Topic: Intro

[emlupi]

Good evening all,

I am an older rider looking to get back into bikes after a long hiatus (interpretation =marriage, kids, dog, house, etc.). I rode Hondas as a kid in the late 70's and early 80's. I am looking around for a good CB, just doing my homework for now. Heres my first question, what is the most reliable source for values on these bikes? I know about watching e-bay auctions, looking at craigslist, etc. I also know that anything you want is worth whatever you're willing to pay for it. It seems that anybody with a good condition CB 550 or 750 is asking for (what I consider) astronomical money. Way out of line with what I see on NADA, KBB, etc. So, what advice do you have for going about putting a fair number on an older CB? Thanks in advance for any suggestions you may have.

[Scott S]

 Define "good condition" and "astronomical money".

[emlupi]

Hi Scott,

Ok, here's a couple of examples.

A 75 CB 550K which is advertised as a "one owner original" and looks (in photos) to be vert clean with no visible rust spots or scratches, etc. No mileage is given and is claimed to be in excellent running condition. The asking price is $4000 which is way above KBB and NADA "excellent" value of  $2125 to $2615,

A 76 CB 750 F, also advertised as a "one owner all original" and with a claimed mileage of @5600 miles . The ad states that the bike is in need of a "total carb rebuild". Photos also look like a bike in very clean condition. Asking price is $6000, almost double the "book" value of $3400.

So, I guess my question is this, how accurate are the "book" values as relates to actual market values. What makes these examples worth 1.5 to 2 times the book value for concours examples. Like I said, I am trying to educate myself to what's what. Thanks.

[Gene]

It also depends on your market - where in the country are you?  Prices tend to range higher than KBB anyway, but if you're in Southern California that could be a lot higher.  It always depends on the bike but if you can find a 550 or 750 running, with few issues (there are always issues) the prices you gave are in the range.  6K IMO is too much for that 76, but that may mean they're willing to settle for 4500.  Tough call - all you can do is keep an eye out and ask around, really.

Also, add 1K onto the price you are willing to pay someone for the bike as a hedge against all the stuff you may have to do to it.  You may consider buying out-of-market for a lesser cost.  Add in the cost of shipping and it could still be cheaper in the long run.

[754]

Run your own ad and see 30% or more lowering in prices..
Hell I got a 750 last year for 250 , put 7000 miles on it and it still runs like a 500 dollar bike.
... ... ....

[flybox1]

Recently sold my mostly stock (running and titled) 74 CB550 for $3000....fyi.  I wanted it to sell fast, and it did.
Middle of the road for the PNW, as far as what CB's list for.
CL is all about asking price.  What it actually sells for can be quite different.
My 78 750 on the other hand, I picked up for $700