Topic: Opinion needed on (price) 1972 cb350Four

[Can550]

Hi
May be able to get myself a 1972 cb350Four (that I have been wanting for a very longtime). What is fair price for these ones

It’s green with about 5500 miles
Tank top part seems like metal sheet has been rusted inside/beneath and giving up. When press gas lid, whole tank top is very flexible, goes in and pops back up. I don’t think it’s normal.

Pipes are not very good but there’s some hope to revive them 50/50

Gas was left in tank which over time evaporated and now lots of dust and gunk is there. Last bike ridden was in 1980

Motor turns over

Pitting on most chrome parts

Seat is clean unbelievably

Turn signals, tail light, headlight are in amazingly clean condition

Would appreciate if I can get some opinion on price. How hard or easy it is to find a decent tank?



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[calj737]

$1,200 maximum given your location. That tank will need to be replaced.

[Camrector]

New pipes and tank, a clean and she will be beautiful.
You can get new stuff (pricey). Honda used very thin metal for the exhaust pipes, so those id replace, and not waste your time.
$1000 i think is more than fair for what is pictured.

[carnivorous chicken]

$1000 to $1200 seems about right, but more importantly what is the person asking and what do you think you can get it for? Tank's bad, exhaust is shot, chrome is shot, carbs are likely gummed up too. Clean title? Mileage?

They're fantastic bikes, and that looks to be in decent shape with the faults already listed aside.

Decent tanks are going to be around $150-200, more for better shape. Knock-off 4-4 exhaust will set you back $1k for a new set, people don't sell them used it seems. 4-1 set will set you back $350 or so, more for better, or you could run 400F pegs, brake lever, shifter linkage and pipes.

You'll also likely be looking at some more maintenance like rebuilding the front brake, going over the rear brake, etc.

[Can550]

Thanks everyone
My own feeling was more or less what is noted in all yours posts. Seller is asking for 3000 CAD which is very high

I have asked him to reconsider his price point whether I buy or I don’t buy but he needs to sell it. I have proposed 1000 CAD but haven’t had his acceptance

I know I’ll need
Tank
Tyres & tubes
Battery
Carbs rebuilding
Forks rebuilding
MC rebuilding
Calliper rebuilding

And unforeseen
It’s like renovating basement lol
Cheers



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[carnivorous chicken]

$3kCAD is much too high, although depending on where you are it might sell at that, dunno the Canadian market. You can get a runner in better shape for much less than that in a lot of places in the States, and a project like that for even cheaper.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

If the seller insists on that high of a price, let it go.

[knowsnothing]

Be sure to double check the cam chain tensioner bolt.  People like to shear them off for some reason.  2 of the 3 350f/400f engines i have came with broken bolts.

[Can550]

Be sure to double check the cam chain tensioner bolt.  People like to shear them off for some reason.  2 of the 3 350f/400f engines i have came with broken bolts.

Good advise. You are right
Thanks


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[Can550]

Seller came back with 1500$ transportation is another 300-350$ (all Canadian) what do you think ?


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[MauiK3]

If you want it, really want it, you might want to take it. Just understand that it will never be about profit. These bikes tend to cost a lot to make them nice and most would never offer what the true cost should be. So if it's a passion for you, get the price down as far as you can and don't look back or add up the invoices as you restore it, it will scare you.
Otherwise, it's a pricey move that might give you buyers remorse.
Personally, I've been an sohc junkie for a long time and when I decided to buy and fix my K3 750 it was with the understanding that I'm in it for a good clean job or not in it at all.
This is a sickness:-))

[Can550]

Very well said
Said everything and said nothing
I like the way put it
You are right about passion and unforeseen costs involved in such projects
No buyer gives a damn about how much has gone into it
I would hate to see one in better condition and cheaper a wk after buying this one
Still not sure if I shall or hold back?
I would have been more comfortable if it was 800-1000$
Keeping enough in hand to build
Thanks once again


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[02z06dave]

Even 1500 is a ridiculous price, given the condition. If I were you, I'd watch for nicer bikes to pop up and pay more up front. You could spend 3500 on a really nice one or you can spend 1500 on that one, then spend 6k making it really nice. There are better bikes for less here in the states that you can buy and import for not much more than the 1500 he wants and you'll actually have something decent to start with.

