Author Topic: I shouldnt buy this bike. (Read 2303 times)

VTCBike750 · « **on:** January 03, 2020, 04:28:24 PM »

Have the chance to buy an early K2 locally. VIN 2002424, Engine 2010008, built 10/71. Its a basketcase though. No Title. Engine once used in an ATV. Gauges, unicorn triple, front brake there. A lot there, a lot missing. Engine not bolted to frame, just resting in it. Wire harness cut. Frame dented. $450.

Im conflicted. I want to save it, but see a ton of work. Already have a bike I want to restore.

jamracing · « **Reply #1 on:** January 03, 2020, 04:30:26 PM »

Take the thread name to heart. Stay away

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Buddhapie · « **Reply #2 on:** January 03, 2020, 05:00:06 PM »

Run away!

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setdog · « **Reply #3 on:** January 03, 2020, 07:05:18 PM »

You'll never get a deal with that attitude, make an offer you can live with, worst they can do is say no, offer $200. This of yourself as a collector...of sorts

, but yes it does sound like a lot of work and obv there are easier projects to get involved with for not a whole lot more..dented frame tho...for me that too far out of my capabilities offer $50

VTCBike750 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 03, 2020, 07:21:44 PM »

Quote from: setdog on January 03, 2020, 07:05:18 PM

You'll never get a deal with that attitude, make an offer you can live with, worst they can do is say no, offer $200. This of yourself as a collector...of sorts , but yes it does sound like a lot of work and obv there are easier projects to get involved with for not a whole lot more..dented frame tho...for me that too far out of my capabilities offer $50

Went to look at it. He wanted 800, lowered to $600 and I passed. Reached back out to me after next deal fell through, I offered $300. Lowest he'll go is $450, says he'll make.more parting it out. The frame denting isnt bad but just another thing to deal with, on the front from over tightened highway bars.

Its worth its weight in parts but...

tool14 · « **Reply #5 on:** January 03, 2020, 07:23:42 PM »

stay away.

ckahleer · « **Reply #6 on:** January 03, 2020, 07:52:02 PM »

I believe in the range of $50.00 - $100.00 is what you should charge him, to haul it away.
You will have so much time and money put into that bike to get it in reasonably decent condition, I'm not sure even that makes sense.
I would only buy it if you wanted a parts bike, or wanted to part it out yourself, but not if your end game is to transform it into a usable ride.

kerryb · « **Reply #7 on:** January 03, 2020, 08:01:29 PM »

Where's your imagination? Do you have a place to put it? Can you afford to tie up the cash for quite a while? Is there any chance you'll get grief for dragging home another stray? Are you SURE there will be another opportunity to get one of these when your current project is "finished"? (They are never "done")

If the bike bike is worth $450 in parts today, just think of the appreciation after a year or two...30% ....more?

There, see how easy it is to make the decision? You just need a checklist to show the way, right?
Glad I could help.

754 · « **Reply #8 on:** January 03, 2020, 08:08:17 PM »

The frame problem is not the end of the world, registration, that is a bigger issue. You can't pay too much, but you may buy a bit early. They aint making anymore of them.
I have to really think hard to turn down anything 72 or earlier.. worth more than later stuff.

jamracing · « **Reply #9 on:** January 03, 2020, 08:08:27 PM »

Quote from: kerryb on January 03, 2020, 08:01:29 PM

Where's your imagination? Do you have a place to put it? Can you afford to tie up the cash for quite a while? Is there any chance you'll get grief for dragging home another stray? Are you SURE there will be another opportunity to get one of these when your current project is "finished"? (They are never "done")

If the bike bike is worth $450 in parts today, just think of the appreciation after a year or two...30% ....more?

There, see how easy it is to make the decision? You just need a checklist to show the way, right?
Glad I could help.

Damaged frame with no title isn't worth its weight in scrap. Engine used in an ATV? probably been whipped real good. Parts missing? All this together is not a recipe for success.
I bought a 78 750 Supersport for $1500, and it came with TWO spare bikes with bum engines. Ended up giving them away, because garage real estate was worth more.
The 500 k0 I bought for $650 has a title and runs, all parts included
There will be other opportunities, be patient.

