Author Topic: Probably Selling my '81, CB650C. How do I Begin to Price It?  (Read 2242 times)

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Offline TimLoon

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My bike does not get used and now that I am 65, I am getting a lot of pressure from you know who to sell it. (married 44 years so I know happy wife is a happy life).
It is a 1981 CB650C with approximately 3,500 miles. It was stored in a climate-controlled basement from 1983 until I bought it about 6 years ago with 1,800 miles on it. It was then stored either in my climate-controlled basement or garage covered.
The good news is that it is all original except for front brakes, battery and tires. There is a possibility that it has the wrong Honda fuel petcock but not sure. The pipes are original with no signs of rust.
The bad news is that carbs are partially clogged. I had them cleaned 2 years ago and all was good until I took it out of this spring. I ride it occasionally but with a partial choke. A few light scratches here and there but presents well.
Would like to post for sale but want to be fair to me the seller and the buyer.
Thoughts on fair value?

Offline fizzlebottom

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Re: Probably Selling my '81, CB650C. How do I Begin to Price It?
« Reply #1 on: July 31, 2024, 10:37:05 PM »
If carbs have clogged jets and bad fuel, they'll need to be removed, partially disassembled, and cleaned at the absolute minimum. More likely they'll need to be cracked apart and rebuilt with new o-rings simply due to age. If you aren't going to take that job on yourself, then the buyer will and they'll either have to pay $400-600 or more to a mechanic, or a few hours and less $ doing it themselves. To be honest, any smart buyer is going to latch on to that and make sure your price reflects the work ahead.

The low mileage is great, but it can only help your asking price so much. Unfortunately the CB650s are not as popular as the 550s and 750s that came before. Depending on your location, you might get $3k, but I expect more around $2700. If you aren't in a big hurry, I might start by listing at $3300 and see if you happen to get any hits. If you're in SF, Seattle, or any of the other really high cost of living areas, start at $3700 and hope for a hit from some rich tech bro looking for their first vintage bike.
1982 CB650SC Nighthawk

Offline TimLoon

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Re: Probably Selling my '81, CB650C. How do I Begin to Price It?
« Reply #2 on: August 01, 2024, 03:10:24 AM »
Thanks Fizzle.
I am in the Northeast.
Will throw it up on Facebook Marketplace at 3K and see what happens.
I have pulled many banks of carbs apart but I remember this was a bear to get out.
I am semi-retired and should have lots of time but that is simply not happening. Way more things on the Honey-Do list.

Offline PeWe

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Re: Probably Selling my '81, CB650C. How do I Begin to Price It?
« Reply #3 on: August 01, 2024, 03:23:30 AM »
Better if bike is a good runner, no issues to fix.
A buyer will calculate for worst case. The problem(s) might be simple.
Remove carbs and clean them in an ultrasonic cleaner.

A longer ride to verify all good. New oil filter, maybe air filter too.
Plus check the valves.

Easy things that will add bike is a runner and just serviced.
CB750 K6-76  970cc (Earlier 1005cc JMR Billet block on the shelf waiting for a comeback)
CB750 K2-75 Parts assembled to a stock K2

Updates of the CB750 K6 -1976
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180468.msg2092136.html#msg2092136
The billet block build thread
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,49438.msg1863571.html#msg1863571
CB750 K2 -1975  build thread
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,168243.msg1948381.html#msg1948381
K2 engine build thread. For a complete CB750 -75
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180088.msg2088008.html#msg2088008
Carb jetting, a long story Mikuni TMR32
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,179479.msg2104967.html#msg2104967

Offline WingMan71

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Re: Probably Selling my '81, CB650C. How do I Begin to Price It?
« Reply #4 on: August 01, 2024, 09:53:27 AM »
Great bike. I restored one a few years ago. But previous poster is right that they are just not as popular, nor demand similar prices as the 750s. Partial choke means your pilot jets are plugged up. That means carb removal and complete rebuild or the bike will never run right. I've been restoring vintage Hondas and rebuilding carbs for over 30 years now. I typically charge $100 per carb plus the price of the rebuild kit. Labor for carb bank removal and reinstall takes a good 3 or four hours on these bikes and may damage carb boots or other parts, which adds more expense. Most folks who ride and work on these bikes know that and will either want that work done before purchase, or want at least $1,000 off or more of current values to cover the cost of repair. Even Condition 2 "Excellent" is only $2,000 to $2,500 now.  If I were in the market, and I took it with the plugged up carbs, I would offer $1,500 tops, knowing that I'd have to put at least $1,000 into it, maybe more, at which point you're already at or over market value for a Condition 2 example.  If you find the right guy who has always wanted one, perhaps you can get $3,000 for it.
« Last Edit: August 01, 2024, 03:49:38 PM by WingMan71 »
Bob
1976 CB400F Blue
2006 GL1800 Arctic White
2018 NC750X Red/Black
U.S. Navy SWO (1967-1976) Vietnam Vet

Offline TimLoon

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Re: Probably Selling my '81, CB650C. How do I Begin to Price It?
« Reply #5 on: August 02, 2024, 03:20:41 AM »
Thanks for all the advice. I do agree regarding a proper running machine however I have way too many other priorities to handle for quite a while. I am capable of doing the work but I have to pick my battles.

