Topic: cb500 Trade for FZR400. Anyone know anything about these?????????

[JAG]

I got a wild hair and decided to throw my newly rebuilt cb500 on craig'slist for $2000 bucks or trade.

I'm looking to try and get something a little bit more reliable. Some sort of cruiser for me and my girlfriend.

And I was offered this trade for a 88 fzr400, and I don't know anything about them.

What are these bikes worth?

I've seen random pics online but not sure which one this is. I love the look of the dual headlights. however I don't know if this one has it. If it doesn't can it be changed to the dual ones??

Anyone know anything about these mechanically? Any certain questions I should ask?

I don't know if you can double up with someone on there with you, but it looks like it would be another fun project..


I need some opinions on what to do, so the first thing I did was come here..


Attached is the email and pics he sent...

"ill trade you both these fzr400s the silver one is a 1988 has fzr400 has clear title and only 11000 miles only needs valve stem in front rim replaced leaks the bike has extras like brand new hjc helmet leather alpinestars jacket one peice lower race fairing needs installed leo vince carbon fiber slip on needs installed lowering links and the black bike is basically a parts bike it was running when i bought it but not now starter button quit working so we jumped straight from starter turns over but wont start dont think its much wrong but no title on black bike oh and it has a ninja 500 engine on it if interested you can text me at 615-448-8199 or call at 615-325-7958 my name is Anthony hopefully we can make a deal"

[kirkn]

Jeez, you're comparing apples and brussel sprouts...

The FZR400 was one of those bikes mfg's periodically import from other markets, and they took a bath on it.  It's tiny, cramped and best used on extreme backroads or racetracks.  It's main claim to fame was it's phenomenal handling (for it's day) and the fact that it was relatively easy to shoehorn the FZR600 motor into it.  Two-up?  Only if you're both small and/or masochists.

And these two look and sound like some squid's own handiwork.  No titles?  'race track fairings'? A Kawasaki 500cc twin motor squeezed into one?  Homemade rustoleum paintjobs? 

I mean, I'm all for project bikes and all, but all that for two grand??  Not me, brother.

Good luck with it, whichever way you go.

[JAG]

Thanks for the heads up Kirkin

the silver one is titled.

I realize both bikes together may not be worth the total $2000 but what would someone offer the guy for the bikes plus the cash to make up the difference.

And I know they aren't anything close to a CB500 however this is just something I've been offered and I wanted to ask you guys on here- someone who would undoubtedly know more about these bikes and see what you guys thought.

[chickenman_26]

I realize both bikes together may not be worth the total $2000 but what would someone offer the guy for the bikes plus the cash to make up the difference.

Nothing. I couldn't agree more with Kirkn. Both of those bikes are trash and not what you're looking for. You said "I'm looking to try and get something a little bit more reliable. Some sort of cruiser for me and my girlfriend." This deal is not for you. Be patient.

Stu

[Alan F.]

All of the FZR400's in the northeastern states are track bikes now, but 2 for 2 grand? they better both be completely stock and maybe even running to be worth that.

He's trying to trade up, skip it and widen your search.  Maybe post a few flyers at local barber shops etc...
-Alan

[simon#42]

I realize both bikes together may not be worth the total $2000 but what would someone offer the guy for the bikes plus the cash to make up the difference.

Nothing. I couldn't agree more with Kirkn. Both of those bikes are trash and not what you're looking for. You said "I'm looking to try and get something a little bit more reliable. Some sort of cruiser for me and my girlfriend." This deal is not for you. Be patient.

Stu

some good advise here [ and from kirkn and alan ]  , the fzr 400 is a good little bike but forget about going anywhere with a passenger, if you ever want them to talk to you again that is .   keep looking !

[campbmic]

I somewhat disagree with some of the posts ragging on the FZR. From my understanding it was pretty much like a beefed up r6 in the late 80s - 90s. It definitely does have a sports bike feel to it and it definitely is meant to go fast and take corners. About three years ago I bought a 1998 FZR 600 for $1,800 with 7k miles on it. It was my first sportsbike and topped out at indicated 165. I was younger and didn't do too much maintenace besides brake pads, oil, chain, and sprockets but it was very very reliable. Never broke down on me and never had an issue with it.

I am very satisfied with the FZR I had and could keep up with a lot of newer sports bikes. It has geat acceleration and just great pull through all the RPM range. I cut it up trying to make it look cool and put 10k miles on it and sold it about a year ago for $2400! Great bike but got me 12 tickets in a year.

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