Topic: Value question re: 450 dohc

[gregwaits]

I was contacted by a guy the other day who has a Honda 450 DOHC twin. It runs and is very clean although it needs a a good going over because it has sat idle in his garage for quite some time.

It has no title yet he wants $400. Is this a reasonable price for a runner with no title. Sorry I don't have the exact year at the moment.

The reason I ask is because my mechanic turned me onto this CB550 I bought for $200. It runs but has no title. In his words, with no title all I have is a boat anchor (or a parts bike for my CB500).

Btw, the bike has less than 7000 miles. I am tempted.

[bill440cars]

          Hey Greg,

                   I probably wouldn't be a good one to ask this question because I happen to like 450 DOHC bikes quite a lot. All that aside, without seeing the bike, it'd be hard to say. If it looks to be in good condition then I'd say go for it. Is it that hard to get a title where you are? Can you get a title with a bill of sale, if so, get one from him? I mean, less than 7,000 miles on it. Just my own honest opinion here. If you get it, post some pictures okay? Let us know what you decided. BTW, what's the deal with the VALVES?

                                                     Later on, Bill

[gregwaits]

The guy looked at the vin and it is a 1970.

According to the vintage motorcycle price guide, it is valued at somewhere around $1,750 - 2,000. It has no allowance for missing titles, so I am guessing somewhat.

I would post pics, but the file sizes are too big and it won't post. If I had comouter know how enough to change file size, I would modify them and post.

[CBGBs]

If its an older model, Yes.
If its in really nice condition, Yes.

Either way you'll want the title.
I paid $550 for my boat anchor and was fortunate enough to get a title in about 4 weeks. I tracked a previous owner down by a registration I found and he reapplied for a title and sent it to me from OH.

[gregwaits]

After some research I found that I can get a bonded title here in Texas for $200.

I drove out and looked at the 450 up close. This thing has been stored inside since last licensed (in 1981). The exhaust pipes are pristine aside from needing polishing of course. The stock seat is still supple with no tears whatsoever. The inside of the tank is clean as a whistle.

I will be picking this baby up in a few days. The idea was to title it, get it fired up again, give a good going over (and a new chain) and sell it. But after looking at the bike I am leaning towards selling my CB550 project and keeping this one for myself!

As soon as I can I will post some pics on here. The ones he sent me are way too big to post and like I said before, I don't know how to reduce file sizes of digital pics. 

As I said before it is a 1970 model. I was hoping it was a 69. 

[bill440cars]

         All Right there Greg,

                         Way to go there guy! Hope everything works out for ya. Hate to see ya sell your 550 but, it'd be cool if you could keep both.   Of course the decision is yours. All I can say is, don't be too hasty either way. Both bikes are a treasure to have, in my opinion. BTW, looking forward to pictures.

                                                     Later on, Bill

[gregwaits]

Yep, it is a tough call. At the moment I am just about to get my '73 CB500 on the road (and there is no way the wife will let me keep three bikes!)

[bill440cars]

Yep, it is a tough call. At the moment I am just about to get my '73 CB500 on the road (and there is no way the wife will let me keep three bikes!)

           I hear ya loud and clear. Good Luck with your decision Greg. If you did decide to keep the 450, at least you'd still have a four also. Take care. 

                                                Later on, Bill

[gregwaits]

I went out and checked the bikes out. The CB350 is a definite parts donor. It is bad shape and rusted all over the place. But for $50, what the hell.

The '70 CB450 however is very clean. The original seat is still in very good shape and supple like new. The tank is spotless inside. It will need a new chain and a thorough going over, but the bike overall is a real beauty. The chrome and gauges are all in good order.
And the exhausts (original) are in very good shape with no rust at all. The bike had been stored inside since 1981 and as I said, it was less than 7,000 miles on it.

I will be picking up both bikes early next week.

I just listed my CB550 on Craigslist to make room for this baby. I will have to be happy with one SOHC (the '73 cb500). I have an idea I may become quite fond of this CB450. 

[dusterdude]

well greg,you just made bills day ,congrats

[bill440cars]

well greg,you just made bills day ,congrats

          Hey Greg,
                  I just noticed that you'd listed your bike and I concluded that you'd made your decision to get the 450. Sent you a PM. duster's always seems happy for me when something like this happens. You just kinda have to overlook him now and then.

           duster,
                 You always turn up when least expected, don't you? Seems to be an art with you.   Ha!Ha! You have to admit that you DO have a way about you.


                                     You all take care and I'll catch you later on, Bill