Topic: Is this crazy pricing? Or are the Z-50s really that collectable?

[Duanob]

I saw these on CL today:

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/mcy/2057562834.html
Honda Z50-1969 - $4500 (Sumner)

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Date: 2010-11-12, 8:27PM PST
Reply to: sale-2rr5m-2057562834@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]

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Honda Z50, 1969. Very rare, original unrestored condition. Runs like new. 612 miles on the odometer. Was at
Ed Kretz and Son motorcycle shop in Monterey Park, CA at one time. Available for $4500. For more questions
please call Duane at 206-972-1359




http://seattle.craigslist.org/oly/mcy/2059857244.html
1968 Honda Z-50 - $3250 (Skagit Valley)

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Date: 2010-11-14, 10:34AM PST
Reply to: sale-yxttm-2059857244@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]

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Very nice original condition-this one is a true survivor.
Was previously owned by a Microsoft employee.
Has had very little us and was well cared for.
Has the original plug wrench under the seat.



And thought WTF? Are people really paying that much for something that probably cost a couple hundred dollars back then? I remember wanting one of these when I was a kid but grew out of that when I hit 10 years old when I hopped on my uncles trail 90. What's the draw? Would anybody here pay that much for these bikes? Crazy man!

[Nikkisixx]

WOW!  There is a basket case with a (ahem) few missing parts for $40 here in Charlotte. 

http://charlotte.craigslist.org/mcy/2046244436.html

[Freaky1]

Much like anything, I don't know that they are worth that much but there are people who will pay it. I had one way back when, I think it was a '74 Z50? I would love to have one today but I'll take the basket case and rebuild it. My neighbors son was in town the other day with his kid and I look outside and the kid is riding a Trail 70 up and down the street, I wonder if Rob would sell it to me??

[Stev-o]

That's crazy pricing. I do see them listed for up to a $1000 though.
No interest for me, just a toy.

[totty]

There's a big scene for them which helps keep the values up. I run a Chinese copy with a mildly tuned 125cc engine.

[754]

 Supply & DEMAND...

[tortelvis]

I saw a pair of "new in the crate" chrome editions on eBay that were bid up to $32K and RESERVE NOT MET!!!

[Duanob]

Supply & DEMAND...

I agree with that but what demand? Why would anybody over the age of 10 really want one and under the age of 10 well, I doubt if they could come up with $3200+. Why would parents pay that much for a toy that will be outgrown shortly? I guess I don't understand the parental thing where they will spend a butt load of dough just to keep their kids happy. I would have a hard time spending that much for myself on a showroom condition CB550K0-2 and never for a CB550K3.

[Damfino]

I think you're overlooking the fact that the demand is coming from the guy's who had them as children and want one now to relive that time in their life. Doesn't justify the price, but then what would you pay for a cherished part of your childhood.  Some of those former children now have disposable incomes, and I'm sure alot of those Z-50s are ending up as display piece's in their rec rooms.  

[bender01]

I saw a pair of "new in the crate" chrome editions on eBay that were bid up to $32K and RESERVE NOT MET!!!

I remember that auction. They are very sought after. I keep my eye out all the time for them. They are over priced restored on someones desk in Atlanta or two days drive from where i live. That one in Charlotte Ill bet is a real gem.

[333]

If I remember correctly, '69 was the first year for that model(and the CT70, or Trail 70).  And what Schmithaus said is so true.  I didn't have one as a kid, but was good friends with a family who got both the Z50 and Trail 70 for Christmas(68?).  15 or so years ago, I was working a Honda parts counter when someone asked for a tack to post a CT70 for sale on the bulletin board.  I told him no, took the card, got permission from the wife, and bought it the next day.  A Red '69 Trail 70.  Still have it.

[MCRider]

I think you're overlooking the fact that the demand is coming from the guy's who had them as children and want one now to relive that time in their life. Doesn't justify the price, but then what would you pay for a cherished part of your childhood.  Some of those former children now have disposable incomes, and I'm sure alot of those Z-50s are ending up as display piece's in their rec rooms.  

You and Totty have the market correct. There is a scene of rabid racers who build these things and race them around like monkies humping footballs. And price is no object.

Then there is the nostalgia crowd, again price is no object. It has nothing to do with a rational buying decision for a toy for children.

Z-50 are now for crazy adults.

[totty]

Here's a slightly out of date pic of mine

and my girlfriends Chaly - even more out of date - bars, exhaust, engine and carb have all been changed.


The main UK forum is also here http://www.monkeyrun.co.uk/

[fmctm1sw]

I know a guy in New Orleans that loves those bikes but even he admitted to me he tried to sell a package deal on eBay one time of 4 bikes for like $150 and nobody bought them...

