1996 Ninja EX500 and Squid Questions

dave_evolvix · Nov 5, 2009, 03:33 PM

So I just passed the MSF beginners course, got my license, perfect score on the test I might add. I've ridden a few 600 GSXRs, loved them, seemed very easy to lean, great power, great brakes, seemed lighter than I thought they would. I really felt that with some careful riding I could start with one. But I know everyone says you should start with a beater bike. I know my first car wasn't an Evo. So I want to do get a cheap less high strung bike, but at minimal cost, because I have every intention of flipping the bike in less than a year.

That brings me to the 96 Ninja EX500. There is one for sale locally, the owner says it sat for a season, and won't stay running. He changed the fuel lines, filters, and plugs. So it sounds like the carbs will need to be removed and cleaned. And hopefully she'll run fine.

The bike is priced at $600, which seems like a really good deal if it takes me a couple of weekends to do the work. That is assuming that it is the only problem with the bike. I bet an experienced mechanic could fix it in a few hours, but I'm certainly not, and definitely not experienced with motorcycles.

So, you may be asking, where is the question here? Well I've got many.
1.) Is this a good idea? Am I biting off more than I can chew(mechanically)?
2.) How can I protect myself from getting a straight lemon? I can check the brakes to an extent, and the clutch. But I don't know how to check the transmission or the former two without the bike running.
3.) Any opinions on this bike? Motor, reliably, size, etc?
4.) If I go to sell the bike next May in running condition, do you think I'll get my money back?

Gear questions:
Used helmets? Dumb idea to skimp here right? They can be compromised in a single drop or accident I'm told.
Is this a good choice: http://www.revzilla.com/product/shark-rsx-hook-helmet
I was thinking used leather jacket and gloves. Any reason this is a bad idea?
Pants, I liked the idea of the armored denim: http://www.revzilla.com/product/icon...ry-riding-pant Any comments or warnings here?

**otter** · Nov 5, 2009, 03:45 PM

I can't speak for the bike (not a rider) but do not buy a used helmet. What you are told is correct - motorcycle helmets are only good for one impact, then should be replaced. When it comes to protecting your head, don't skimp, get something new. If you're not concerned about pretty designs, you can get a nice HJC Snell/DOT certified full face helmet for $130 (helmetcity.com).

I don't see a reason against a used jacket/gloves, except that you'll be wearing someone else's sweat.

JakeTheVIII · Nov 5, 2009, 04:46 PM

I like my leather jacket, but I just can't stand to wear it in the summer. It's unbearable. So if I could do that again I might get a textile jacket, hell the Icon jackets are cheap.

About the bike. I don't like the idea really. For a first bike, one that doesn't run and needs that much work is probably not the best idea. There's nothing wrong with getting a nice gsxr or newer 600 bike as a first bike, they won't need work for a while and you can start slow with it. I loved my 08 r6 (first bike), I really want another one.

I'm sure you could get your money back out of it if you get it running though, assuming it doesn't cost much to fix besides a little work.

dave_evolvix · Nov 5, 2009, 06:57 PM

As for the gear, I was thinking leather because I'm not a fan of road rash, I'd prefer the protection. Also there is a good chance I'll be riding in the cold if I pick it up soon. Is it really that unbearable? I feel like if you are moving, you won't get too hot?

I'd agree, but I can't justify the cost of a newish GSXR, we are talking double the insurance, and 5-6K for the bike. Besides if I laid my new bike down on a noob mistake I'd be so pissed.

It really comes down to if I can fix it. Anybody have experience with 90s Ninjas?

**otter** · Nov 5, 2009, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave_evolvix

As for the gear, I was thinking leather because I'm not a fan of road rash, I'd prefer the protection. Also there is a good chance I'll be riding in the cold if I pick it up soon. Is it really that unbearable? I feel like if you are moving, you won't get too hot?

I'd agree, but I can't justify the cost of a newish GSXR, we are talking double the insurance, and 5-6K for the bike. Besides if I laid my new bike down on a noob mistake I'd be so pissed.

It really comes down to if I can fix it. Anybody have experience with 90s Ninjas?

A set of frame sliders would help protect the bike if you went with a nicer/newer one.

Exciting News · Nov 7, 2009, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave_evolvix

As for the gear, I was thinking leather because I'm not a fan of road rash, I'd prefer the protection. Also there is a good chance I'll be riding in the cold if I pick it up soon. Is it really that unbearable? I feel like if you are moving, you won't get too hot?

