When is a motorcycle not really worth customizing?

Question

Is it worth it to put a top dollar name brand full exhaust system with power commander on a 08 Ninja250R? Any ninja 250R? what about 49CC scooters and pitbikes? Is it even worth it to try and make them go faster? Is there a certain value or CC range where the line is drawn to say it may not be worth it?

I saw a post where a guy told somebody to put a performance exhaust on a 36cc mini pocketbike. That's bullsheep. The exhaust would cost more than the bike.

Answer 1

a 250 r is not worth customizing, the reason scooters and mopeds get that treatment, is because most states allow 50cc and less scooters on the road without a motorcycle license

Answer 2

Well first off there is a huge misconception amongst novice motorcyclist that an exhaust will make a big difference, it will not. Exhaust alone only gives you looks and sound. Without doing other mods to the bike you will see very little "seat of the pants" improvement regardless of what the dyno says. Unless you are after sound and looks, save your money.

Answer 3

Other than for sentimental reasons, you need to look at it from a dollar point.  For example, say you spend $1,000 for performance upgrades on a 250cc bike worth $2,500 which add another 10 horsepower for a total of say 40 hp.  Can you sell the 250 for $2,500, add that same $1,000 and for $3,500 buy a bike with more than 40 hp?  If so, forget the performance upgrade on the smaller bike.  If you can't, then consider the upgrade (if you're planning on keeping the bike for quite some time).

Answer 4

When is a motorcycle not really worth customizing?

When it comes from japan

Answer 5

I say the 250R isn't worth customizing as well. The performance would be increased by that much and the value of the bike won't budge. Not worth it.

I'd even go as far as to say any sportbike under 600CCs isn't worth a full exhaust upgrade and power commander.

heck my bike is 750CCs and if it didn't already have one, I wouldn't add one. it's only worth $3,000.

Answer 6

If it's something to enhance performance and your talking about a top of the line product it's probably better and more economical just to buy a better bike. Something small like a 250 isn't going to benefit from any performance part put on it, it's still a 250. As for cosmetic customizations I just spent $100 for a chrome radiator cover, not too expensive, my bike is sharp, no show bike but it makes it look nice and I like it. Not a big deal buying cheaper parts to customize it.

Answer 7

When you want to use it in a crime. That way it is less conspicuous.