ZZR250 help - new to bikes

[timoliver6]

Bought my first bike today, a 1995 ZZR250 thats only done ~8770 kms.

I don't know that much about bikes, but it was cheap, had low kms, was in decent condition aside from some fairing scratching and cosmetic damage from a low speed drop on the RHS and had been owned by the same girl since 2007.

She had spent a few years trying to get her license but had since lost interest and the bike hadn't been riden much in the last year or two, apart from the odd ride by her father just to keep it turning over.

When I took it for a test ride, he mentioned that he thought the timing was a bit out but that it was just an adjustment. The bike rode well, accelerated through the rev range well etc and felt pretty good overall, the only thing I did notice with the bike was that changing down from 4th to 3rd or from 3rd to 2nd the bike misfired/backfired slightly every now and then - not enough to disrupt riding, more like a little 'pop'. It also smells quite strongly of fuel when riding/idling after a ride (I drove past my mate who was in a car and he said he could smell it when I accelerated past).

Like I said, I don't know much about bikes so does anyone know what the problem here might be or have any pointers for me?

Also, where would you recommend getting this bike properly serviced, cleaned adjusted etc? I got it cheap so I don't mind spending a bit to get it running really smoothly.

Cheers

[killswitch54923]

Sounds like it's running a fair bit rich mate. ( it's using way too much fuel). There are some mobile mechanics around or you can visit a shop either should be able to fix this

[Bealz]

I rode and serviced my own GPX/zzr for 6 years, for a 24 pack of coke cans I'll clean and re-adjust your carbys, will only take an hour or so. cheapest deal you will get. And save a PSB'er a few bucks.

[timoliver6]

Haha well that sounds like a pretty good deal, but I was thinking since its not a new bike and hasn't been ridden much for a few years that a full service might be worth it considering I got the bike realllyyy cheap

Anyone in particular you'd recommend I take it to...?

[Bealz]

the air filter we can do with the carbys it has to come out anyway, and a service is just an oil and filter change on a bike, I can show you how to do, and let you get familiar with your own bike. better to learn yourself than keep paying a machanic. Your choice but the offer is there.

GD Engineering is the only bloke I go to nowadays. G'day Gav haven't seen you for a while.

[Frogger]

motorcycle masters used to look after me with my old zzr250 and gav would do the bigger jobs but last i spoke to gav he was going to be working away for abit. take bealz up on his offer $30 for a carb service is alot cheaper then say $500 that a shop would charge. stick the bike on its center stand and put weight on the back to lift the front wheel off , then turn the bars slowly and feel for any resistance , if it has resistance its about $90 for a new bearing and this will improve the bikes handling alot and help with low speed control. other things u can do is lube the speedo cable and chain.

[timoliver6]

the air filter we can do with the carbys it has to come out anyway, and a service is just an oil and filter change on a bike, I can show you how to do, and let you get familiar with your own bike. better to learn yourself than keep paying a machanic. Your choice but the offer is there.

GD Engineering is the only bloke I go to nowadays. G'day Gav haven't seen you for a while.

Well, after reassessing my student status and potential payments that are coming up for me I have decided that any cheap help I can get would be rad. So if you're offer is still open to have a look over the bike and try to determine how the problems can be fixed (air filter/carbys clean etc and oil/filter change) then that would be very much appreciated

Also, I figure seeing as I know the *basics* of self-service for a car, but have no idea how to apply this to a bike then it definitely can't hurt getting some pointers from someone experienced.

When would be a good time for you? I'll be kindaaa near your area on saturday afternoon (I finish work at 2 in bassendean) if that suits you...but otherwise just let me know and I can work around you

[Tick_Tock_Binned_His_Shit]

Good Choice Mate!

If you ride cheap bikes you should learn to work on them. Thats my 2 cents.. I ride cheap bikes ;-)

[Tick_Tock_Binned_His_Shit]

motorcycle masters used to look after me with my old zzr250 and gav would do the bigger jobs but last i spoke to gav he was going to be working away for abit. take bealz up on his offer $30 for a carb service is alot cheaper then say $500 that a shop would charge. stick the bike on its center stand and put weight on the back to lift the front wheel off , then turn the bars slowly and feel for any resistance , if it has resistance its about $90 for a new bearing and this will improve the bikes handling alot and help with low speed control. other things u can do is lube the speedo cable and chain.

What are you riding these days bro?

[Frogger]

just got another zzr250 , i did have a zxr250 which i liked but i think i just liked the sound. i can ride the zzr250 way better and the riding position is more comfitable , and i wear ear/head phones when i ride so its ok. ill be dealing with its looks some time soon. i have idea's for something different. better then my last attempts anyway.

[Phildo]

ill be dealing with its looks some time soon.

An option for cheap fairing kits: Manufacturers, Suppliers, Exporters & Importers from the world's largest online B2B marketplace-Alibaba.com
ie the sort of stuff that you can get on eBay easily enough, but cheaper.

[OZZYFairings]

If your on a low budget for a set of fairings then pm me. I can work our a discount for you as well as a payment plan where you can pay in installments.

Steve

[Frogger]

cheers for the offer but i have a source already for new fairings at a good price, but being the creative little bugger i am ill attempt to make my own once i get enough time.