[Stev-o]

Price may go down as you slip into cold wintertime up there, especially if the seller gets no other offers and really wants to sell. 

[Rob_D]

I'm near Toronto, and get a daily feed from Kijiji (our Craigslist), and I don't even see junk for $1000.  That's just my opinion though...

I'm not sure where you are located Can550.

[jaguar]

Personally even a grand is too much.
Maybe a few short years ago, but market for SOHC bikes has tanked as hipsters have moved on to new fads.

[MauiK3]

I know that true K0 sandcast 750 bikes are a special case but Vic World gets over $40k for his and you have to get in line. People like these relics, they have following.

[Sgt.Pinback]

That 350  ... first owner? All the history there?

[jaguar]

I know that true K0 sandcast 750 bikes are a special case but Vic World gets over $40k for his and you have to get in line. People like these relics, they have following.

Does Vic still have a line?
5 years ago maybe.  But I am willing to bet that anyone that wanted to pony up $40k for an over restored bike probably already has.

[Can550]

Hello everyone
Thanks for all your input and insight. I unfortunately have been unwell therefore didn’t spend anytime on forum and also seller seems to be changing his mind every now and then. Gave me price yet was hesitant to sell perhaps still fishing.


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[calj737]

-also seller seems to be changing his mind every now and then. Gave me price yet was hesitant to sell perhaps still fishing.

This can work to your advantage too. If he comes back, the season has become shorter and his options more limited. You can carry cash in hand, and offer less with the promise to walk. An "Accept it, or Good Day to you!" kind of offer.

[jaguar]

It is a Honda, so it isnt rare.

Heck even the "rare" sandcasts have production numbers of over 7k.  In most automotive worlds that is mass production.

My point is that if you are looking for a bike, dont just buy one "because it is there"
Find the one you want and the deal that makes sense.

Right now the market is FLOODED with good options and many different price points.

[RAFster122s]

You will spend a fortune making it nice and 3-4x  its worth if  you want it to be showroom worth. Seriously wait him out do not compromise on price. Just going to cost too much.
Ask him what he thinks is a reasonable price for a very nice bike, then one that is a runner and looks good at 60 miles an hour past on road?
cosmqetically the bike may look ok but show him the rust in the tanik wiqth inspection miqrrr and bright flashligh iqn tank bottom with it on a string to retrieve.
 Find sold auctions on ebay and cost of repo fenders, etc  show him next time you visit.
paint work for the tank and side cvers...get quotes from couple local shops in writing for ballpark for candy paint.
 VMR paint kit would be 2-300 us

This does not include any motor work..

Tires are consumable,
but that plays a factor when priced against a running bike worth.
If frame needs paint, check bottom rails for soft spots and any rust...common on the 400s to have rust in bottom tubes don't know 350/360s well enough.

Ask what a nice running bike would cost, then if you spend $150 on tiresand tubes...deduct that.200 by time you pay to have them put on..

New chain and both sprockets will be north of $150 if like the 550.
side covers have any cracks, ask him to remove them for inspection with good light.
Before you buy it go over it outside in good light and closely inspect it, wash it if you want to learn its condition.  Side covers have any pitting or bad dark areas? That can require sanding as the dark areas do not polish out by hand and will need buffed, gaskets, points, new spark plug caps...
After a while you are getting into serious money.
David

Research bet

[Can550]

Many thanks David
You wrote an insight which a complete truth that most of us don’t take into account while buying such bikes. I have restored four so far and in case of one 77 cb550k, I couldn’t even recover my cost in $ minus my time and labour.

Nevertheless seller managed to sell it for 1600$


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