Topic: Thoughts on selling my bike?

[CB650 Wolf]

I was just offered a bike that at one time belonged to my deceased uncle. Unfortunately I can't afford to have both and I think I would rather have the newer bike for sentimental value. I'm not sure exactly how much I could get for my bike. Or if it would be better just for me to part it out. What are your thoughts on this?

1981 Honda CB650

The Good

I have a clear title in hand
Miles on the bike are 9,406 original miles
Tires are a little worn. They were made in 2005 so its getting close to time for replacement
MAC 4 into 1 exhaust with the baffle removed
All lights work
New battery
New mirrors
Both 1980 CB650 side panels
Carbs were recently cleaned and bench synced
The alternator is good from what I know of
I removed the auto fuel shut-off valve but I do have it set aside
I also removed the grab rail and still have it as well
I have extra turn signals and one of the original mirrors

The Bad

The bike does have a charging issue, but I'm sure someone here could figure it out easily
The ball at the end of the brake handle is broken off
There are some scuffs on the under side of the alternator cover
The bike has not been laid down while moving

[bender01]

Talk to your family! Im guessing you have alot of other commitments now. I think some one could store one or another for you.  The bike looks to good to part out to me. I know about sentimental value. So I suggest you tuck the 650 away somewhere. At a relatives if possible. Then bring the Uncles bike back to glory. Now back to sentimental value. 5 years from now youll be so pissed you sold that 650 for 3-400$. When all it needed was the wiring chased down. Or a fuse...Good luck whatever you decide.

[Frankenkit]

9000 miles is sweet for an '81 650. 
I have to +1 Bender01.  Follow the directions on here about how to get a bike ready for storage properly and set it aside somewhere if you can.  The charging issue on these bikes can often be linked directly to the stator.  It was poorly designed.  There are a few leads on here about where to have it rewound as I did for the 650 in my sig line, and now she charges at 2k rpms.  I really think that bike, if the lever were replaced and stator rewound, could net you $1200 around here... I think it's gorgeous.

[fmctm1sw]

Given it belonged to a family member, I'd offer it to someone else before I parted it out.  Cost of ownership should be cheap no?  My insurance costs me $85 year and I notice you are military.  You could take your orders to DMV and register as a non resident maybe?  Unless you reside in the state of course, just thinking out loud...

[Hush]

Na sell it, give someone else a ride, bikes are made to be ridden and they only deteriorate if left or stored.
Buy your Uncles old bike, it means more to you than a 650 that won't work properly, once cured the 650 will be a reliable daily but let someone else with the time and inclination figure it out.

[clarkjh]

Get your uncles bike and pass the 650 onto some body who has the time and money to fix and run it.  I have two bikes that I ride, but if one starts acting up too much I may be down to one.  Bikes are made to ride, not to just sit as a symbol.

James