looking to buy a 500 ninja

[ducky17]

Im looking at a ninja right now and wanted to know what you guys thought it would be worth.
it needs a new battery, chain, front fender, seat, key switch, fuel tank cap and a paint job. the spark plug hole also needs to be redrilled.

the owner thinks its a '92, not sure,
and he said its been parked for about 5 months now.

he said he would give it to me for $200 (down from 300) and I know thats a small price to pay for a street bike, but do you think its worth what needs fixxing?

[taro]

First of all, welcome! If you're able to potentially rebuild a motor and/or an entire bike and have the patience to work on it while you're not riding, then it sounds like it might work. I wonder what the compression is, the condition of the valves and the cams, and if it's ever been run without any oil. It's quite a laundry list so far of things to do. It sounds like a pretty good deal on a parts bike, but... the 500s had an upgrade in 94 and so many of the parts may not work on a newer bike. Not sure where you live, but it should not be too hard to find a relatively cheap runner. Good luck.

[ducky17]

thank you. I really think I can do it...I just wasnt sure if its worth it. I think as long as I can resell for whatever I put into it I will be happy (if all doesnt go well).
I plan to take my time with it and fix a little at a time because Im not made of money
but I would really like to keep it ..just as long as its not too big

[ducky17]

Originally Posted by taro

the 500s had an upgrade in 94 and so many of the parts may not work on a newer bike.

is that why Im having trouble finding any parts for a '92?
because there isnt a 500 ninja listed under 1992 anywhere I look...you sure they made 500's in '92?

[Kawasaki ZX600r]

Maybe you could put a heli-coil (sp) in the plug hole??? All-though I think if I were you I would keep looking.

[Tweek]

You'' spend at least $1000 in parts and plenty of hours working on a bike that might be worth $800 when you are all done. So you'll probably be out $400 when you are done.

Personally - I would put that $200 away and save up and buy a newer bike that is closer to running condition.

[lancelotvt]

Originally Posted by ducky17

is that why Im having trouble finding any parts for a '92?
because there isnt a 500 ninja listed under 1992 anywhere I look...you sure they made 500's in '92?

The Ninja 500 used to be called the EX 500. They started making them back in 87' In 94 they went through a small redesign, and If I remember correctly, in 98' they added the "Ninja" name.

I agree with Tweek on this one. There are too many things wrong from what you describe. You would end up loosing money on it if you tried to resell it.

[ducky17]

yea I thought it might be a bit much. I wasnt looking for a bike when I first saw it..I simply knew it needed work and wanted something to do
thanks for the help guys

[vulcan500rider]

It's not a street bike, it's a paperweight. Not worth it if it was free.

[ducky17]

Originally Posted by vulcan500rider

It's not a street bike, it's a paperweight. Not worth it if it was free.

well thank you for the inspiration

[ervins]

I would pass on it...Not worth time and headache...You can get a running bike here for $1k...Save your money.

[ducky17]

yea I think I will pass. I got him down to $150 plus a part for a three wheeler he needs.....but I know its gonna need some real work. I only wanted it for a project but I know by the end I will want to keep it rather then sell.

[Nessism]

I've bought and flipped two different EX500's purchased on the cheap that were not running. Ebay is FULL of parts for these bikes and since they have changed so little over the years many of the parts interchange.

Just a guess but you should be able to get the bike up and running for less than $500 assuming you can do the engine work yourself. I'd say that as long it has less than 20k miles you can't go wrong for that price.

[ducky17]

yea i know i could get it fixxed for less than 500, but its just that the bike is so darn big.. i would have a hard time on it so im just going to save my money and get a running one

[ducky17]

so get this! I just went look at it again, and it turns out that its a 1999, not a 92. I dont know why he thought 92 but whatever..I think Im going to go for it

[ducky17]

I have another question. will the plastics from any other model / year ninjas work on this bike?
I will need the front fairing and lower cowling. I think those are the right terms?

[Nessism]

Originally Posted by ducky17

I have another question. will the plastics from any other model / year ninjas work on this bike?
I will need the front fairing and lower cowling. I think those are the right terms?

All EX500 body work is the same starting in 93 onward. Take your time and watch ebay. I picked up a perfect front fairing for about $200 for one of my bikes.