Author Topic: How important is mileage when buying a vintage CB? (Read 8357 times)

delmar · « **on:** August 08, 2010, 01:29:09 PM »

Ive paid a guy in california $2500 bucks up front and he is going through some light restoration on a 76 cb550, hes gonna do the paint, carbs, cables, pods, test charging systems, change or clean any faulty connections, replace the drive chain and sprockets, bleed breaks and replace any pads or shoes and last but not least tires.

The bike is a 76 cb550 with 28,000 miles. He says as long as it idles low, and the compression is good, mileage doesnt matter. I will be paying this guy nearly 4 grand at the end of this for the bike.

My plan was to have a good working bike to make the learning curve a little easier on me.

Whats your thoughts on this deal? Am i being paranoid about the mileage?

im waiting on him to send me the compression test results.

P.S. im a newb :/

Stev-o · « **Reply #1 on:** August 08, 2010, 01:58:53 PM »

First off, I would NEVER pay upfront for a deal like that.

Secondly, $4K is way too high for a 550 [unless it was in mint cond w/less than 5K mile].

Back to your original question: normally, milage is not the most important thing when buying a vintage bike as there are many factors to consider [original motor? was routine maint performed??]

If I were you, I would ask for a refund.

Good Luck.

Gordon · « **Reply #2 on:** August 08, 2010, 04:39:53 PM »

Quote from: meriggi on August 08, 2010, 01:58:53 PM

First off, I would NEVER pay upfront for a deal like that.

Secondly, $4K is way too high for a 550 [unless it was in mint cond w/less than 5K mile].

Back to your original question: normally, milage is not the most important thing when buying a vintage bike as there are many factors to consider [original motor? was routine maint performed??]

If I were you, I would ask for a refund.

Good Luck.

+1 to all of that.

shizzomynizzo · « **Reply #3 on:** August 08, 2010, 05:11:25 PM »

An original museum piece MIGHT bring that much.
Or a cafe that has been done VERY nicely w/some rare parts.

I've seen mint 550's with under 8k miles asking 3K.

+1 on the asking for a refund!

To answer your original question, these motors have been known to surpass 100k miles with proper maint.

delmar · « **Reply #4 on:** August 08, 2010, 07:07:54 PM »

Rad, thanks guys! Youve been a big help!

MCRider · « **Reply #5 on:** August 08, 2010, 07:46:33 PM »

Quote from: delmar on August 08, 2010, 07:07:54 PM

Rad, thanks guys! Youve been a big help!

Mileage on the engine not so much a big deal if maintenanece kept up. Problem is sitting around is never good. High mileage stored in climate controlled garage in AZ may be better than low mileage is a storage shed in WI. Condensation occurs regardless and may wipe out the inside of a motor.

Also, mileage goes to wheel bearings, swingarm bushings, shockes and fork springs, other running gear. A high mileage cable may be in better shape than a low mileage cable that's been allowed to get rusty inside. It looks pristine but will cause all sorts of "feel" problems. Or a high mileage cable may be ready to break, even though it moves freely.

What you are doing sounds awful risky to me. For $4,000 if you're not getting the satisfaction of doing the work yourself, there are an awful lot of late model 21st century trechnology used bikes out there right now. Low mileage and low age.

But its only money, if thats the bike you want and can pay a pro for the work, swing batter.

Kframe · « **Reply #6 on:** August 08, 2010, 08:56:42 PM »

The above is good info, lack of use is hell on motorcycles.

The worst is when a seller/PO says he never rode much but ran it for ten minutes every month or so for several years.
Just makes for more condensation which is just murder over time.
-K

delmar · « **Reply #7 on:** August 08, 2010, 09:00:17 PM »

Quote from: MCRider on August 08, 2010, 07:46:33 PM

Quote from: delmar on August 08, 2010, 07:07:54 PM
Rad, thanks guys! Youve been a big help!
Mileage on the engine not so much a big deal if maintenanece kept up. Problem is sitting around is never good. High mileage stored in climate controlled garage in AZ may be better than low mileage is a storage shed in WI. Condensation occurs regardless and may wipe out the inside of a motor.

