NoRider

I've been looking for my first bike and i've found alot of 500 and 600 cc's in my price range but they get sold SO fast.
I recently found this 1985 ninja 900 with a 1000cc motor installed for 500 bucks. It needs a new chain, sprocket, batteries and tires, which i can get for cheap, but im scared im going to kill myself if I buy this thing for my first bike. I would honestly not even consider it, except for the fact that I'm thinking maybe these older bikes have alot less horsepower since its 22 years old. I need some help from people who are experienced telling me its either ok or not.
Is the bike too heavy? too powerful? I just remember seeing pictures of this guy on a 1000cc flip backwards on it because it was his first time riding his friends bike and he got messed up. That was a 2005 tho... help?

Jongo

I wouldnt underestimate a liter bike just because of its age. They still have plenty of power to throw you around on...and hurt you if you're not careful. Also, another problem I can think of with this bike for a new rider is the amount of maintenance you will be doing. Just like an old car, old bikes are always in need of repair somehow. What is your price range?

NoRider

I'm trying to spend 600 or less. I DO NOT want to spend more than 800 bucks. I've found bikes in this price range, but they are far, and get sold before I get a chance to look at em.

Keepin it Klean

get a better job.

NoRider

haha I'm a student at UVa. And even if I had more money I wouldn't want to spend it.

skr00zloose

the main problem with a $600 bike is, well, it's a $600 bike, and you're more than likely going to end up putting another $600 in it to bring it back to a safe level. especially a sportbike. older jap standards can be had for next to nothing, but even they are usually going to need a bit of work.

NoRider

jap. standards?? are those old sport bikes?? If you know where I can get an old jap sport bike for cheap PLEASE tell me. This is how I figure it. I got a buddy who offered to do anything I need to the bike for free as long as he shows me how to do it. I'm thinking, if I spend the 1200+ on a bike, im getting a bike that isn't necessarily going to be all perfect. By spending 500 bucks on a bike I have the luxury of spending another 500 bucks on it (in new parts that I know are knew) before I in essence "break even" with another bike. Not to mention I dont care if its shiny, or has a jet kit, or a custom skull paint job, etc, etc. I just need a bike I can learn how to ride, and get my from UVa to Madison... Not to mention have a little fun with around the twisties.
So skr00z, you seem to be the authority on this forum about bikes. 25 year old 1000cc SAFE bike for my first bike or no??? I dont want to pull the throttle and flip the bike, I'm also only 5'5 and weigh about 140 pounds so...

TTT

Honestly you'd be much better off with a Ninja 250R. It's a hell of a lot better to learn on and would be fine for someone your size. It's the same bike since 1987

NoRider

everyone I've talked to has told me the 250 is like a toy bike. I need something that can go 80 miles an hour for an hour. Not to mention I'm not trying to buy a new bike in a few months when I get tired of it. Unless I found a 250 for really really cheap I wouldn't even bother. I wouldn't mind a 500 especially a 500R. 600 is my preference, but it all depends on price and what I found. I found a decently priced 500 but we'll see. I just wish i was more mobile, I could have picked up a few nice bikes already if I didn't have to study 8 hours a day lol.

djgrom

If you asked me a 900 with a 1000 motor stuffed into it from 85 is going to be more of a headache and money pit then anything else. I think you should just bide your time and save your money until you can buy something that you are truely going to be happy with and will not be a maintenance nightmare. Do not rush into purchasing a bike just because you want one and even out of your apparent necessity it will most likely come back and bite you in the ass. Have you taken an MSF class or know how to ride currently?