Author Topic: Would you buy this bike? (Read 4005 times)

JAG · « **on:** January 22, 2008, 05:11:28 AM »

It's a '72 K2.. The engine seems to have good compression, and the wiring is intact. Wheels still have good amount of tread on them. The intentions with this bike was to turn it into a cafe..

NO carbs but was told I was going to receive a set of Keihin CV carbs for free. Will they bolt up, or will they need to be customized to work? I don't know anything about them.

I was also going to receive a '82 KZ750 Gas tank, also for free. Will this fit on the frame

The final price we settled on was $600 delivered to my door..

Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance

JAG

JAG · « **Reply #1 on:** January 22, 2008, 05:12:26 AM »

more pics

736cc · « **Reply #2 on:** January 22, 2008, 05:14:44 AM »

$300 tops

JAG · « **Reply #3 on:** January 22, 2008, 05:22:22 AM »

Wow.. 1/2 the price.. Even at $300 would it be worth it?

It also doesn't have an ignition. How hard is it to get one and get it wired back up? How much does one run?

Gordon · « **Reply #4 on:** January 22, 2008, 05:34:42 AM »

I'm sticking with the $200 - 250 that I said in your other thread about this bike.

Wait a little while and some much better deals will show up. Every old bike is going to be somewhat of a money pit, but this one is going to be a black hole. Unless you absolutely must have this bike, right now, and no others will show up for the next year, $600 is way too much.

Johnie · « **Reply #5 on:** January 22, 2008, 05:51:44 AM »

Was this bike involved in a fire? Looks like streaks of carbon running down the mufflers and other parts of the bike which lead me to believe that maybe it was stored in a garage that burned down. If that is the case I would pass for that price.

Gregorymoto · « **Reply #6 on:** January 22, 2008, 05:58:39 AM »

That looks like oil splash from the chain, i would by it for 200 to 300.

You will need to know how to work on it, but it looks like a good starting point for a Cafe.

As for parts, the key ignition will cost 25.00 plus shipping.
Even if you do this bike on the cheep you are looking at spending 300 to 500 to get it on the road, i do say this without looking it over in person.

g. Mountain

Somemonkey · « **Reply #7 on:** January 22, 2008, 05:59:29 AM »

I agree with these other guys. I wouldn't pay over $300 for this bike. Even then I wouldn't feel good about it.

KB02 · « **Reply #8 on:** January 22, 2008, 06:01:27 AM »

based on the pictures and your posts, it has:
No Carbs
No Ignition
No Tank
No Seat
No Headlight
(and based solely on the picture) A rotting out exhaust.

I'd have to agree with the others that $600 is a bit rich for this machine. You say that it is $600 delivered, so if the seller lives 400 miles away, I could see that, if they're in town, they're asking too much (unless you know something about the engine that you haven't told us).

As for the Kawi tank, anything can be made to fit. It depends on what you are planning on doing with this bike as to whether or not the kawi tank is the one you want.

Is the seller the one who has the CV carbs? If so, hold them up to the intake to see if they fit right on. If not, they're not going to do much for you.

Quote from: Gregorymoto on January 22, 2008, 05:58:39 AM

As for parts, the key ignition will cost 25.00 plus shipping.

A Dyna ignition will run a little over $100, plus coils...

Gregorymoto · « **Reply #9 on:** January 22, 2008, 06:06:46 AM »

Ow and the KZ tank, i trird to fit a Z900 tank on my back along time ago and it did dont work.
It would if you did some cutting a welding to the bottom.

If you need a tank let me know i might have one or two you can choose from.

BobbyR · « **Reply #10 on:** January 22, 2008, 06:18:09 AM »

I woukd say $200 which is what I paid for mine with all of the parts on it. You are looking at a lot of hours and considerable expense. The brake line is rusty which is around $100 right there. If the caliper is seized it adds to the cost. This would be a long labor of love and cost some bucks to boot.

andy750 · « **Reply #11 on:** January 22, 2008, 06:30:41 AM »

After seeing more photos I revise my initial estimate...Ill go with the others $250-$300 tops. Since there are no carbs who knows the condition of the engine if its been exposed to the elements. However since most of the bike is not there fairly easy to remove engine and rebuild if required.

cheers
Andy

goon 1492 · « **Reply #12 on:** January 22, 2008, 06:47:33 AM »

I agree with the above, no tank, seat ,headlight, you should consider shotting a new price to the guy/gal and mention about carb. fitment and the missing parts vs. price to replace and how that would in turn drive the selling price to 250-300$ and like the others said if all else fails wait and another one will pop up for a better price and less work to get it on the road.

ekim98 · « **Reply #13 on:** January 22, 2008, 07:17:00 AM »

Only as a parts bike if I could get it for $200 or less. That way you could probably break even if the engine is toast.

754 · « **Reply #14 on:** January 22, 2008, 07:38:32 AM »

Does it have Reggie??

