Topic: Deal or No Deal?

[92t0rider]

Ive got a dilemma and I would like your opinion(s); I have a gut feeling but Im not 100% sure which offer I should go with.

I have been in contact with a fellow about his 1977 550 F and realized it was a project bike (understatement).
Facts;
Hasnt run in 2 years.
Milage 31,000 miles
Tank has rust, so tank carbs and fuel lines will need cleaning / replacing
Bike sat so brakes will need to be cleaned and new fluid put in
Needs new tires
Rusted chain and sprocket
Seat is a wreck and needs to be replaced

Plus after it is running who knows what kind of work / adjustments need to be done.
I offered $300 because I knew it would be an investment to get it into running condition (I figured around $400-500)

The kicker is that it has been hard to get ahold of the guy and he doesnt respond to my emails. He is always polite when we do talk but we havent settled on a price or anything firm.

There is now another option - after searching for months I came across an ad for a 76 550k that is in running condition. In fact the owner has put on clubmans (I might take off) and has said he wants it to end up Cafe'd. He still has the original bars and rear fender that he removed so Im happy about that. Milage is 19,000 miles and cosmetically it looks good. I havent heard it started yet so I will need to do that, but he says it runs. Asking price $750


This will be my first street bike and I planned / wanted a little bit of a project bike so that I could learn the bike.  However I feel like it might be TOO much to try to restore the first bike without prior experience on these bikes. Ive downloaded manuals and am reading the tons of info available on this bike and still feel a little wary about tearing into a basket like the first one. I also realize that sometimes young people can be excited about a project and not realize the size of the task they are taking on.

I have a feeling option 2 would be better, anyone want to share what they think?
Thanks

[cbjunkie]

well, i'm not much of a technical mechanic type and i did it with help, mainly from this site.

my bike, 71 750, had 29,000 when i picked it up last year for 1000 cash...i've probably put that much into it, some of it needlessly, but i'm having a blast!

here's before and after...

[ElCheapo]

Well my friend the truth is the wreck of a bike, I would pay no more than $50-$100 period. I might even charge him to remove it. Another dirty trick that works if the bike is outside, is to strategically run an add looking for Old Honda's. Don't skimp, make sure it is an add that he might see. Now I don't mean go out and spend big money on it. Like $30, then call the city and complain about the eye sore of a bike.  I know dirty pool, but when it comes down to getting bikes cheap I NEVER play fair.

The other bike I would give him a good pounding and pay no more than $500 on a good day for it. After all you will need some cash left over to fix it. If you have to, wave crisp 100's at him as you walk away when he goes sour.

Really there are no rules for proper procurement of a vintage bike.

After all if the little old widow from down the street called you and wanted you to buy her deceased husbands semi-minty 40's Indian Scout that runs for $200 I would hope you would not stop and think through morales. At least not until it was in your name and in your driveway.

And remember that NO BIKE IS EVER AS GOOD AS IT APPEARS. When you get it home there WILL be suprises.

Junkie, what do you call the before? The Black Pearl?  That has come along ways.

[Rushoid]

My 2 cents:
I'd say door #2 sounds like a better way to go. It's still a 30 year old bike - you're gonna learn it whether you want to or not. Might as well learn as you ride. If you're anything like me, you'll get less frustrated if the problems come a little at a time instead of having a mountain of jobs to do before enjoying a ride.

Good luck!

[cbjunkie]

not done yet, either! 

uh, "black pearl"? i don't remember doing that, but i did hit my head pretty damned hard after all...

Derek - I say Cheapo is probably right - he's known as a bit of a deal maker around here - 500 might just work, but depending on what kind of mechanic the guy is, going a little higher will not be a bad deal for you - the bike is YOUNG reletively...(the 2nd one...)

i say ditch the first one. that sounds like a job for somebody with a little bit more determination and experience...or maybe just get it as a parts bike for the one that already runs...

one thing about the black pearl - i bought it from a mechanic and i haven't had to touch the carbs yet...still runs tight.

[ElCheapo]

I guess the "Black Pearl" might become your bike's official name  LOL

[Jeff]

I'd avoid the first one too, especially because I'm not a mechanic. Offer $500 for the second one and see what happens. If you can get it for that, GREAT!

Jeff

[92t0rider]

Actually both owners contacted me as I placed an ad, as suggested, haha!