Offline newday777

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Re: Probably Selling my '81, CB650C. How do I Begin to Price It?
« Reply #6 on: August 02, 2024, 05:03:22 AM »
If you can still ride it as you said above, put 1/2 can of Seafoam in fresh tank of gas, ride it 20 miles, go home and idle it for 20 minutes to get it in the idle circuits (put a box fan in front of the motor to cool it!). Shut off for the night. Next day empty the tank into a 5 gallon can(you can transfer it into your car and run it). Put fresh gas in and ride it for an hour. Report back on your results.
Stu
Honda Parts manager in the mid 1970s Nashua Honda
My current rides
1975 K5 Planet Blue my summer ride, it was a friend's bike I worked with at the Honda shop in 76, lots of fun to be on it again
1976 K6 Anteres Red rebuilding project, was originally my brother's that I set up from the crate, it'll breath again soon!
Project 750s, 2 K4, 2 K6, 1 K8
2008 GL1800 my daily ride and cross country runner

Prior bikes....
1972 Suzuki GT380 I had charge of it for a year in 1973 while my friend was deployed and learned to love street riding....
New CB450 K7 after my friend returned...
New CB750 K5 Planet Blue, demise by ex cousin in law at 9,000 miles...
New CB750 K6 Anteres Red, to replace the totaled K5, I sold this K6 at 45k in 1983, I had heavily modified it, many great memories on it and have missed it greatly.....
1983 GL1100A, 1999 GL1500 SE, 1999 GL1500A

Online Stev-o

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Re: Probably Selling my '81, CB650C. How do I Begin to Price It?
« Reply #7 on: August 02, 2024, 08:05:09 AM »
My bike does not get used and now that I am 65, I am getting a lot of pressure from you know who to sell it. (married 44 years so I know happy wife is a happy life).

I hate that saying, a happy wife is when they get THEIR WAY!  How is that a marriage?  Total BS!

Rant over...sorry

PS. Keep the bike even if you dont ride it as much as you'd like, what will you do with the money? [she'll want that too?!]
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline fizzlebottom

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Re: Probably Selling my '81, CB650C. How do I Begin to Price It?
« Reply #8 on: August 02, 2024, 08:27:04 AM »
I hate that saying, a happy wife is when they get THEIR WAY!  How is that a marriage?  Total BS!

Rant over...sorry

PS. Keep the bike even if you dont ride it as much as you'd like, what will you do with the money? [she'll want that too?!]

Beyond our pay grade. Let him fight that existential fight!

As newday777 already mentioned, go through the Seafoam routine to see if that fixes the clogged pilot(s). If there is physical debris such as a fleck of rust clogging one or more jets, it'll definitely require manual removal unfortunately. Hopefully you can get it out with seafoam and a warmup cycle or two.
1982 CB650SC Nighthawk

Offline PeWe

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Re: Probably Selling my '81, CB650C. How do I Begin to Price It?
« Reply #9 on: August 02, 2024, 09:16:17 AM »
I am soon 64.  Minimum 10 years more riding.
Up to me to ride safely to make that true. Usually a few close to heaven incidents each year.

My wife has no bad feelings about my rides.
She can watch her favourite sh!t series on TV (Netflix) when I'm away ;D ;D
CB750 K6-76  970cc (Earlier 1005cc JMR Billet block on the shelf waiting for a comeback)
CB750 K2-75 Parts assembled to a stock K2

Updates of the CB750 K6 -1976
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180468.msg2092136.html#msg2092136
The billet block build thread
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,49438.msg1863571.html#msg1863571
CB750 K2 -1975  build thread
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,168243.msg1948381.html#msg1948381
K2 engine build thread. For a complete CB750 -75
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180088.msg2088008.html#msg2088008
Carb jetting, a long story Mikuni TMR32
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,179479.msg2104967.html#msg2104967

