Noob. Looking at 1st bike, have questions
 

So I'm a complete n00b when it comes to bikes. I found a 98 ninja zx-6r with 10k miles on it. I went to look at it and have a few questions/problems:


i went to look at it, but didn't ride it. he said the carb needs to be cleaned because 1st gear is ok but after that it just bogs out. is that true or anything else i need to consider before buying?[/align]
problem 2. the bike has no radiator fan on it, so yesterday it was cool out we let the bike sit at idle for about 10min and the temp light started flashing so i turned it off and you can hear the coolant bubbling.
is that normal?

and problem 3. the fuel reserve switch, just looked like a threaded hole, there was no switch. is there a key or is the switch missing? any idea where i can get a replacement from?

Thanks[/align]

RE: Noob. Looking at 1st bike, have questions
 

sounds like a basket case.

bubbling coolant = overheating

unless its a rediculously good deal i'd stear clear do to potential problems beyond what you see imediately.

RE: Noob. Looking at 1st bike, have questions
 

stay away from that bike. it is goin t obe nothin but a headache. but welcome to the forums and take the msf course get yoru license and then look for a better bike. one that is in better shape

RE: Noob. Looking at 1st bike, have questions
 

So the bike shouldn't overheat from sitting at idle? Is there a radiator fan? He said it was dropped standing still while his gf was getting off of it, but the scratches are going side to side.
http://s46.photobucket.com/albums/f110/pportuese/
Here is a link to my photobucket for more pics.

RE: Noob. Looking at 1st bike, have questions
 

it should have a fan - i have a 95zx6r and the fan comes on when its stopped for a long time and drops the temp back down. it has never gotten hot enough to flash the warning light.

RE: Noob. Looking at 1st bike, have questions
 

no it shouldnt i dont think that was the only time its been dropped just find a new bike man. BUT AGAIN i did notice you ar ea dsm man. Are you headed to the DSM/EVO Shootout this weekend

RE: Noob. Looking at 1st bike, have questions
 

well i see the fan in the pics so it does have the fan it's just not working. i would say no don't buy it. how much does he want for it??

RE: Noob. Looking at 1st bike, have questions
 

yeah what is the asking price? bike in that condition i wouldn't pay over 1500 for personally. i got my 95 in perfect running condition (other than an internallyrusty gas tank) and some cosmetic damage like that for 2000.

RE: Noob. Looking at 1st bike, have questions
 

He was asking $2400 for it, but we are working out a trade for my dsm and his bike. I was asking $4k for my 95 talon so the deal is the bike, $1200 cash, jacket and shoei helmet for my talon and brand new big 16g turbo.
I am not going to the shootout this weekend, maybe RSD's though.

RE: Noob. Looking at 1st bike, have questions
 

sounds like a good deal ifthe bikewas working properly.

RE: Noob. Looking at 1st bike, have questions
 

+1:)

RE: Noob. Looking at 1st bike, have questions
 

So is anyone local to streamwood that can check the bike out with me? It's located in fox river grove, next to capertnersville. (sp)

RE: Noob. Looking at 1st bike, have questions
 

Think of it this way.... You are just buying some one else's problems with this bike. Even worse, it sounds like a total jackass had their hands on it before. Avoid bikes that retards owned like a plague! Take my advice and you'll thank me greatly.;)

RE: Noob. Looking at 1st bike, have questions
 

I'd say if you're not real familiar with bike mechanicals, thisbike is not where you want to start. Personally, I love these kinds of bikes because I enjoy the challenge of rebuilding someone else's screw-up, but you gotta be sick like me to do it. I think you'll be frustrated from the get-go, which is not a good place to begin your bike experience, believe me. If I were you, I'd keep my turbo cage untilI couldfind a gently used bikeI could actuallyenjoy. This one isn't it.

RE: Noob. Looking at 1st bike, have questions
 

haha.. +1

My KZ750 was another person's little pet project gone bad. They are fun to fix up as long as you've got skilz. Even without mad skilz, you can always buy a book and start from there. But as I've seen, not too many people do that.

RE: Noob. Looking at 1st bike, have questions
 

As a professional noob, my advice is stay clear. it could become a very good bike, but it will take a lot of work, and your first bike should be a fun experiance, not a never ending headache, which this bike will become if you are learning both how to ride and how to repair at the same time.

RE: Noob. Looking at 1st bike, have questions
 

Dont get too excited about getting your first bike. this thing sounds like a POS. yes it needs a radiator fan, it normally kicks on at 210 or so. the fuel/reserve swtich should be a T looking knob. that seems to be missing. It sounds like he'd be getting a way better deal than you. skip it brotha!

check out craigslist

also; the bogging issue i have read about that happening to a number of older model ninjas around the 98 year. If first gear is ok and the rest are crap it could be a number of different things. cleaning the carbs would help but that doesnt mean thats a total fix. why dont you sell the car first then look at a bike.

RE: Noob. Looking at 1st bike, have questions
 

you should have a friend that knows or a shop look at it for you. this is a buisness decision use your head not your heart.

GodI sound freakin old.

RE: Noob. Looking at 1st bike, have questions
 

From what I hear, say $800 if you plan on learning on how to work on this ride.

RE: Noob. Looking at 1st bike, have questions
 

+1;)

For 99% of people out there, this is very true.

RE: Noob. Looking at 1st bike, have questions
 

that bike did not just fall over, it fell and slid....stay away from it

RE: Noob. Looking at 1st bike, have questions
 

+1. If the scratches are going from front to back, that means the bike was moving when it was layed down. If he's lying about that, thereis no telling whatelse is wrong with it that he's not telling you. Iwouldn't touch that bike for all of King Midas's silver. If it's overheating, you could possibly have a warped head to deal with, depending on how hot he let it get. My advice is the same as everybody else's. STAY AWAY! You would pay that much for one that is in perfect shape. I agree with Prom... if you buy this as a first bike, it would leave you with a sour experience, and probably ruin riding for you.

RE: Noob. Looking at 1st bike, have questions
 

+1 I would stay away from this bike you don't how much this guy beat on this one, Just don't look at how good the deal might be you have to focus on how sound the bike is and how much you will have to put into it.
From what i see and hear i don't think it has only been down once.

RE: Noob. Looking at 1st bike, have questions
 

well im not gonna say what everyone else has said mostly cuz youve heard it 50 times now. This is what im gonna say when you do find that perfect ride for your first bike becareful ride safe