What to look out for when buying a ZR250 Balius

Unless you've been around a bike before you won't know what to look for. I would suggest bringing a friend or family member who rides or owns a bike to look. But here's some general tips:

1) Don't believe a thing the owner tells you (it was never dropped, its just been serviced, I never have any issues with it, etc) but just go along with what they say
2) Ask questions: How often do you ride it? What's the steering like? How hot does the bike get?
3) Go for a test ride and see how you like it
4) Get the VIN & rego plate # and do a PPSR check (cheap as **** to do and verifies that the bike is not stolen/debt owing against it)
5) Check the manual for warranty/service history
6) Observe the fluid levels and feel the tyres

Specific mechanical things to look/listen for for:

1) Knocking, tapping, or any odd noises that an engine shouldn't make
2) Smoke out of the exhaust (and what colour it is. White/blueish, or black)
3) Fuel, oil, or coolant leaks (and see if you can smell any of these)
4) Brake discs and pad wear. The discs should be perfectly flat & pads should be within wear levels (bumpy discs indicate failure to replace brake bads)
5) Check the chain slack and feel if it's been lubed recently. Also check that the chain is clean
6) Make sure the rear wheel spins freely (on a stand if you can)
7) Check that you can move the handlebars from full left to right. Listen for any odd noises or feel anything odd

 

if there is a loud clanking sound from the rhs of the engine, the cam chain or the tensioner may need replacing, it will always be noisy but if it is really loud then it may be a problem. with 26k on it the cam chain should be ok.

also take it for a spin and make sure it revs clean through to the rev limiter and starts easily, both cold and hot.

 

stand behind and see if wheels in a straight line and no bent forks or frame.rap throttle on and off and check exhaust for smoke.

 

1991 Kawasaki Balius ZR250 LAMS/Learner Approved on Gumtree http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/1057406801
Give you idea double the kms and 300 more $$$$ so if it in good nick a matter of ur wallet but still haggle as they will have a dream number and a get it off my drive way number lol

 

keep the sidestand up when riding.take care and enjoy.

 

I bought an 88 Balius here in Perth a couple of months ago for the other half to learn on (also a miniature project for me ) - its a great little bike and if I was a leaner Id go for one of these or an older 250cc and not one of the newer ones which I had a few years ago.

A bit of work was/is still required as itd sat in shed for 2 years going no where but I knew that after taking a look at the bike (I did get it for a decent price). Carbs needed cleaning and it had been in a slow drop so Ive replaced handlebars, bar ends, levers, mirrors etc. Ive also replaced filters, oil, and brake pads/fluid. Respray of the tank is next.

I have all new throttle, choke and clutch cables coming so thats the next cab of the rank.



Other than what the other peeps have mentioned, make sure you get onto the floor and look for leaks etc - its easy what can be hidden when wiped down - after a test ride get underneath and if oil is going to leak you have a better chance of seeing it then.

 

Pretty good first post mate

 

Thanks, after loitering around for a month or two I figured I should try to add value at some point

 

Hey, nice looking bike...