Author Topic: This guy is asking $600 for a "clean" cb650 but won't start... (Read 4329 times)

elcid · « **on:** January 29, 2006, 11:42:10 PM »

Is it worth it? Basically I need a good donor bike & all I need is a very good, clean engine. The rest I will just part out. His ad reads "1981 HONDA CB650 complete bike, clean, nds elec work, $600". Now I am going to look at it so i will see how clean it really is. My question is if it doesn't start is it worth $600? It could just need carbs cleaned & new gas OR engine could be seized. So what should I offer? And if engine is bad, is it expensive to have someone rebuild it? I once looked at a cb550 that looked nice in a photo & he was asking $800. I looked at it & it wouldn't start & I saw some minor rust & my "gut" said no way - too much. I don't know what it needs. Then I never heard from him. Months later it turns out a friend purchased it for much less & ended up cleaning carbs, new battery & gas & it started up real good. He took the risk & it paid off. So... should I take the risk? How much do I offer for a non running bike? Also am I better off getting the engine separately? I don't forsee using ANY other parts other than engine for my new bobber I am building. But if I see a engine for a good price, how do I know it runs? Again I guess it is all a risk. Any help would be appreciated.

mrbreeze · « **Reply #1 on:** January 30, 2006, 02:26:20 AM »

Well ya know.....I was just thinking along those same lines a few hours ago. It isn't like you find our old bikes in the local paper or by going down to the local dealership. You find them through ebay or through people BS'n in this site. You don't know who you are getting your merchandise from or what kind of shape it is really in. You may get pictures and a description but without actually seeing,feeling,(might as well go all the way!!!) smelling,hearing,tasting(?)...how do you know what you are getting? I would like to check an engine out as thoroughly as possible before I bought it.I think you are better off dealing with people through this forum that are well known than rolling the dice and buying on ebay.The best scenario with ebay is if the seller is close enough to where you live to go check out what you are buying.

cb650 · « **Reply #2 on:** January 30, 2006, 04:21:31 AM »

See if the engine is seized. If not offer 500 see what he says. If you buy it to part let me know I need a couple items.

Terry

78 k550 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 30, 2006, 07:43:56 AM »

I bought a bike real cheap guy couldnt get it started. Opps bad ground I found had it running within an hour of getting it home. You can ussually tell if someone has torn into it or left it alone. I prob. would go for it.

Paul

csendker · « **Reply #4 on:** January 30, 2006, 12:20:27 PM »

FYI: There's a 650 for sale at a local (Buffalo, NY) repair shop. Asking $750, and needs the alternator rewound (quoted an additional $250 for that). The guy (repair shop dude) said the owner turned down $500. Of course, its been there for a while now. Wasn't really interested, but couldn't resist calling.

elcid · « **Reply #5 on:** January 30, 2006, 12:35:44 PM »

How can I tell if it is seized or not? This mechanic said check the oil. Also whar are some basic steps to try & start it? Should I drain the float bowls? What are some basic things I should know whe I go look at it?

Also is there anything I should know about an 1981 CB650 that would make me stay away from it? IE "those 81 cb650 has (blank) that goes out all the time - they fixed it in 82".

Thanx guys! You guys are like TRUSTED mechanincs in my back pocket...

TwoTired · « **Reply #6 on:** January 30, 2006, 03:21:47 PM »

Quote from: elcid on January 30, 2006, 12:35:44 PM

How can I tell if it is seized or not? This mechanic said check the oil. Also whar are some basic steps to try & start it?

If you can't hook up a fresh battery or jump from a car battery, put it into top gear and rock the bike or push it forward to make the rear wheel turn the engine. Siezed engine will only drag the rear wheel. Stop-Run-Stop switch set to Stop unless you are prepared to jump on and ride, just in case.

If the bike has been sitting for some time, draining and inspecting the carb bowl contents can't possibly hurt. And, it might just avoid sucking up debris into the jets and clogging them. If it has a vacuum fuel shutoff, bypass it or suck on the hose untill the bowls refill.

Cheers,

whoismattclark · « **Reply #7 on:** January 30, 2006, 04:02:55 PM »

Quote from: elcid on January 29, 2006, 11:42:10 PM

Months later it turns out a friend purchased it for much less & ended up cleaning carbs, new battery & gas & it started up real good. He took the risk & it paid off.