I'd agree, but I can't justify the cost of a newish GSXR, we are talking double the insurance, and 5-6K for the bike. Besides if I laid my new bike down on a noob mistake I'd be so pissed.

It really comes down to if I can fix it. Anybody have experience with 90s Ninjas?

Leather is superior to textile. Get leather. My first bike was a heap but I bought it as a project. I would look for a running bike if I were you. It probably is a carb issue, but that's assuming the guy isn't trying to unload a turd. And you could get a liter bike as your first bike. Never understood the mantra of it must be slow if it's your first. If you make good decisions and don't ride like a turkey no bike is too powerful as a first bike.

xRoguex · Nov 7, 2009, 12:38 PM

Frame sliders are a waste on the 500 - its ruged and sooo cheap to repair regardless.

As for the carbs. I could walk you through cleaning and rebuilding them in a matter of an hour over the phone. I know them like its no ones business - I had a 98, and the gas tank rusted - so particles of rust would fall down in the carbs and clog them. I cleaned them on the side of a 4 lane highway in 45 mins.

The bike is a gold mine if its not running. I pick them up for 4-600 all day long - fix them and resell them for 900+ every summer.

The bike is the perfect learning bike - plenty of power up to about 65mph, fine for 2-up riding.. you name it...

I have NEVER found a 500 that wasnt fixable for under 200 bucks(mechanically) they are almost identical from 1990 til now - and any bike from 1997 til now IS identical... there are THOUSANDS of parts out there.. Consider if they had been making the evo for the same way for 13 years now.. how easy part would be to acquire.

PM me if you have any detailed question or want to know more.

dave_evolvix · Nov 9, 2009, 11:14 AM

The owner of the bike unfortuneatly put in the time to clean the carbs and it is now running. Not sure what he'll be asking for it, but I have a feeling it won't be nearly as good a deal as before. I'm glad to hear the carb cleaning isn't a crazy hassle, I'll keep my eyes out for bikes in similar situations.

xRougeX: Thanks for the offer. I knew there would be someone on here that would know exactly how to do it. Too bad the owner decided to to it himself. Ha.

FutureNoob · Nov 9, 2009, 11:21 AM

I say start with a 600 after that your golden.. i went from 600 to 1300cc's with no problem

new helmet a must as for the other stuff if it dont smell its on you..

Sold the hayabusa earlyer this year next summer im finding me a evo

Ride safe man

EDIT: Try and find a 03+ bike owned by a seasoned rider to buy.. there is many reasons why some bikes only cost like $2500..
get it looked at by a shop for peace of mind.. lots of rip offs out there..

xRoguex · Nov 9, 2009, 06:24 PM

Yeah - I literally could have sat down - and typed it out on here how to pull it off, clean it, and put it back together.. With the tank off - I can pull the airbox off, yank the carbs, pull them out, rip open the bowls, and disassymble everything in 5 mins.

dave_evolvix · Nov 11, 2009, 05:31 PM

The owner contacted me again, says that it won't run again, and that it did run fine for two days. He claims to have cleaned the carbs and drained the tank, fresh gas, fresh plugs, fresh fuel lines. And it turns over but won't start. Sounds like this thing will be a handful. I'm thinking I shouldn't get mixed up with it. Is there something simple that would explain this? Or is my intuition right that this bike is going to be more trouble than its worth?

xRoguex · Nov 15, 2009, 02:10 AM

i know what it is. =)

He did clean the carbs.. but i bet if you look in the gas tank.. there is a rust line, or the tank is beginning to rust.

If it is.. buy the bike off him for as low as you can get .. its a STUPID cheap and easy fix.

After you buy the bike

Get the tank off - and take it to a radiator shop - tell them you want the tank coated. This will solve the rust problem and will cost you no more then 80 bucks.

Next - Go to a lawn and garden shop. Get an inline tractor or lawn motor fuel filter -- This will further prevent problems.

Lastly - pull carbs apart and blast out the rust that is now stuck in them.

Start bike. Ride bike. Laugh a prior owner.

xRoguex · Nov 15, 2009, 02:12 AM

Depending on how close you are to philly - I know a friend in the honey brook area that is really good at workin on them - Provided you dont mine a girl showing you how to rebuild your own carbs? =)

dave_evolvix · Nov 15, 2009, 07:13 PM

^ No I don't mind at all. I'll have to go check and see if its got a rusty tank.

xRoguex · Nov 15, 2009, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave_evolvix

^ No I don't mind at all. I'll have to go check and see if its got a rusty tank.

Dont let him know you are lookin at that.. or he may fix it on his own fyi.. just pop it and look around like your just checkin the gas out or something.