Topic: I Need Help Giving a Fair Price - 1976 CB550

[LokisTyro]

http://greenbay.craigslist.org/mcy/4563800769.html

There's the bike. I rode it yesterday. Clean title. No maintenance records. They guy who owns it says it was his first bike, owned for about 1.5 years. Nothing was wrong so he didn't really do anything to it he said. The engine feels as strong as I think it should (first time on a 550) and pulled nicely through all rpms. It was a little rough at idle, moreso when it was cold(no smoke), but something could be improved. I didn't hear any excessive valve noise. The transmission shifted well, no false neutrals, but the owner did say he would get them at times. The clutch was inconsistent. The tank is hanging off to the left for some reason(to the left when you're sitting on it), has a medium-small dent in the tank, roughly half-dollar in size. It was a little rusty inside. Petcock functioned correctly. The seat is well worn. As in pics one side cover is cracked. In place of starter button is a screw rigged up, which works, so I know the starter works. There aren't any holes in the exhaust but the headers are quite rusty and I can't imagine that they'll last too much longer. There are two dings in similar places on the speedo and tach housings which have been around for awhile because it's slightly rusted around both of them. Both do work. Small ding in front fender. Lights and signals worked. One of the signal stalks was tweaked a little, probably from someone walking into it, or maybe not because in place of the kickstand spring is...a spring, but one so weak it dangled comically, so it probably couldn't hold it down if there was a slight breeze. The frame had a few spots of surface rust, but I couldn't see anything major. The wheels were in good condition. Brakes worked and the front felt consistent. I forgot to check the chain... Forks had no signs of leakage and seemingly to me worked correctly. Overall there's some rust and pitting on this and that. It looks better in the pictures. Alright. That's all for now. If I forgot something that would help let me know. I was thinking of making an offer, but below $1000. I haven't yet. The bike will be around until I make a decision. So, what do you all think? I don't want to low-ball him, but I don't want to pay an excess amount either. It seems like a good bike for me to start with.

[flybox1]

Offer $800..maybe he'll meet you in the middle.
$1200 would be a good deal here in Seattle for a titled, running CBfour

[John Eberly]

The bike has fairly high miles and has been bodged. You're seeing little things, but there's plenty of wear and problems underneath.

It's running and looks OK at 20 feet, but will you be able to live with it as is and just ride it? And if you do, how long till it breaks? The purchase price is the tip of the iceberg.

I say all of this so that you'll reconsider your reluctance to lowball the owner. You want "A" bike, so don't fall in love with just THIS bike. Buy it as cheap as you can - unless a bike has been taken good care of and has a good history you are headed for project city.

Tires, brakes, battery, and cables are probably on the fixit list unless they are brand new. Carbs are likely to need a cleaning. You have the springs and switches and so forth that you've observed. No recent valve adjustment or tune-up either, forget about timing chain maintenance....

YOU will have to make up for all of the stuff that the PO did not think was worth doing. If you knew how much time and money this bike would cost you in the next three years, I guarantee you'd be offering no more than half of his asking price.

[goldarrow]

at that price, it wouldn't even last an hour around my area.  just keep in mind though, these old bikes are high maintenance.  lots of rubbers need to be replaced if they're not new, regardless of mileage.   high milers indicate wear and tear on the machine, but i could careless if i'm in the market to buy one.

[kjs]

In my opinion, at this time of the year, in the midwest...that's a good deal.

You will absolutely sink time and money into.  As long as you keep that in mind, you can't really lose.

[Tews19]

I saw that bike. Weird as i have been hunting for 550s and when I saw that one I just got a bad vibe. Not sure why but if you do get it keep us posted.

[Tews19]

I was going to save this one for myself but I'm working on a pair of 550s in a deal and if I can help out another member here you go.