CBJunkie - Im right there with you, coming from offroad and never doing my own work, I feel a little more confident with this site. Im willing to jump head first into the big time restoration. Then again just like Rushoid said, Im going to learn either way on these things... and I might as well have a runner to start with!

El Cheapo - we must be cousins. While Im not as vocal as you (its a compliment) my saying is "if you ain't cheating, you ain't trying"!!
I put out an ad and was contacted by (both) owners. The first one was the basket, and I really think I gave him a more than fair price to start - he just doesnt seem absolutely thrilled. Then again, the second bike is coming from an owner that right off the bat has told me he has been 'overwhelmed' by the responses from an ad he put out and thinks the first person to see the bike will buy it. ::cough cough:: if the bike is selling itself at that price then why did he have to contact ME?

Ahhh! Im going to try the $500 crisp Bens and see what the second guy says, and the other fellow will have to be happy with my $300 offer too. Either way Ill learn to wrench on one of them.
Thanks all

[supersport]

take the runner.  non running project motorcycles are far more depressing when they are your only ride, and a thousand times more so when it is summertime.

[mrbreeze]

You might want to bag up that first one for a part bike if it fits the runnin bike and if your wallet can handle the extra outlay. I've noticed these bikes ain't getting any cheaper or plentiful....Just a thought.

[BruceA cb550]

my first bike was a74 550 that had sat for 20 years, ran when it was put away.  paid $200 for the bike.  Took 6 months of off and on working on it to get it running.  Now have a total of $1000 in the bike after repairs and replacements and still not quite done, needs to be stripped down and painted.  Glad I did it but if I had to do it again I would pick the running machine, you will still have plenty to do with it.    good luck

[ElCheapo]

I have to agree fully with mrbreeze.....

Do you guys realize that these bikes have hit the status of a a classic muscle car? I say it eveyday, parts is parts. I think honestly the 750's below $1,000 will be long gone in about a year due to the cafe craze and collectors. Right now I am on a buying frenzie. The 550 and 500's will problably enjoy the same growth in price here quickly. Also gone will be the days of getting a right hand control for $25! Just look at the prices of the side covers.

This winter we will be working with a blow injection molding service to repro just about anything we can get our hands on. Well not that  But parts.... Whats more is the repro's will be stronger and lighter than stock. No more busted tabs or cracked covers We are looking at a material that will hold it's shape even after I grab it and twist it like an animal and remain hard like the O.E. covers.

BTW mrbreeze - spell check tries to change you to rubberize 

[ChrisR]

I'd put my effort into getting the runner as mrbreeze says and if you can get the basket case for spares then great - you probably won't regret it but it might be wise to check it again and make sure it has got useable parts on it and it's not too far gone. (Has it been outside or in a barn?) Restoring a bike can be a very disheartening if what you really want to do is ride it - as I know too well!
Good luck.

[Chris Schneiter]

My 750 was $500.00. It needed a back tire, and I put new rear brake pads in. The Blinkers were on the bike, but didn't work, it came with 2 seats, two tail lights, 2 sets of turn signals, and 4 mirrors. I was lucky enough to have a friend who see's great challenge in tracking down wierd wiring problems, and really, all it needed was painting and a little clean up, because it's always run like a monster! I had it on the road in about a week. And as I've gone along, I've learned a lot.
I'm not a mechanic. I would never been able to get #1 in any kind of shape. I just looked until I found a bike that had what I wanted...it took me about 2 years to find it, but I've mostly just done cosmetics to it.

[92t0rider]

I should have pointed out where I am located; it seems like the majority of the board here is from the Midwest or East coast.. Im about an hour north of Phoenix AZ so this bike is actually relatively rust free. The chain and sprocket are the definate exception! The inside of the tank is rusted from sitting but the outside of the bike is by no means a wreck... well yes it is, but its not a RUSTED wreck.

Thanks for the replies, I'll just see what falls in my lap and works out. Should know by this weekend.

[Bodain]

Save yourself some money. You will pay more up front for the running machine. When you start buying parts for the first bike you will quickly realize you have far more in it than it's worth. Fixing up old bikes has to be a passion cause it isn't profitable.

I had about $2200.00 in my 75 CB 550. It's real easy to get upside down on these things.