Clacking in engine

[Plumber086]

I am looking for a used ninja 250 and I found one that looks nice but apparently it makes a clacking noise when it starts up. I was wondering if this is a sign of something bad like it is going to break soon, or if it could be an easy fix it is listed as a 1998 for 800$ so if i could get it it would be a good deal but I'm new to motorcycles and not sure what a clicking noise would be. I work on my own car and have worked on mopeds and would like to do the work to fix it myself but dont know what it could be and if I should just stay away from this bike.

[ZXdan]

could be a number of things mate varying from minor to very major.
I'd suggest you have a good listen to it yourself if possible.
I generally find that most mechanically minded people will have a good idea of whether a sound is bad, or real bad when you listen to it.
Maybe its just in need of a good solid service.

[oak]

if you dont know what it could be, then what makes you think any of us could hazard a guess without even hearing it?

have it checked out by a mechanic.

[Saint_Matthew]

Originally Posted by ZXdan

I generally find that most mechanically minded people will have a good idea of whether a sound is bad, or real bad when you listen to it.

I find they usually turn out to be full of shit. Kawasakis make noise. The 250 is much easier to work on the any of the 4 cylinders, and cheaper. There's a lot of room around the engine to do whatever you have to. Get a manual. If you get a chance try to listen to more Ninjas; you'll find most make weird noises.