I know for a fact this will be had at most for 1k as I talked to the kid. Trust me when I say this driving the extra distance will be worth it for any bike that suits you.....
http://madison.craigslist.org/mcy/4548690708.html
 

[LokisTyro]

Tires are good, but are mismatched. Cables were alright, but the age of the bike I'd replace them as a matter of precaution. Throttle grip was worn/foam and just felt wrong. Battery is new, but it's a cheap one. I don't know how much that matters but it doesn't really change how I feel one way or the other about the purchase. I didn't hear any noise from the cam chain, so at least it's not slapping away at the case. How long until that happens I'm not sure. The majority of the rubber on the bike was in good condition. Do they crack from the inside out? No visible cracks including the fork rubbers. It seems like the bike could nickel and dime me to death on the aesthetic part of it. Mechanically it may last if it's serviced properly and I can do all of that myself including the engine internals when it needs all that good stuff. Anyway, with everything knowingly wrong with it, what's an average money figure of repairing/servicing a 550 to be safe and sound? I haven't priced parts out yet, and it can vary as a lot can come from members here I assume. Oh, one thing that's bothering me is how the tank is off center. Is this because of a mismount/missing rubbers or is there something wrong with the frame? When I look at it again I'll ask if I can take it off. It seems to be off pretty far. I didn't ask a whole lot of questions because he didn't really know much about it. I explained the false neutral to him
Anyway, thanks for the feedback thus far. It's been helpful. All comments are welcome.

Tews, you should see it in person. It gives a vibe alright. I don't know why, but I think she's pretty pissed. Probably because of neglect. But I could take care of her. I think she likes me. We had a little chat as we rode along  Yes I'm serious. The ones that don't believe me are the weirdos! 

[kjs]

I think it's the color that gives it away as "not right" 

[EricHa]

I think it's the color that gives it away as "not right"

That's it all right. A faded out orange or green or brown and she'd look more welcoming. The bike that Tews posted looks really nice.

[LokisTyro]

I've seen the bike that Tews posted. It's too nice and should stay mostly stock even though I'm sure someone will buy it and hack it up. It wont be me though. I would rather save one and learn about the bikes inside and out. I'm new to bikes and I want to learn by buying a project. I fully understand the consequences. I irrationally like my pick more now 'cause everyone is against her Should I turn the minger into a looker.?. Probably.  I'm going to look at it again and I'll get some pics and videos so you guys can help me with pricing more if you'll humor me. It will be a bit until the owner and I can arrange that.

What's with the tank decals on both bikes listed? They don't match the model year from the guide on the main site here at SOHC. Just how they were sold from the dealerships when they were new because of the VIN on the frame?

[Stev-o]

at that price, it wouldn't even last an hour around my area. 

+1.   It's only a grand, don't expect it to be perfect.  Go get it.  (So I can buy the one Tews posted!)

[Tews19]

Get it Stev-o!

[billingstitan]

Awwww man, you're already smitten 

Price is tough - varies a lot w/ locale. But FWIW on the one you're googy-eyed over, anything $1000 or under and you'd be doing fine. $1200 would be premium pricing around here - but not inconceivable.

Doesn't matter which one you choose. She's going to make you feel warm and fuzzy and light on your feet ...  then before you know it you'll be muttering under your breath ... then you'll be questioning your own sanity ... then you'll make up with her ... only to get your heart broken again. Rinse and repeat. 

[przjohn]

at that price, it wouldn't even last an hour around my area. 

+1.   It's only a grand, don't expect it to be perfect.  Go get it.  (So I can buy the one Tews posted!)

Same here, the days of finding a nice bike to restore for a couple hundred bucks are all but gone here. Now, anything that is mostly complete and "Turns Over" are a grand.

[LokisTyro]

Looked at a CB750 today. No VIN tag on the frame.. Engine  matches the title. Guy tells me WI uses the VIN on the engine. He seems mostly legit. He's trying hard to find out what is what and says he will call the police department about it. I'm leaning hard to no on this bike. I'd rather have a titled frame than engine. Seems odd the frame tag is fine since the bike is all stock. What do you all think?
On the plus side I passed not one but two 78's for sale on the ride back. An F and a K. Both for sale..

