I recently purchased an '05 250 Ninja for an absolute steal. It has some scratches and dents, and it has an oil leak (possibly coming from the engine block?) that smokes a little when you ride it. I'm taking it in to be fixed some point this week, and I unfortunately this is as descriptive as I can get with the problem, but I was wanting to know what to expect. Any stories, past experiences with this, etc would be helpful. Thanks!

 

if it leaks a little when it's stationary, then smokes when you ride it, check out your oil lines and valve cover gasket.

It's possible someone over tightened one or the other. Or maybe they are not tight enough. When it smokes, does it come off the engine or out of the mufflers? I take it that you see smoke coming straight off the engine. That would be due to oil dripping onto the hot exhaust pipes when it's running.

 

Oh, where are my manners, welcome to KF!

 

Thanks so much for the help and the welcome! I've had a couple other people tell me they think it's the valve cover gasket. The smoke does come off the engine and not from the muffler. What is the price range for repairs on this sort of problem, just in case this is what I'm looking at. Have you ever had it done?

 

The gasket shouldn't cost more than $20-30.

I've had my 250R apart before, and replacing the valve cover gasket is no hard task. It's a one piece rubber gasket, and I believe only two bolts held the cover on. If you take it to somebody, You'll get charged an arm and a leg for it. However, while the cover is off, it would DEFINITELY be recommended to check clearances on your valves to make sure they are still within spec.

I'm guessing most shops would charge anywhere between $250, to $400.

If you buy a service manual and gasket, you could do it yourself for under $60.

 

Can I pick up a service manual at a place like AutoZone? Or do they just specialize in cars?

 

Call around. I know O'reilly auto parts carries some ATV, and motorcycle manuals. Ebay may be the cheapest way to go.