I am looking at a bike that is missing a sidestand. Dealer says it would have to be welded on. Anyone know about how much this would cost to have done? Its a kawa '01 ex250 if thats any help.

4/15/2008 1:34:33 PM

Are you asking someone here to do it?

4/15/2008 4:01:35 PM

That bike should have a centerstand... You could almost get away with not having the sidestand... But other than that, I doubt it has to be welded, you could also replace it I think. My ex500s just bolts on, I can't imagine the 250 being different.

Microfiche pic...

http://fiche.ronayers.com/Index.cfm/Module/Main/TypeID/26/Type/Motorcycle/MakeID/3/Make/Kawasaki/YearID/42/Year/2001/ModelID/3582/Model/Ninja_250R/GroupID/104624/Group/Stand(s)

4/15/2008 4:46:28 PM

unless the mounting point is broken off the frame

4/15/2008 7:22:13 PM

saw off one leg on the center stand and saw off about a 16th of the other side. youll have a free new side stand

[Edited on April 15, 2008 at 7:31 PM. Reason : lol]

4/15/2008 7:30:51 PM

Mine bolts directly to the bottom rail of the frame... Not sure about the 250, but from the microfiche, it looks like it may be similar.

My advice would be to go look at the bike and see if it looks like something really needs welding...

EDIT: Looking at "Frame Fittings" in the MF, you can see where it mounts on the bottom tube... The one that runs parallel with the back axle. I'm guessin the guy at the dealer doesn't know shit, I would go look at it in person if you haven't already.

EDIT #2: Actually, if the frame is stripped or something like that, you may have to have it welded. So again, go find out what the real deal with it is.

[Edited on April 15, 2008 at 7:42 PM. Reason : .]

[Edited on April 15, 2008 at 7:49 PM. Reason : .]

4/15/2008 7:35:49 PM

if the frame is damaged, i would look for another bike

4/15/2008 8:20:11 PM

I pretty much agree because selling it would be a bitch. But this is a non structural part of the frame... or at least low stress. If it was a really cheap bike I would still consider it.

4/15/2008 11:23:20 PM

^x? Thanks for the microfiche.

Yeah, the dealer said something about the mounting plate was missing, and another service mechanic said that if it can't just be bolted on, then you would need to either replace the frame (wtf was the thinking suggesting that?) or weld it on. I'm gonna pass on that bike. For sitting for so long, they want way too much for it.

Btw, does anyone know of any GOOD Kawasaki dealers and/or service mechs in raleigh? Ive been to triangle cycles in Durham and team powersports in garner (latter isn't a dealer, but had an overpriced, scratched up '06), and both sales people knew jack shit about bikes, and especially nothing about the EX250. The latter one didn't like my offer on the 06 and pretty much told me this morning "we don't like it that you know what you're talking about, so we aren't going to counter-offer and just wait till some sap buys it".
So now I'm looking for a good reputable dealer who won't bullshit me. Speaking of which, one of the guys in Barnett's Suzuki is a decent guy from my 10min talking with him. Just not a kawa dealer.

4/16/2008 10:56:19 AM

do your research online, buy where ever is the best deal. if you can't find correct info online, the last place I would ask is a salesperson

4/16/2008 11:02:35 AM

i've had good luck getting parts from the place up on 70, dont know about sales though

4/16/2008 11:42:21 AM

^ The one in garner on 70 is Team Powersports. They have a great selection of gear (compared to most placed) and helmets, and a nice show room, but the guy Ted I talked to knew just about nothing. Can't believe the manager actually wanted 2950 for that bike.

^^ is definitely right. im going to stop asking sales people questions and just talk prices with them.

4/16/2008 11:56:47 AM

Hahaha--- Barnett's, really?
Well, certainly don't take anything there to get it worked on. Your stuff will be returned with things on backwards and none of the original parts and/or screws. But I know you are looking for Kawi, so-- just don't trust Barnett's because of a 10 min convo.

And yes, if you don't look like someone they want to sell to, Team Powersports won't give you the time of day. Manager knows us by name and makes sure we know it every time we come in-- but that's a long story. They have a decent gear selection at times, but otherwise are pretty useless as far as advice.