[flybox1]

Looked at a CB750 today. No VIN tag on the frame.. Engine  matches the title. Guy tells me WI uses the VIN on the engine. He seems mostly legit. He's trying hard to find out what is what and says he will call the police department about it. I'm leaning hard to no on this bike. I'd rather have a titled frame than engine. Seems odd the frame tag is fine since the bike is all stock. What do you all think?
On the plus side I passed not one but two 78's for sale on the ride back. An F and a K. Both for sale..

In WA, only the frame is titled.
can you run the frame VIN thru the DMV?

[Tews19]

So did you buy the 550?

[fmctm1sw]

Looked at a CB750 today. No VIN tag on the frame..

Should be stamped next to that tag too right?

[LokisTyro]

So did you buy the 550?

No 550 as of yet :/

[LokisTyro]

Looked at a CB750 today. No VIN tag on the frame..

Should be stamped next to that tag too right?

It was stamped on the other side of where the tag should have been. Those numbers didn't match the title but I didn't know if those were VIN numbers.

[Stev-o]

Looked at a CB750 today. No VIN tag on the frame.. Engine  matches the title. Guy tells me WI uses the VIN on the engine. He seems mostly legit. He's trying hard to find out what is what and says he will call the police department about it. I'm leaning hard to no on this bike. I'd rather have a titled frame than engine. Seems odd the frame tag is fine since the bike is all stock. What do you all think?
On the plus side I passed not one but two 78's for sale on the ride back. An F and a K. Both for sale..

In WA, only the frame is titled.

Hey Fly - why do you say that?  I bought a CB550 in WI, the engine VIN was the number used on the title. This is typical for bikes back then.

[LokisTyro]

So, the engine VIN should be on the tag that was missing? I'll be okay if I bought it, put a new tag with the engine VIN on it here in WI?

[Stev-o]

So, the engine VIN should be on the tag that was missing? I'll be okay if I bought it, put a new tag with the engine VIN on it here in WI?

No, the frame VIN that is stamped on the left side of the head should match the tag that would be on the right side (except very early models)

[eigenvector]

Definitely the frame is what is titled.
Even my new BMW was titled off the frame number.

[flybox1]

Looked at a CB750 today. No VIN tag on the frame.. Engine  matches the title. Guy tells me WI uses the VIN on the engine. He seems mostly legit. He's trying hard to find out what is what and says he will call the police department about it. I'm leaning hard to no on this bike. I'd rather have a titled frame than engine. Seems odd the frame tag is fine since the bike is all stock. What do you all think?
On the plus side I passed not one but two 78's for sale on the ride back. An F and a K. for sale..

In WA, only the frame is titled.

Hey Fly - why do you say that?  I bought a CB550 in WI, the engine VIN was the number used on the title. This is typical for bikes back then.

WA...not WI 

[Tews19]

Now in WI you can have the title transferred from the frame to the engine or vice versa. I did this over the winter. Takes a couple weeks and the authorities need to fill out a Vin verification form.

[Stev-o]

Looked at a CB750 today. No VIN tag on the frame.. Engine  matches the title. Guy tells me WI uses the VIN on the engine. He seems mostly legit. He's trying hard to find out what is what and says he will call the police department about it. I'm leaning hard to no on this bike. I'd rather have a titled frame than engine. Seems odd the frame tag is fine since the bike is all stock. What do you all think?
On the plus side I passed not one but two 78's for sale on the ride back. An F and a K. for sale..

In WA, only the frame is titled.

Hey Fly - why do you say that?  I bought a CB550 in WI, the engine VIN was the number used on the title. This is typical for bikes back then.

WA...not WI 

WA!   My bad. 

[LokisTyro]

Thanks for all the info gents.
Rode another today. '78 750F. If I can get out of work early I'll pick it up tomorrow..