Topic: How much is this 550 worth?

[Zeke]

Hey all:

I have a friend who is sell a CB550.  I think it's a 1976 or 1977?

She's moving, and won't be able to keep it.  She wants 500, which is what was paid for it maybe 3 years ago.

Thing is, it's been outside not running for 2 years here in Santa Cruz, CA.  There's alot of fog and winter rain here. 

Front brake caliper is frozen, there's a short in the ignition (so it doesn't really run right now), and I probably won't be able to test it.  Needs new fork seals.

She claims the pipes are in perfect shape but it's my experience they rust from the inside out.  Tank is scratched but not dented, and the seat had been recovered but not original.

If I was to buy it and find that it's too far gone do you think I could get my money back?

Zeke

[csendker]

Was it running when she paid $500?  If so, the value may be down now that it's not.  I bought a '75 550K this summer in Buffalo.  Asking was, coincidentally $500.  It needed a jump and ran like crap, so I negotiated down to $350.  I got a cover, 2 full-face helmets and a Clymer book with it also. What it really needed was a new battery, basic tune-up, front disc pads and air in the tires.  It's a great runner now.  Of course, everything is cheaper in Buffalo.  However, you can check e-bay for an idea of the going rates, it's tough to find a runner for less than the $500 she's asking.

[Gordon]

I'd wait until it gets closer to the time that she's moving and nobody else has offered her $500 for it.  Then see if she'll take $250 or $300.

[TwoTired]

I have a friend who is sell a CB550. 

Never buy or sell a bike to/from a friend, if you wish to remain friends.

I think it's a 1976 or 1977?

 If it is an F no big deal about the year.  If it's a K, the 77 carbs and pipes are much harder to obtain and work on.

She's moving, and won't be able to keep it.  She wants 500, which is what was paid for it maybe 3 years ago.
Thing is, it's been outside not running for 2 years here in Santa Cruz, CA.  There's alot of fog and winter rain here. 

You haven't seen it yet?

Front brake caliper is frozen, there's a short in the ignition (so it doesn't really run right now), and I probably won't be able to test it.  Needs new fork seals.

She claims the pipes are in perfect shape but it's my experience they rust from the inside out.  Tank is scratched but not dented, and the seat had been recovered but not original.

Tank insides matter, if rusted, then the carbs probably need rebuilding, too.

If I was to buy it and find that it's too far gone do you think I could get my money back?

You could ask her for a money back guarantee...  Unless crushed, they are NEVER to far gone.

If you haven't even seen the bike there is no way to properly assess what the bike or it's parts are worth.  A running cb550 is worth $600-$1500 depending on condition.
Unless you consider your labor free, all the repairs needed subtract from the sale price.  
Shop prices to repair (est).
Front brake-$150
Carb cleaning - $300
Electrical repairs -$100
Battery - $50
Tires- $200-$300
Fork seals - $150-$200
Taxes, registration $75 if now current $300 if not.

Subtract this from what the bike's condition will be when returned to service, and you have what the bike is worth whole.  Your looking at $800 to $1100 in repair shop costs.  Which is why the bike is in it's disheveled state, no doubt.  If you do the work, parts might be in the $200-$400 range.  Add that to the price you are paying and if the bike looks pleasing to you in your mind's eye, go for it.

IMHO, She has devalued the bike with her neglect and should pay for that.

Lastly, find out about title and current registration.  
No title?  Run away.
No current registration?  Find out if the bike was PNO'd.  If not you need $300 to put it back on California streets.

Without seeing the bike and the gloomy picture you paint, I expect it to be worth no more then $200-$300.

If it is all rusted and corroded with water in the gas and oil, flat tires and no current registration.  Walk away or offer to remove it with the bike as payment for your removal service. If there are parts on it that you can obviously sell easily, then maybe $100 if it tugs on you heart strings or if you really want a rescue project.

You could also lo ball bid on the bike.  If she says no, then leave your number.  As moving day approaches, you might get a call.

Good luck!

[Ted Nomura]

Hey all:

I have a friend who is sell a CB550.  I think it's a 1976 or 1977?

She's moving, and won't be able to keep it.  She wants 500, which is what was paid for it maybe 3 years ago.

Thing is, it's been outside not running for 2 years here in Santa Cruz, CA.  There's alot of fog and winter rain here. 

Front brake caliper is frozen, there's a short in the ignition (so it doesn't really run right now), and I probably won't be able to test it.  Needs new fork seals.

She claims the pipes are in perfect shape but it's my experience they rust from the inside out.  Tank is scratched but not dented, and the seat had been recovered but not original.

If I was to buy it and find that it's too far gone do you think I could get my money back?

Zeke

If you could do the work yourself, then $500 is not a bad deal but it's probably worth closer to $400. You can buy most of the non-working parts from eBay but be careful, many ads mis-identifies their parts, whether intentional or not. Pipes rust depending on where the bike is located. My CB750 and CB550 pipes never rust in Las Vegas. You can buy another front brake caliper unit and even a whole fork from ebay cheaper than the labor cost of rebuilding them.