Also, mileage goes to wheel bearings, swingarm bushings, shockes and fork springs, other running gear. A high mileage cable may be in better shape than a low mileage cable that's been allowed to get rusty inside. It looks pristine but will cause all sorts of "feel" problems. Or a high mileage cable may be ready to break, even though it moves freely.

What you are doing sounds awful risky to me. For $4,000 if you're not getting the satisfaction of doing the work yourself, there are an awful lot of late model 21st century trechnology used bikes out there right now. Low mileage and low age.

But its only money, if thats the bike you want and can pay a pro for the work, swing batter.

I just want a decent running bike i can use as my daily, and fix it up as it breaks down. Im really unsure where to begin and what a good bike would be to start with. I thought putting a big chunk of money in there would get me something quality and i could learn with a bit of a handicap having someone help me out at first. But maybe im looking for something too new on a vintage bike? I dont know enough to be buying one of these on my own, and dont know anyone.. or rather dont have any friends who know about these bikes.

Kframe · « **Reply #8 on:** August 08, 2010, 09:09:00 PM »

Well this is a 'vintage' SOHC site, so you're going to get advice/suggestions that are biased toward these bikes and other "standards".

As MC said, $4K can buy a lot of bike, even something from 2000 and newer. Especially given the economy, you can get $6K bikes for $4K.

If you like cruisers, there are many Honda Shadow 750-1100's in that price range, also Yamaha Stars come in 650-1600cc versions.

If you want a "standard" (upright seating, relaxed hand positions, feet below hips) you could look at a Triumph Bonneville from 2001+.

Some people really get a blast out of dual sport motorcycles, often single cylinder in the 400-650cc range.
They're mostly road bikes but can handle gravel roads and dirt trails with aplomb.

Do some exploring on the 'net, plug $4K into ebay or cycletrader and see what pops up and tickles your fancy.

These older SOHC's are a ton of fun, but do require on-going TLC and could frustrate a person that just wants a reliable "fill it and ride it" kind of bike.

-K

754 · « **Reply #9 on:** August 08, 2010, 09:10:24 PM »

Worry more about the kind of miles.. I would take a 750 with 50K "used for mostly touring"..over a 15K "only around town bike"

Kframe · « **Reply #10 on:** August 08, 2010, 09:12:23 PM »

Oh, and if you go with your first plan and pay someone $1500 more to fix up a bike that cost $2500, you don't end up with a $4000 bike, more like a $2000-2500 bike.

-K

Shenanigans · « **Reply #11 on:** August 08, 2010, 09:16:26 PM »

You should be able to find or buy a pristine CB for 3K.

4K cash around PHX during the "winter" months should be able to buy a LOT of bike. Sounds like your looking for something thats a bit more hop on and go. You might want to do a whole lot more research on finding what bike you want before putting down that kind of cash. That way you can figure out exactly what kind of bike you are looking for.

Kframe · « **Reply #12 on:** August 08, 2010, 09:20:15 PM »

Y'know, another option is to just buy a $3K ready-to-go bike of whatever variety you want, and then pick up a $250-$700 CB at some point and pick away at getting it going.

That way you can have your reliable daily-runner and also satisfy your desire to learn about bikes and tinker.

More bikes=better, right?

-K

kck3 · « **Reply #13 on:** August 08, 2010, 09:37:58 PM »

What's the name of the guy or shop doing the resto? A member on here might know of him/them and let you know about their work. It might be your market, but around here $2500 gets you into a pretty decent bike that doesn't need $1500 more of work. Just be careful, hope you get a badass bike.

TwoTired · « **Reply #14 on:** August 08, 2010, 11:56:35 PM »

Quote from: shizzomynizzo on August 08, 2010, 05:11:25 PM

To answer your original question, these motors have been known to surpass 100k miles with proper maint.

That's true for the 750 but not the 550. Particularly the early models pre-77 that do not have the rocker shaft wear fix.

Certainly any engine is going to need routine maintenance and care rather than neglect and/or abuse.