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kerryb · « **Reply #10 on:** January 03, 2020, 08:46:17 PM »

Quote from: 754 on January 03, 2020, 08:08:17 PM

The frame problem is not the end of the world, registration, that is a bigger issue. You can't pay too much, but you may buy a bit early. They aint making anymore of them.
I have to really think hard to turn down anything 72 or earlier.. worth more than later stuff.

I made the mistake of thinking he was in vermont (vt) where the lack of a title isn't as much of an issue...oops.

dave500 · « **Reply #11 on:** January 03, 2020, 11:13:05 PM »

I bought 4 engines from miles away years ago sight unseen,shipped on a pallet 2x 500 and 2x 550 been used in go karts,i sold on the 500s got my money back,one of the 550s I just stripped it down reassembled with gaskets its a great spare ive used coupla times,the other I did properly rebored etc hauls ass!,754 said it best they aint making em anymore!

VTCBike750 · « **Reply #12 on:** January 04, 2020, 05:27:49 AM »

Quote from: kerryb on January 03, 2020, 08:01:29 PM

Where's your imagination? Do you have a place to put it? Can you afford to tie up the cash for quite a while? Is there any chance you'll get grief for dragging home another stray? Are you SURE there will be another opportunity to get one of these when your current project is "finished"? (They are never "done")

If the bike bike is worth $450 in parts today, just think of the appreciation after a year or two...30% ....more?

There, see how easy it is to make the decision? You just need a checklist to show the way, right?
Glad I could help.

In my head Id like to restore it, but know that it will be an endless project and cost an arm and a leg. I know that it wouldnt be a financial loss if I parted it out, but would I part it out. Oh Ill get some grief. She knows I love these machines but tells me not to make emotional decisions.

I have the cash. No title is an issue in VA. Dont really have a place to put it. Im renting a house right now with a really tiny garage already filled up (but could make room).

Quote from: 754 on January 03, 2020, 08:08:17 PM

The frame problem is not the end of the world, registration, that is a bigger issue. You can't pay too much, but you may buy a bit early. They aint making anymore of them.
I have to really think hard to turn down anything 72 or earlier.. worth more than later stuff.

Then again Im with 754. They arent making these anymore and am of the mindset to get what I can when I can. Registration will be an issue. No longer live in Vermont, in VA now and apparently its a huge PITA.

My current bike I has sat for 9 years (Life, kids, work, house happend) and recently got back into cataloging the parts needed for a full restoration and collecting them. Plan is to buy a house soon and start the project.

Quote from: ckahleer on January 03, 2020, 07:52:02 PM

I believe in the range of $50.00 - $100.00 is what you should charge him, to haul it away.
You will have so much time and money put into that bike to get it in reasonably decent condition, I'm not sure even that makes sense.
I would only buy it if you wanted a parts bike, or wanted to part it out yourself, but not if your end game is to transform it into a usable ride.

That was the original intention. $800 was way too much. He has his own small shop and knows what its worth in parts alone, I would be happy to haul it away for $100.

kerryb · « **Reply #13 on:** January 04, 2020, 06:12:22 AM »

Ok, lets take a wild a$$ guess at what it would cost to put this bike back on the road. Not a concours restoration, just a good looking rider. Be sure to include the cost of dealing with the title issues ($500?).

Then we'll add to that the exspense of moving an unfinished project to the new house. Plus the exspense a being sure to purchase a new house large enough to accomodate one more unfinished project.

That sounds like enough to purchase a better starting point for your next one, I have to change my vote to "pass".

VTCBike750 · « **Reply #14 on:** January 04, 2020, 06:36:09 AM »

Quote from: kerryb on January 04, 2020, 06:12:22 AM

Ok, lets take a wild a$$ guess at what it would cost to put this bike back on the road. Not a concours restoration, just a good looking rider. Be sure to include the cost of dealing with the title issues ($500?).

Then we'll add to that the exspense of moving an unfinished project to the new house. Plus the exspense a being sure to purchase a new house large enough to accomodate one more unfinished project.

That sounds like enough to purchase a better starting point for your next one, I have to change my vote to "pass".

I think it would take significantly more than $500 to get it on the road.

That's where Im at. I have plenty of 72 parts, been gathering parts since I couldnt devote the time to rebuilding mine. Already brought my current project bike 700 miles from VT to VA and I still have to move it again when we buy a house. I wouldnt buy these parts to make a quick buck.

