First time buyer, what is a 1989 model Kawasaki Ninja 250 worth?

[Voltaire]

On the other hand I learned all my mechanical skills from buying old shitters back in the day. Learning practical skills on mechanics and electrics is not time wasted IMHO..


..playing Xbox,Facebook and Netflix is.

[Oakie]

None of this really answers my core question of what would such a bike be worth.... ? Just looking for a ballpark range

OK. For me, $1000 and the acceptance that it will require more money and time thrown at it. Not this one is it? http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...1090841273.htm

[Erelyes]

IMO It's worth $500 now. Get a WOF maybe a grand. Tidy it up to match the one on Trademe $1,500.

I had one and would agree with this.

1650 no wof/reg is dreaming.

[dman]

OK. For me, $1000 and the acceptance that it will require more money and time thrown at it. Not this one is it? http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...1090841273.htm

No. Not that one.
It isn't listed on TradeMe just yet, he is giving me first dibs on it.

[Moi]

Listen to the voices of experience... especially OldDuck.

What is your budget? - for the bike and excluding what you have budgeted for gear. Then look for a bike with both registration and a WoF.

Your friend's bike is worth very little as it is not road legal.

My 2c worth...

[dman]

If he got current registration and wof for it first before I bought it, would it be worth $2K then?

[Akzle]

i bought one a shitload closer to 1988 for about 800 bung.

Dont do it new guy. Your friend isnt much of one and probably trying to recoup what he paid before it before it was (as) fucked.

[Akzle]

If he got current registration and wof for it first before I bought it, would it be worth $2K then?

nigger, are you deaf?

[dman]

nigger, are you deaf?

So that is one really big "No"?

[AllanB]

If he got current registration and wof for it first before I bought it, would it be worth $2K then?

It will still be a hack given the way you have described it.

Get on to Trademe and see what $2-3 k will buy you for a first bike. Then make your decision.

I'm feeling you are either getting pressure from the seller or putting yourself under pressure as he/she is a 'friend'. Neither is a good way to purchase a new bike.

Plus - stop being blinded by the 'sporty' looks. They are skin deep - and in this case sound like they need cosmetic surgery.


Alternatively pop up a post on KB and see if someone with some knowledge will go and have a look at the bike for you. Or tell your friend to run it around to a motorcycle shop and pay for a hours time for a mechanic to give you a report. Is there a mobile bike mechanic in your city?

[Akzle]

So that is one really big "No"?

did you READ any of the posts between your first one and now?

I mean what IS the fucking point?

[AllanB]

did you READ any of the posts between your first one and now?

I mean what IS the fucking point?

A friend said it is a good deal ..............................

[Akzle]

A friend said it is a good deal ..............................

and it might be. At my price.

[WristTwister]

Whose Dman?
I'm not telling you what to pay for your mates bike because you shouldn't limit yourself to just one option. If you have a budget, look at what else you can afford in your price range, you might get something newer and in better condition. Don't buy his bike like it's the only one for sale. From what you say, it looks bunged up and has no WOF. You are buying this as a favour for your mate, not yourself. Look elsewhere.

Without knowing your budget, I'd suggest a used GN they are as common AF or if you like sporties, a used Yam R15.

[OddDuck]

+1 on that. Whose D's are they?

Look, the great human weakness is listening to things you don't want to hear. It's not easy to do, but you can save yourself a fuckload of grief if you can just take on board what people are saying.