[WmninjaEx500]

First time bike building project to invest in myself . So apparently someone is attempting to sell me two frames and various parts of a 2004 ninja ex500 for $200.
But they don't have either title. Supposedly he is willing to write up a bill of sales.
Any thoughts or concerns regarding this deal? Should I be weary of purchasing this salvage bike and trying to make something memorable and rideable from these assorted parts?


I will be a first time bike owner and rider for the record. I would like to rebuild this bike to my liking. Just not sure if this is how I should go about it???

Please Advise!!!

 

[auburn]

if it's your first time, no, definitely not. i think this could be a great project for someone more experienced, but i think you should decide on what your goals are. do you want to learn to ride or how to wrench? if it's the former, buy a sorted starter bike, learn to ride. if it's the latter and you're learning, you won't be doing either for a good long while to be honest.

on the other hand, $200 is so fucking cheap that it could be worth it just to tinker. but for sure 100% you will be in over your head trying to assemble a working bike from a bunch of unlabeled and junky parts acquired from someone trying to clear up space in their garage. i'm not that great with title stuff, but unless you are there's another reason to stay clear. if you want to learn how to wrench, i would suggest buying a running bike that needs a little bit of work. way easier and friendlier for a beginner. given that you're totally green, i might not even suggest that. just get a good running bike slightly on the older side, and do maintenance as it comes and you'll still learn really well that way

 

[po18guy]

Mechanically inclined? Have a history of bike mechanical work? Then, maybe. But, it sounds like someone wants you to help them clean their garage out. If I knew what shape the bikes were in before they were torn to bits, then I would be more interested.

In any event, see if you can title a bile on a bill of sale - it varies from state to state. Also nice to know if both frames are legal. Stuff like that.

 

[FlipFlop]

I have a salvage title bike and it was a regular PITA. Do not do it.

 

[bpe]

 

[ducatiman]

I have a salvage title bike and it was a regular PITA. Do not do it.

fully agree, a project to be passed on.... especially for a 1st time owner/newbee to mechanics. .

 

[ridervfr]

I have a running 04 that I paid 1500 for back in 07, bike had 1500 miles, easy numbers to remember. I got a free 04 with 850 miles on it without title that I had parked in the back of my garage. I ended up using parts off that bike and threw the frame in the trash. I was thinking about getting that bike running but the extensive corrosion on the aluminum parts and just general crusty-ness of it disuaded me.

Another question you have to ask is how much is it going to cost to get a title for that bike, could be upwards of 350 or so, depending on your state. Here in FL, you can get a mechanics lean and I think it costs around that price, could be more, could be less. Old adage, "there is no free lunch" is true. Gota eat my quiche its getting cold. Peace