[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.