For 600 you should find a runner with papers that looks as good as that or better.

Patrick · « **Reply #15 on:** January 22, 2008, 08:28:12 AM »

That is not a $600 machine. Frankly, I probably wouldn't go more than $125, and that's if it came with a title. For $600 you should be able to ride it home, or at least harvest some really primo parts and a solid and complete running engine. I buy and restore a lot of bikes. That one has too many issues up front. It's a parts bike.

legendary · « **Reply #16 on:** January 22, 2008, 08:56:14 AM »

Tell the owner it is a parts bike....and worth $200 to you. Be sure to mention you are going to keep looking for a more complete bike.

Even if you are making a cafe you could buy a complete bike and recoup some of your $$ by selling what you do not need on e-bay.

Hanging out on this site you would think the world is full of CB crazy people. You are likely the only person who has shown real interest in it. $200 will sound like an insult..at first.

Sit back and in about 4 weeks with the Mrs. telling him to get rid of it....he'll call you offering it for less.

Oh and if this is the bike you plan to rebuild...find one with a title.

neil young · « **Reply #17 on:** January 22, 2008, 09:29:05 AM »

i'm looking at a running 78 cb550 with a spare engine,new cafe seat.spare exhuast,and a ton of spare parts for $600.00 canadian.
wait and you will find a better bike for a better price.

JAG · « **Reply #18 on:** January 22, 2008, 09:33:39 AM »

You guys are awesome. Thanks for all the input..

The plan is to go for a cafe racer. So not having the seat/gas tank isn't a big deal for me.

I'm In Tennessee.. He's in Austin Texas.. So shipping cost is pretty good I would think.

I believe there is to much uncertainity, and not being able to do a walk around myself, and knowing the bulk of the money I am willing to spend is going into a WORKING engine, not knowing if this will even run is a huge headache and fear of mine. The bike is titled...

I guess I am just not that willing to take the risk.. Thanks for all you guy's help.

I did, however, found a rebuilt '74 in what looks to be great condition, but it hasn't been titled since '92. What does that mean as far as getting re-titled and costs? Does anyone know how much it would cost to get it shipped from Plainfield Illinois down here to Nashville? Here are some pictures, which are a major 180 in comparison to this other bike. the asking price is $1,100. I believe he said the engine had 31K before the rebuild.

Thanks for all the help guys, I really do appreciate it!

Jonathan

754 · « **Reply #19 on:** January 22, 2008, 10:01:36 AM »

Put an ad in the paper.. looking for say a 73 750.. or pick any year. You sould get calls and then you can say, I will wait and see what else turns up, etc.. or get a great 72 or 75 or 76 offered to you, then pretend it not really what you wanted.. but maybe!

Bottom line is it puts you in beter control of price and you get a good selection..

Bikes that sit a long time, with owners that dont realize current value should be reasonable..

The one you are looking at has been cherry-picked of the high demand parts.. if they thought it would be a runner, you got to wonder why they started parting it already..

ofreen · « **Reply #20 on:** January 22, 2008, 10:02:06 AM »

You made the right decision rejecting that bike. It would have been a money pit. The guy would have had to pay me to haul it away.

Somemonkey · « **Reply #21 on:** January 22, 2008, 10:17:55 AM »

Check it... Here's a guy in Nashville selling a 750 with a seized motor and clear title for $500 OBO. If you were willing to fix that motor I bet you could talk to guy down to $300. maybe. If you check your local paper or put an ad in Craigslist I bet you could find a great bike for little $$.

http://nashville.craigslist.org/mcy/506181799.html

JAG · « **Reply #22 on:** January 22, 2008, 10:31:43 AM »

Yeah I think that is a good deal for a bike.. I have actually already tried to contact that guy a few times and received no response..

I suppose I just need to be more patient.

In regards to that other bike, I have found a friend with a truck willing to go and pick it up in Illinois. Does that seem like a good deal for that bike??

Gordon · « **Reply #23 on:** January 22, 2008, 03:47:54 PM »

Quote from: JAG on January 22, 2008, 10:31:43 AM

In regards to that other bike, I have found a friend with a truck willing to go and pick it up in Illinois. Does that seem like a good deal for that bike??

I'd stay away from a bike with no title, unless you're only using it for parts. You seem to be a bit impatient about getting a bike. Believe me, I know the feeling, but that's only going to get you into a bike that isn't ideal and is much more expensive to work with than it's worth. Just wait a couple of weeks, keep watching Craigslist and the newspaper, and some good deals will show up in your area.

JAG · « **Reply #24 on:** January 22, 2008, 07:08:53 PM »

It did have a title

I agree with you all.. I am a bit impatient. I did back out of the deal... I am working with a guy in Illinois that has that blue bike that is posted above. There are other buyers interested in the bike, but if that doesn't work out I will be heading up there this weekend to probably buy that one. Which again like I said before, is a complete 180 in comparison to this other heap of junk..