Nicest place I've found is Performance Honda. People are always really helpful. But there were rumors they weren't going to be in business too much longer b/c of Matison, so who knows. They don't have Kawi's, either.

Matison would probably be your next best bet. I've had good and awful experiences there. Haha-- don't expect any reasonable help from the parts guys, though. (well, you might have more luck if you aren't female) There are some nice sales people, and some real assholes... so, it's just a draw.

4/16/2008 11:57:23 AM

team powersports is great for yama parts, i only go to barnetts for inspections, which remind me, mine went out last may

4/16/2008 12:00:57 PM

Honestly man, if you're looking for a 250, and its your first bike, buy a cheap, old, scratched up one on craigslist. You're probably gonna drop it once or more, and you're probably gonna sell it in less than 2 years. If you can find one for ~1500, you'll be able to resell it for what you bought it for, even after putting a bunch of miles on it.

They're easy to work on, you don't really need a warranty or the other useless dealer shit unless you are completely mechanically uninclined.

4/16/2008 12:48:30 PM

^ what he said

4/16/2008 12:53:22 PM

Quote :

"Hahaha--- Barnett's, really?"

i don't deal with Barnett's, either.

4/16/2008 12:54:43 PM

i would hope not, thats a hell of a long drive

4/16/2008 12:55:38 PM

haha, i didn't when I went to NCSU, either, and won't when I come back.

4/16/2008 1:09:09 PM

convienent for me to get inspections there like i said, thats about it

4/16/2008 1:19:13 PM

Do people actually get their bikes inspected? I've met several who've said they don't, one friend's goes as far back as 03... Mines coming up in August, so to thread jack, should I get it inspected? Or will the gov't not catch on?

4/16/2008 9:41:38 PM

I'm looking at getting one for 2500 now actually. Its only a year old and is in fantastic condition considering. The guy actually knows his shit when I asked about detailed maintenance issues. So I think I might go for that one, even though it is a bit more than what I wanted to pay. But we'll see if I can talk him down a bit. I plan on doing a lot of my own service, but I haven't ever done anything mechanical before, so I wanted to get something that wouldn't have any start-up maintenance issues or service to do. Oil change, chain check and lube not a prob. But if I buy a bike that I would need to do a valve adjustment on first thing, or a carb clean, it would take me forever to learn that. Oh well, Ill see this sat. Thanks for the advice.

4/17/2008 9:18:15 AM

Valves are pretty easy honestly. On the 500, getting to them is the hardest part. Not sure what it takes to get to them on the 250. That said, if you don't mind paying the price for a newer one, go for it. Knowing the maint. history is never a bad thing.

4/17/2008 9:53:20 AM

Yeah, the thing is pretty awesome. But I'm not sure if I should spend the extra cash on a well maintained ride. At least every website says its actually worth that much The next cheapest is 1900 I can find, without a known history.

Its not the valve job thats the hard part, its that Ive never even changed my cars oil before, so taking half the engine apart on a bike I just got and can barely ride is a little intimidating. That and buying $100 worth of tools, plus gear, plus insurance and tags, plus bike isn't that appealing when one with no required maintenance that I can slowly learn mechanics on is right there.

4/17/2008 10:12:43 AM

Quote :

"Valves are pretty easy god damn time consuming honestly."

4/17/2008 11:27:45 AM

i have an ex250 and kawasaki suzuki of durham has always been really good in the way of service.

quick service, and the parts guys were good about getting what i need and getting it in pretty quickly.

i pretty much never use my centerstand but that bike should have one that you could get away with using. i cant imagine, though, that the sidestand would be missing without some frame damge. seems like the bike would have had to have been dropped or something.

4/17/2008 11:27:50 AM

centerstand isnt that bad to use on a light bike, mine takes some skill and balance to use

4/17/2008 11:29:05 AM

Quote :

"thank you sweetbuttseksguy69. but no one cares"

4/17/2008 1:35:54 PM

Quote :

""Valves are pretty god damn time consuming honestly.""

Probably depends on the bike... First try on mine took me a saturday afternoon from start to finish. Gotta do them again as soon as this semester ends, I'll see how long it takes me this time.

And getting a 250 on the centerstand should be cake...

4/17/2008 1:51:41 PM