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:
![Image]()
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:
![Image]()
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?
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?