Thank you all for your input and advice, I really do appreciate it

Jonathan

Gordon · « **Reply #25 on:** January 22, 2008, 07:16:28 PM »

Quote from: JAG on January 22, 2008, 07:08:53 PM

It did have a title

I was just going by what you said. Did you mean it hasn't been registered since '92? If so, that shouldn't be a problem, having the title is the important part.

Bob550four · « **Reply #26 on:** January 22, 2008, 07:34:19 PM »

that second bike, IMO is much more worth the money than the first pile of parts. for me, if it isnt 90% complete minimum, doesnt run, or needs extensive repairs, I"m not touching it.

that said, I"d buy the second one in a heartbeat just because it looks pretty good to me.

andy750 · « **Reply #27 on:** January 22, 2008, 07:46:13 PM »

If you dont mind a drive go and see Bud in New Orleans - he probably has one or two bikes for sale that would be runners. Hes a decent guy and Forum member (Bud750)

Just a thought,
cheers
Andy

WJL75 · « **Reply #28 on:** January 22, 2008, 07:57:24 PM »

Just because they say there are other interested parties does not make it so. Pictures are great, but the right lighting can make some crusty bikes look like gems. I'd keep an eye for bikes that are witihin driving distance so you can look them over first. If they run, you can take a test ride, or at least hear it before buying.

Patrick · « **Reply #29 on:** January 22, 2008, 08:08:09 PM »

FWIW, after you backed out of the deal the same bike turned up on Craigslist here in Austin. It's not $600 anymore....

http://austin.craigslist.org/mcy/548250382.html

Wonder if he's following this post.

It's still too high for a picked over bike, especially since the title is from out of state and not in the seller's name.

dustyc · « **Reply #30 on:** January 22, 2008, 08:46:24 PM »

Quote from: Patrick on January 22, 2008, 08:08:09 PM

Wonder if he's following this post.

I'd imagine so, he's a member here.

Bodain · « **Reply #31 on:** January 22, 2008, 08:57:43 PM »

Well that bike is listed again on Austin, Texas CL... for $300.00

3 hours from me, but I'm done with CB 4's

http://austin.craigslist.org/mcy/548250382.html

Uncleben89 · « **Reply #32 on:** January 22, 2008, 11:25:26 PM »

I made an impulse buy on my '76 550k for 600 bucks and it wan't worth half that. I've already dumped a grand into her and she still doesn't really run well. I know it's hard take your time.

andy750 · « **Reply #33 on:** January 23, 2008, 05:37:28 AM »

Hey Ben (Uncleben89) I read your Blog - very good! and keep at the bike - you will get there in the end. If I can do it with little mechanical experience then so can you. I took around 8 months to put back together my CB750. Now every time I ride it I have a huge smile on my face. Its worth it.

cheers
Andy

UnCrash · « **Reply #34 on:** January 23, 2008, 05:43:31 AM »

Quote

Now every time I ride it I have a huge smile on my face.

What a great way to get some extra bug flavored protein!

BobbyR · « **Reply #35 on:** January 23, 2008, 10:39:06 AM »

Quote from: UnCrash on January 23, 2008, 05:43:31 AM

Quote
Now every time I ride it I have a huge smile on my face.

What a great way to get some extra bug flavored protein!

Probably tatses better than Vegemite.

JAG · « **Reply #36 on:** January 23, 2008, 11:57:38 AM »

A plus would be to have something local, something I can walk around, and possibly drive. But given this weather, and that of what is going on in nothern ILL ( way down in the negatives as far as temp goes ) a test drive just doesn't seem feasable..

I'm supposed to get some more pictures soon, some more with closer inspection of the parts and overall condition of the bike.

There's is also two other serious inquiries, that may snatch it before I do.. We shall see..

I do need to be a bit more patient, but I am looking at a price to quality ratio. I think it can be hard to find a bike in the condition I want and the price I can afford. I don't want to have to pay more than $1500 for the bike, because I will probably spend another $500-$600 making it "my own" in terms of it being unique (cafe racer) and what not.

I also want to try and find one during this season before the price peaks back up. I have been seeing some desperate sellers, some that reduce the price during this season, because they usually don't have the buyer's market for the season, and some just because they need the money..

Jonathan

ekim98 · « **Reply #37 on:** January 23, 2008, 12:12:57 PM »

Quote from: JAG on January 23, 2008, 11:57:38 AM

I'm supposed to get some more pictures soon, some more with closer inspection of the parts and overall condition of the bike.

There's is also two other serious inquiries, that may snatch it before I do.. We shall see..

Jonathan

This might be part of the problem. Nobody want to pay to much or get ripped off. If you can't find what you want locally, then go farther away. If you can't actually go to the farther places then get someone to go for you. Your going to pay one way or another, either actual money or time. But waiting may not get you where you want to get to.

News:

Author Topic: Would you buy this bike? (Read 4005 times)

legendary

Bob550four

Uncleben89