sets you up an account so you can just pay the minium monthly amount due.... very handy & no interest !

**Will the ninja** · 6th September 2010, 20:59

Originally Posted by tigertim20

its a dollar either way. dont do the engine, and you could fuck it. dont do the tyres and youll increase the risk of binning the bike. remember, the lower the tread is on a tyre, the faster it wears, ie tyres wear slowly when new, and extremely fast when low, just did a 700km ride last weekend with a friend and he found that out the hard way.

Id suggest going into the shop, explain the situation, book it in to get the whole lot done, and pay $400 up front, then pay the balance off. if youre oaying a big chunk up front, and go in and ask, talk to them about it, theyll likely help you out.

That's exactly what I was thinking. It has gotten worse and it now rattles like there's no tomorrow. Shit I'm in such a dilemma. Right now I'm thinking of taking it real easy for the next few weeks (as in 3 weeks) until I have enough to do the whole lot. God dammit this is such the wrong time. I just started dating this chick and I really like her. WHY does this have to happen NOW?!?