Hey Paul, Matt here...

I'm the friend who got the cb550, for $500. Bike pictured on my profile (silver). It was a deal, considering it had some performace upgrades (pods, correct jetting, and EI) and the fact that it only took a new battery and blowing out the carbs to get it up. Plus, he threw in 2 helmets and a kicking battery charger (very serendipitous, because mine had just gotten stolen from my carport). Biggest negative to consider, especially here in CA, in my opinion is title and registration issues. This bike had $300+ in back registration, and I had to get my dad in Texas to help title it there then "sell" it back to me. Saved about $230 in the process, but had to wait 6 weeks for all the paperwork. I've never tried a titling service before, but from what I understand it's basically the same thing. So, yeah. Clear title = big plus. Back fees, lost title = walk away. My 2¢. For CA at least. Bringing in out of state bikes is easier, I think.

Can't he check compression or a seized motor by just kickstarting?

elcid · « **Reply #8 on:** January 30, 2006, 04:04:20 PM »

Yo Matt, it is me Paul! Or as i am called here elcid. Small world.Anyway, I am going to call you now...

dusterdude · « **Reply #9 on:** January 30, 2006, 04:07:25 PM »

matt,you mean california was going to make you pay the 300 dollars in back registration fees?

elcid · « **Reply #10 on:** January 30, 2006, 04:17:16 PM »

yeah when I called local DMV here is CA, they said if there were tickets owed on a bike, the new owner would not have to pay. Or maybe tickets is not same as registration...

TwoTired · « **Reply #11 on:** January 30, 2006, 05:58:18 PM »

Quote from: dusterdude on January 30, 2006, 04:07:25 PM

matt,you mean california was going to make you pay the 300 dollars in back registration fees?

It is not just registration fees, but penalties for not having it registered, up to 160 Percent. There is a registration fee and a weight fee so the effect is 320% just for the penalty, added to the base fees. Then there is the use tax and a filing fee... Fortunately our old bikes don't have to have a smog test every two years. But, you also have to show proof of insurance.

The "considerate legislators" do allow for a PNO (Planned Non Operation). If you know it won't be operated, you can pay them this fee instead and then avoid penalties later. But, If you buy a bike in the CA "system" that hasn't been PNOed for a couple years, you owe the penalties, too.

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d03/vc9554.htm

So, you can be given a bike for free, and CA will still want $300 just to allow you access to "their" streets.

Bob Wessner · « **Reply #12 on:** January 30, 2006, 06:03:08 PM »

Quote

It is not just registration fees, but penalties for not having it registered, up to 160 Percent. There is a registration fee and a weight fee so the effect is 320% just for the penalty, added to the base fees. Then there is the use tax and a filing fee... Fortunately our old bikes don't have to have a smog test every two years. But, you also have to show proof of insurance.

The "considerate legislators" do allow for a PNO (Planned Non Operation). If you know it won't be operated, you can pay them this fee instead and then avoid penalties later. But, If you buy a bike in the CA "system" that hasn't been PNOed for a couple years, you owe the penalties, too.

So this must be how Cal. got to be the Golden State.

GroovieGhoulie · « **Reply #13 on:** January 30, 2006, 06:16:36 PM »

Quote from: whoismattclark on January 30, 2006, 04:02:55 PM

Can't he check compression or a seized motor by just kickstarting?

IIRC, the 650 didn't even have a kickstarter.

That's unthinkable to me; a bike with no kickstarter.

csendker · « **Reply #14 on:** January 30, 2006, 07:01:43 PM »

Man, I thought NY State was bad.....that's criminal.

cb650 · « **Reply #15 on:** January 31, 2006, 03:07:42 AM »

Quote

IIRC, the 650 didn't even have a kickstarter.

That's unthinkable to me; a bike with no kickstarter.

Quote

Thats my biggest #$%* about the 650. Some people have alt. troubls but I never have in the 3 I have. Also the cv carbs are not liked but once you get used to them they are ok.