Cheers,

Lars · « **Reply #15 on:** August 09, 2010, 12:51:39 AM »

I would not worry too much about the miles. Your total cost will not get you a cheap bike, but the CB 550 is a very goodlooking bike and it handles very well! Easy to ride and power is good. On eBay lots of this model is to find for a nice price. Sometimes ready to run, sometimes a little work needed but still cheaper....

New mufflers on this one and off you go: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1974-Honda-CB-550-CB550-Low-Miles-Ship-/120606677408?pt=US_motorcycles

Lars

Spanner 1 · « **Reply #16 on:** August 09, 2010, 06:38:51 AM »

I think this thread is a joke by the OP.....4k on a 550 with 28,000 miles?, " you out you mind"......

climbingaz · « **Reply #17 on:** August 09, 2010, 10:29:25 AM »

[/quote]

I just want a decent running bike i can use as my daily, and fix it up as it breaks down. Im really unsure where to begin and what a good bike would be to start with. I thought putting a big chunk of money in there would get me something quality and i could learn with a bit of a handicap having someone help me out at first. But maybe im looking for something too new on a vintage bike? I dont know enough to be buying one of these on my own, and dont know anyone.. or rather dont have any friends who know about these bikes.
[/quote]

Hey Delmar,

I'm by no means an expert compared to the guys here on the board, but I'm in Tempe if you want any advice from a local guy. I'm bringing back to life a '78 750k that I bought for $100.

Good luck,

Shawn

delmar · « **Reply #18 on:** August 09, 2010, 08:00:21 PM »

His name is jeremy and he runs vintagehondacb.com

Still figuring it out! >_<

bluezboy · « **Reply #19 on:** August 09, 2010, 08:29:58 PM »

ebay, ebay, ebay! There's where I scored my first bike, a 73' 750 that is in great shape and was easier to learn to ride than i imagined. I paid 2200 for it and will put a little more into it. 4000 is too much for a 55o unless that bike is a show ready bike. Good luck, now go get your money back

pdxPope · « **Reply #20 on:** August 09, 2010, 08:32:30 PM »

Wow. You are a trusting soul, aren't you...

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/mcy/1889884347.html

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/mcy/1889746173.html

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/mcy/1889489506.html

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/mcy/1888856338.html

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/mcy/1888213810.html

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/mcy/1888201002.html

(All from today's Phoenix Craigslist.) Any of these would make a better first bike than a CB550. I would recommend either of the 250 Ninjas as first choice, with the 400 Maxim as 2nd.

-JP

dave500 · « **Reply #21 on:** August 09, 2010, 10:42:34 PM »

i dont get so long as it idles low?ill wind mine right down and its yours for 6k.

delmar · « **Reply #22 on:** August 15, 2010, 07:40:21 PM »

Right? He says he did a simple tune-up and as long as it idles low the compression is good. but he wont give me exact PSI readings.

Grnrngr · « **Reply #23 on:** August 15, 2010, 07:46:27 PM »

FWIW, the Virago I'm currently riding has 16k on it and burns oil, my other Virago with 22+k doesn't...mileage doesn't matter as much as previous care.

delmar · « **Reply #24 on:** August 15, 2010, 08:06:16 PM »

I thought buying a partially restored CB would be the best way for me to learn how to work on these bikes as a newb, but as a newb you can really be taken advantage of. Ive been reading dansmc.com and reading a clymer for a 76 CB550, but maybe this is the wrong way to go about it? I was looking at the faq's and i just dont know how you immerse yourself into the mechanical aspect if youve never really been around it.

Thanks for all the help, guys and gals!

