[RC51]

So how many out there have done it? Is it worth the time? It would start as a track-day bike and from there.... Has anybody raced them against the 125gp bikes? How did you fare? How is it riding the bike on the local tracks?

I have zero track experience, but I hope to start doing track days here and there on the RC as I can afford it. Then possibly step up to racing after I get a few other important things in line (like a house). I am looking at the 250 as a cheaper option than getting say a 600ss, or a two stroke that will be harder to get parts for and most likely more expensive. The initial investment will be lower, and I am guessing that tires and some other consumables are going to be cheaper.


I have the ability to get my very first bike back ('98 kawi ninja 250). I sold the bike to a friend about ten years ago and he has had it ever since. Someone attempted to steal it a few years back and it was recovered three weeks later. It has sat for the last few years and I wont be able to get it for another two years or so (after I graduate and move back to washington). I am pretty damn sure that I can get this bike for next to nothing, maybe $300 tops. He will probably just give it to me.

Here is what it looks like right down to the purple wheels uke:, although it is not nearly as clean as this one:

Here is a list of things that I know will need to be done:
~$100 ebay: The ignition and the gas tank latch will need to be replaced
~$200-250: Tires
~$400ish Chain/sprockets, brake pads, new fluids all around
~$500??? Getting it running right, possibly due for a valve job (milage was around 12k last time I checked). I know I'll have to clean the carbs at a minimum. I have no problem doing the work myself either
~?? Bodywork, really depends on what route I plan on going there, if I want to strictly track it, or street it once and a while. I remember how nice this thing was to commute on. The bodywork that is on it now is sound. It has a few very small scrapes on one side (that are barely through the paint iirc) from the first day I had it and did a gravel road drop and about 5mph. So for the meantime I may just get some number plates like this guy:

I understand that I can probably go find an ex250 for $1000-$2000 that is already running, but where is the fun in that? And this particular bike is actually the first bike that I ever owned so it has a sentimental value to it.

So what are your thoughts?

 

[rolandk]

People do race EX250's but they are no where near competitive with 125gp bikes. I'd say fix up your bike and give it a go.

 

[RC51]

People do race EX250's but they are no where near competitive with 125gp bikes. I'd say fix up your bike and give it go.

Yeah, that's kinda what I figured. It will probably be a trackday bike for a while anyways.

 

[Paytheon]

My wife tracks here stock 250 all the time. She's really enjoying the Ninja 250 and is getting a lot of experience on the bike. She will move up when she's ready for more. But for now she's loves tracking it.

 

[pdxfj]

The 250 would make a great track bike. There are videos on youtube of Ninja 250's out cornering R1's, Gixxers, etc. I've read many stories on boards where people would laugh at the older guy at the track on his 250. Next thing they knew they were getting their asses handed to them.

No need to spend $400 on chain, sprockets, etc. The bike only holds 2 quarts of oil, and has less than 35hp so you don't need a top of the line chain. The major thing that go wrong with the 250's is the cam chain stretches, and that's the end of the motor. The sum of all the parts to fix it is more than you pay for a low mileage engine off ebay.

I have a 250 I have been tinkering with over the years and have learned a fair amount about them. The carbs are very picky and if the bike sits for any length of time, you have to pull them out and clean them. The jets are very small and just dried fuel is enough to plug them. If you are going to pull the carbs, order a set of the rubber boots from the airbox to the carbs. Trust me.. it will save your sanity.

If you want adjustable levers, get the front brake lever off a EX500.. it will bolt to the M/C no problems. If you want adjustable clutch lever, order the lever, perch, clamp, etc off a EX500 (less than $50 for the whole thing new).

Something has to be done with the front end. The stock springs are very soft. 15w oil filled to 6 inches from the top of the fork tubes helps a lot. The stock shock isn't adjustable but again you can use a EX500 shock.

Shouldn't need a valve job, but checking the clearances isn't a bad idea. You'll need the correct size tappet tool to do it.

If you pick it up and have any questions let me know. I'll be happy to help.

Mine also had purple wheels.. I had them powder coated black... looks a lot better now.

 

[RC51]

Thanks for the info man!

The costs were just kind of estimates of things I know I'll need to do. The chain was just something that I know I'll need to do after it sitting for so long.

 

[Saber63]

really all you need todo.....
new tires. sport demons, MT-75's or GT501's ~$300

SS front brake lines HH front pads, the stock ones SUCK! best thing i did to the ninja after tires! ~$100

also clean and rejet/tune your carbs, as they normaly are kinda lean i nthe mid range, (in stock trim) a couple #4 washer's under the carb neadle is cheapest simplest way, and of course resetting your idle mixture. ~$10 and some time

also you can make the throttle a quick turn throttle with the use of a ziptie or PVC tube, and some glue ~$5 and time

remove center stand, lights, blinkers, cut the mudflap, remove curb feelers and the like... ~$0 time and tools!



thats really all you need todo to get started! once thats done.... look into this stuff

Penske rear shock, or swap in a post '08 rear shock.(based on wallet size ) $100 for 08 OEM +$800 for penske

i would also suggest sending your front forks to GP suspension. they redid mine complete for ~$300 or so. that was all new seals, new oil, new springs, and they welded and redrilled the damping rods (which is better then a valve emulator) and probly more stuff they feel GREAT now! MMmmmm

428 chain conversion for racing.... (or stick to 520 due to more sprokets etc...) ~$100-200

once you drop the bike, and any type of drop will probly do, grab some woodcraft lowered risers (so you dont bend more OEM bars made of chease by droping the bike :tard: ) ~$150

youll need a race lower if you want to race (for oil retension) and last time i checked the race body work is pretty cheap... might go for that right off the bat so you dont ruine the OE plastics (but meh)

also you might look into exhausts(for ground cleareance, not power...) and need to rejett (dont get the dyno jet kit, it sucks.... ill get you the link to a better kit) ~$600 full exhaust and full jet kit


i should be at PR o nthe 28th with a ninja 250 with some goodies on it, ill let you know how mine tracks im may even let other ride it :secret:

theres more info ill post up later! but imalready late D:

-Levi

 

[ducatichick]

Not sure if you saw this thread - might be worth a look...good Ninja 250 info.

http://pnwriders.com/track-time/123986-local-250cc-racing.html

 

[RC51]

Thanks again for the info guys, I guess it's decided, I just have to wait until I get up to Washington, about two years. :x