Terry

elcid · « **Reply #16 on:** January 31, 2006, 11:59:48 AM »

wait, NONE of the 650 have kickstart?! If this is the case then that throws a huge wrench in all of this. I don't want a friggin bike wit no kickstart! My electric starter went out on my cb550 & the kicker is my backup. Is there any real disadvantage of NOT having a kicker? Is there any other engine I can use on my custom that is 650, has a kick & is as reliable & EASY TO FIND PARTS FOR? Damn this blows...

cb650 · « **Reply #17 on:** January 31, 2006, 12:17:12 PM »

The 650 is made off the 550 tooling. Dont think it would be very easy.

Terry

dusterdude · « **Reply #18 on:** January 31, 2006, 05:00:05 PM »

terry,so i guess the 550 doesnt have a kicker either?

KCs76Cafe · « **Reply #19 on:** January 31, 2006, 06:05:53 PM »

The PO of my 750 wanted $450 for it to start with. Got frustrated cause he couldn't get it to start and wanted it out of his yard. Offered him $200 for it and he bit. All it needed was a set of plugs and some TLC. Engine runs good and is covered with finned chrome covers.

I've had people tell me good luck(sarcastically) in making it look good....my wife

co-workers and even here

Got it stripped down and cleaned,Clubmans are going on tomorrow,turn signals and tail lite will be here tomorrow, bar end mirrors will be here Friday along with fresh paint on the tank and sidecovers. Still looking for a seat......haven't committed to one yet. Will take off the exhaust and media blast it, put on a coat of Hi Temp header paint, then reinstall it so I can cure it while taking the first cruise on my "new" $200 not running bike. I might have spent $100 more so far...paint job is free and Clubmans are coming off my H1.

Anyway.........Haggle him down.......you may be getting a diamond in the rough.....and all it needs is something simple.

csendker · « **Reply #20 on:** January 31, 2006, 06:18:25 PM »

Quote

terry,so i guess the 550 doesnt have a kicker either?

Nope, the 550's DO have a kicker.

elcid · « **Reply #21 on:** January 31, 2006, 06:51:41 PM »

Thanx for the info KC. I don't know much about bikes but I am learning more & more from you guys here on how to BUY one. As it turns out, I am not going to look at it as I have decided that I no longer want to use a cb650 engine. the no kicker thing is a deal breaker for me. I know all new bikes have electric start only but I just want to have that back up & since I am buliding a bobber, I want that kicker there for asthetics sake. Also I really think the 4 cylinder bikes will be too wide for the look I am going for. I looked at a XS650 & I really like the look of it. I think it will be perfect. Now I have to haggle this guy because he is asking $800 but it looks like absolute #$%*. spraypainted tank, missing sidecovers, bad seat, black paint chipping off engine... if the engine is good, I will offer $400. I am going for a test drive on Saturday. But I am sad because I will not have a Honda & will miss this board! Where are some good xs650 boards? You guys are lifesavers here!

jotor · « **Reply #22 on:** January 31, 2006, 08:35:48 PM »

IIRC, the 650 didn't even have a kickstarter.

That's unthinkable to me; a bike with no kickstarter.

Quote

Dang, I just realized my car doesn't have a crank.........................................

I've been running the same CB650 since 1983 and it has never failed to start..

Guess I'm just lucky.

Joe

TwoTired · « **Reply #23 on:** January 31, 2006, 09:57:06 PM »

Quote from: jotor on January 31, 2006, 08:35:48 PM

Dang, I just realized my car doesn't have a crank.........................................

I've been running the same CB650 since 1983 and it has never failed to start..

Guess I'm just lucky.

And a bit sarcastic, too.

I remember (more than once

), leaving the dang key switch on my 74 CB550 in the tailight on position instead of off while parking it at work in the morning. Of course, the electric starter didn't work when I was ready to go home. But, each time their was just enough juice to kick start the bike.
Then their was the year I drove the bike with a battery too weak to electric start. Kick started every time.
Then the starter button switch disinegrated. Yep, the kick starter got me home that time, too, where I could fix it in the comfort of my garage.

I'm lucky, too!

Cheers,

dusterdude · « **Reply #24 on:** February 01, 2006, 10:22:39 AM »

tt,you`re durn tootin,it dont take much battery to kick a bike.

News:

Author Topic: This guy is asking $600 for a "clean" cb650 but won't start... (Read 4329 times)

elcid

elcid

whoismattclark

elcid

elcid

elcid

elcid