KJ · « **Reply #25 on:** August 15, 2010, 08:33:08 PM »

delmar ... i want to hear your continuing story because i bought my first ... a 750 c5 and am considering someone to help me restore. i want to ride a classic. i already have a kawi c14 and a suzuki bandit 1250 ... these are my "reliables"

Spanner 1 · « **Reply #26 on:** August 15, 2010, 08:38:32 PM »

The other option for 'a newb' would to buy a used sportbike of limited capacity from an established dealer, to minimise the ' taken advantage of' syndrome you have mentioned repeatedly in your posts and seem to be afraid of.... no experience etc., might be a good idea to see if you like motorcycling and it suits your personality and dedication to problem solving generally and specifically around small combustion engines.
That's what I would do.... if I was you

Spanner 1 · « **Reply #27 on:** August 15, 2010, 08:41:18 PM »

.... pranksters... but y'all go ahead.

delmar · « **Reply #28 on:** October 29, 2010, 04:18:48 PM »

I dont know what it is that draws me to these older bikes, but this was my fourth motorcycle purchase. I just cant get into the cruisers or crotch rockets. I was going to buy a 2010 SUZUKI TU250 x, but i thought the 250 engine would just be a tad too small. Its too bad they arent 350s.

but if i were you KJ, id stick with it workin with a manual and dansmc.com course. ive learned a lot and i dont think id of done it any other way. I really wantred a helping hand because i was overwhelmed, but the dude son here and others have been mighty helpful.

few-regrets · « **Reply #29 on:** October 29, 2010, 05:31:48 PM »

Ouch! Problem with 500/550s is that ya get almost all the weight and FAR less grunt. Average 350/4 or 400/4 will smoke it and handle a lot better too. And unless it's "showroom" that's a wee bit too many $. I've known guys that just LOVE 'em though. My oldest friend has one with 88k miles and while it smokes when ya start it, it runs like a scalded ape! My first street bike was K2 750 that I got 36 years ago. Never looked back. Hope it works out for ya.

pdxPope · « **Reply #30 on:** October 29, 2010, 11:32:55 PM »

Quote

Problem with 500/550s is that ya get almost all the weight and FAR less grunt. Average 350/4 or 400/4 will smoke it and handle a lot better too

-JP

Stev-o · « **Reply #31 on:** October 30, 2010, 07:32:11 AM »

Quote from: few-regrets on October 29, 2010, 05:31:48 PM

Ouch! Problem with 500/550s is that ya get almost all the weight and FAR less grunt. Average 350/4 or 400/4 will smoke it and handle a lot better too.

If you're gettin' a 400/550 SOHC for speed or handling, you're in the wrong era!
Guessing you've never riden a Ninja!?!

kck3 · « **Reply #32 on:** October 30, 2010, 11:05:42 AM »

Quote from: delmar on August 09, 2010, 08:00:21 PM

His name is jeremy and he runs vintagehondacb.com

Still figuring it out! >_<

Reason why you dont pay someone to do a bike for you out of state and upfront:

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/aos/2033051410.html

argie69 · « **Reply #33 on:** October 30, 2010, 02:42:26 PM »

Take your time when looking, don't rush...
I was looking for a 74-76 CB550/750 when I saw a 78 CB550 on EBay that looked too good to be true, rode up to NY, strapped it down in the back of my pick up and the rest is history. All original and approx 1800 original miles

I would never buy anything without looking it over first

KingCustomCycles.com · « **Reply #34 on:** October 30, 2010, 02:50:23 PM »

Wow on that craigs list find. I can tell this buyer was honest and sincere and not just going off half cocked on a misunderstanding. It is too bad there are scum even involved in these old bikes. Can't they just stick to real estate and law? wow.

voch · « **Reply #35 on:** October 30, 2010, 06:14:35 PM »

I paid 1600 for a CLEAN 6500 mile 550 with a clean title and NO problems.

should i flip it? lol

Gordon · « **Reply #36 on:** October 30, 2010, 07:55:51 PM »

Quote from: pdxPope on October 29, 2010, 11:32:55 PM

Quote
Problem with 500/550s is that ya get almost all the weight and FAR less grunt. Average 350/4 or 400/4 will smoke it and handle a lot better too

-JP

+1

The average 350F ain't gonna smoke anything!

Don't get me wrong. I love the 350F, but quick is not a word that ever comes to mind when thinking of the typical example.

News:

Author Topic: How important is mileage when buying a vintage CB? (Read 8357 times)

delmar

delmar

delmar

delmar

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delmar

KingCustomCycles.com