Offline TimLoon

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Re: Probably Selling my '81, CB650C. How do I Begin to Price It?
« Reply #10 on: August 04, 2024, 01:09:02 PM »
Thanks for all of the good advice.
Drained tank today and refilled with 3 gallons of fuel and 8 oz. of seafoam. Always keep that stuff handy. Took it for a ride and did the idle thing but I know it will require tear down to be right. Definitely ran better already but not good enough.
Can't get back to it for a few weeks and at that time will throw it on the market for a few weeks. If no takers, will tear down over the winter.
On the marriage thing, a long marriage takes compromise. My wife worked in an emergency room and I was an EMT on an ambulance. We saw our share of fatals and understand the risks in life. I agreed to sell the bike and she bought me a boat to enjoy in retirement. Will I miss the bike, heck yeah but my son in law has 2 so if I get the urge, I can always ride his.
Will report back in a few weeks.

Online Stev-o

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Re: Probably Selling my '81, CB650C. How do I Begin to Price It?
« Reply #11 on: August 05, 2024, 07:38:22 AM »
....she bought me a boat to enjoy in retirement.

Nice!  What did you get?
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline MauiK3

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Re: Probably Selling my '81, CB650C. How do I Begin to Price It?
« Reply #12 on: August 05, 2024, 07:45:07 AM »
I am 73 and still in fair shape, I don't ride much but I ride and my wife of 45 years rides pillion and loves it, I will keep the K3 750 for as long as I am able to use it. I ride like a grandpa but I still like it.
The 650 looks great, get it running well and you should be able to find a buyer but I can't guess a starting price. Would $5000 be out of line? I really don't know.
1973 CB 750 K3
10/72 build Z1 Kawasaki

Offline TimLoon

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Re: Probably Selling my '81, CB650C. How do I Begin to Price It?
« Reply #13 on: August 05, 2024, 09:18:59 AM »
Steve O
A used Maritime Skiff, 20D. I was looking for an 18' but Mrs. convinced me that the extra space is always good when friends and grandchildren come along.


Online Stev-o

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Re: Probably Selling my '81, CB650C. How do I Begin to Price It?
« Reply #14 on: August 06, 2024, 07:03:17 AM »
A used Maritime Skiff, 20D.

Very nice....
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline TimLoon

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Re: Probably Selling my '81, CB650C. How do I Begin to Price It?
« Reply #15 on: August 25, 2024, 12:31:45 PM »
Folks asked for an update on the Seafoam treatment.
My so called retirement sent me out of state for a awhile so back to the Honda.
Drained the treated fuel after a few runs. Refilled with fresh fuel and was only marginally better, definitely a candidate for tear down that life will just not allow right now.
Will put on Marketplace for 3K as is. If I get a reasonable offer, great. If now, carbs get drained for the winter and away it goes covered until spring. Someone will get a solid bike.
Thanks for the input to date.

Offline BenelliSEI

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Re: Probably Selling my '81, CB650C. How do I Begin to Price It?
« Reply #16 on: August 25, 2024, 03:14:01 PM »
Good looking and underrated motorcycle! Next time you are out, get the revs up (once it’s warmed up) and pull the chock full on. The bike will stumble and fart so do it somewhere on your own. This can occasionally “vacuum” out the jets and passages. Do it 5-6 times. Sometimes provides surprising results!

Offline TimLoon

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Re: Probably Selling my '81, CB650C. How do I Begin to Price It?
« Reply #17 on: August 25, 2024, 04:38:50 PM »
Thanks Benelli, That's a new one to me.
Maybe next weekend will give that a try.

Offline TimLoon

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Re: Probably Selling my '81, CB650C. How do I Begin to Price It?
« Reply #18 on: October 06, 2024, 11:28:08 AM »
Well, after 60 years of some type of bike in my life, probably my last left today.
A fellow drove a couple hundred miles to offer me a fair price for the 650.
He stood in amazement at the condition and his eyes lit up when I hit the starter and she fired right up.
He is on his second Honda and hopes to have a small collection.
Thanks to all that offered advice along the way.
Tim

Offline CycleRanger

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Re: Probably Selling my '81, CB650C. How do I Begin to Price It?
« Reply #19 on: October 06, 2024, 11:55:05 AM »
Glad it went to someone who will appreciate it and keep it stock.
Do you have a copy of the Honda Shop Manual or Parts List for your bike? Get one here:
https://www.honda4fun.com/materiale/documentazione-tecnica
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Online Stev-o

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Re: Probably Selling my '81, CB650C. How do I Begin to Price It?
« Reply #20 on: October 09, 2024, 08:16:23 AM »
Well, after 60 years of some type of bike in my life, probably my last left today.

A sad day but but you got a boat out of the deal. Enjoy it...
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........