I may try to get a few parts if and when he parts it out. Its a bigger project than I have time for right now.

kerryb · « **Reply #15 on:** January 04, 2020, 04:05:10 PM »

Now I can better appreciate your dilema, its not real rusty, I would have been sorely tested.

vik351 · « **Reply #16 on:** January 04, 2020, 04:36:59 PM »

Quote from: VTCBike750 on January 03, 2020, 07:21:44 PM

Quote from: setdog on January 03, 2020, 07:05:18 PM
You'll never get a deal with that attitude, make an offer you can live with, worst they can do is say no, offer $200. This of yourself as a collector...of sorts , but yes it does sound like a lot of work and obv there are easier projects to get involved with for not a whole lot more..dented frame tho...for me that too far out of my capabilities offer $50

Went to look at it. He wanted 800, lowered to $600 and I passed. Reached back out to me after next deal fell through, I offered $300. Lowest he'll go is $450, says he'll make.more parting it out. The frame denting isnt bad but just another thing to deal with, on the front from over tightened highway bars.

Its worth its weight in parts but...

Just say... OK mate , meet ya 1/2 way ...$225.00 cash, done deal today...

Says no , go home and just forget about it...!!!

Ya wanna try buyin stuff like that here in OZ for that kinda foldin stuff FFS

vik... my two bob's worth...

johans · « **Reply #17 on:** January 05, 2020, 07:55:14 AM »

The cheapest bikes are the most expensive .

Had a bike in ny w/ no title . Did the VT thing for a title and it was easy and cheap , much better than dealing with ny dmv.

VTCBike750 · « **Reply #18 on:** January 05, 2020, 08:06:59 AM »

I already offered him $300 and he said the lowest he could do was $450. I said Id be interested in parts if he parted it out. 12 hours later he informs me he sold the carbs and wants to know what parts Id be interested in.

100% agree the cheapest bikes are often the most expensive.

FYI before I left VT i got a title for my 750. The rules have changed and they were very interested to know whether I was a state resident or not. I believe they closed the loop hole.

VTCBike750 · « **Reply #19 on:** January 07, 2020, 03:54:35 PM »

Well we renegotiated some and I was gonna come down and get the whole bike, but asked that he pull the Sprocket cover and look for chain damage. Boom! Per him? Lots of JB weld.

Not gonna happen. Now looking at getting some extra parts.

VTCBike750 · « **Reply #20 on:** January 10, 2020, 06:04:41 PM »

Well in the end I didnt get the bike, but managed to get a number of Early K2 parts. Im one happy guy right now.

70CB750 · « **Reply #21 on:** January 11, 2020, 03:44:43 AM »

He will never get the money he thinks parting it out.

johans · « **Reply #22 on:** January 11, 2020, 06:33:24 AM »

VTC - Thanks for the VT info , good to know for all here ( it's a damn shame though ...)

VTCBike750 · « **Reply #23 on:** January 11, 2020, 08:07:04 AM »

Quote from: johans on January 11, 2020, 06:33:24 AM

VTC - Thanks for the VT info , good to know for all here ( it's a damn shame though ...)

Vermont has different "Branch Locations" run by a Head Inspector. In my case I had to contact the South Burlington Head Inspector because local officer wouldn't/couldn't verify my title (wasn't 17 digits long). He's a nice guy, rides BMWs.

All forms still go to the Montpelier main office. Unfortunately I think its a loop hole they are closing.

VTCBike750 · « **Reply #24 on:** January 11, 2020, 08:11:21 AM »

Quote from: 754 on January 03, 2020, 08:08:17 PM

The frame problem is not the end of the world, registration, that is a bigger issue. You can't pay too much, but you may buy a bit early. They aint making anymore of them.
I have to really think hard to turn down anything 72 or earlier.. worth more than later stuff.

I found it hard to turn it down. They aren't making them anymore and will definitey use them

Quote from: 70CB750 on January 11, 2020, 03:44:43 AM

He will never get the money he thinks parting it out.

Im happy with what I got for what I paid. I could very easily sell a fraction of it on Ebay, FB, or even on here and make back what I spent. Luckily for me, I was specifically looking for K2 parts and Im not really interested in selling them.

News:

Author Topic: I shouldnt buy this bike. (Read 2303 times)