[Hondawggie]

There are so many ads for the z50 on Craigslist it reminds me of my aunt.
She was really into ham radio.  I noticed a bunch of crazies would talk from all over the world then send postcards through the international postal services proving they talked to people from around the globe.

Like the freemasons,   or the elks lodge, or whatever.   A small group trading among themselves.

The pricing is 100% crazy.   I'd buy a late-60s, early 70s cb350, cb500/4, cb750, which are collectible too but a bit less eccentric....

However the hot-rodded ones, different story, those are lookin' cool man

[OakBehringer]

I have two CT70's. They're awesome. One I keep stock for fun trail riding, the other I've been slowly turning into a slick low-rider. They're so cheap, easy, and fun to work on. There's huge demand for the Z50s for use as pit bikes and custom rides. Less demand for the CT70s, but if you get the right year and condition, you're looking at a $4k sale on eBay.

Here's my red CT70:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/31047059@N06/4417357093/

I have it plated, insured, street legal. I can fit two in the back of my Cherokee and take 'em anywhere

Here's my two CT70 on the right, buddy popping his rebuilt motor back in his a few weeks ago:



* note the propane heater - Chicago winter sucks. My 70's New Mexico style XS650 is in the background.

Lowrider build:





CL160 build is my main focus right now, however.

Good example of a Z50 custom:



Bottom line is that they are pretty much the funnest builds you can do. Cheaper, easier, more room for fun. I highly recommend them for everyone.

- Adam

[totmotors]

People is turning crazy asking high prices, but there´s always someone willing to pay.
In any case that´s not worth this money, is a mass produced item and you can get a similar new one this days that will provide you with the same fun without this expense of money.

[Nikkisixx]

Nice looking stuff Oakbehringer. 

 I've been looking for a decent CT70 to shine up, but won't come off the asking price I've been seeing in my area ($500 to $800).  Most of them around here are beat to sh!t and missing expen$ive parts (exhaust, seat, carb). 

[OakBehringer]

In any case that´s not worth this money, is a mass produced item and you can get a similar new one this days that will provide you with the same fun without this expense of money.

$4k prices will hook a collector if it's a mint slant guard z50, silver tag ct70, etc - the rare ones. These are often collected. The minis get collected. A lot of people are looking for specific colors and models to add to their collection. Those are often the people willing to pay top dollar. $4k is a hard sell for any of these bikes, but it will be met if you are selling the right scoot.

If you're talking about getting a Lifan or other Chinese knockoff- sure, you can get that, but the quality will not match an OEM Honda. You're not going to be getting the same fun when the motor needs a rebuild. Also, some people just prefer to have quality over crap.

[OakBehringer]

Nice looking stuff Oakbehringer. 

 I've been looking for a decent CT70 to shine up, but won't come off the asking price I've been seeing in my area ($500 to $800).  Most of them around here are beat to sh!t and missing expen$ive parts (exhaust, seat, carb). 

Thanks! My red K1 won "Best Scooter (non-Vespa, non-Lambretta)" at Mods Vs Rockers in Chicago this past summer. It was a big surprise.

$800 should get you a dirty runner not missing any major parts, depending on your region. Hold out for the right one.

You can get really nice aftermarket seats for ~$120 shipped off eBay (they say Honda on them, non-collectors won't be able to tell the difference). Carbs can be found used for about $45, but missing a carb always worries me that the head has been filling with water. The exhaust will be a costlier replacement- the cheap aftermarket ones suck. The originals typically rust through near where the muffler is welded to the pipe- this can easily be sleeved with a 7/8" copper pipe sleeve from Home Depot for a few bucks. I've only seen myself do this, but the repair has held up well on multiple bikes.

You can find just about any part for any of these bikes here:

http://www.dratv.com/

[strynboen]

hey  i have honda cd-50 and yamaha fs1. and puch.the pricing in denmark are dobbelt op in the last 5 years..
3000 $ are normal  you can find an cb 750 for same money..bad for normal peaple vho just vant to find a moped like they have vhen they vere junger..
ve have a club for yamaha and honda mopeds,,and sells mopeds and parts..for frendly presis,,just like  in this forum

[Nikkisixx]

You can find just about any part for any of these bikes here:

http://www.dratv.com/

Good info!  I had looked for a good parts source (to know how deep the hole would be before buying a fixer-upper) and never saw that site.  Thanks man!

[OakBehringer]

Part of the reason it seems so much easier to restore those bikes is all parts on one site, oem and aftermarket. Right now I'm looking for odds and ends 160 parts and it's aggravating after being spoiled by DRATV and MIKESXS, etc for my previous builds.

[Gaither]

Those little bikes are neat!

As a side note - -

The bike mechanic I go occasionally has a really slick little Passport. He put a new 125cc enging/tranny on it - it's a "bolt-on" - and didn't cost much. (They make a slightly larger engine that is a "bolt-on"). The little thing runs 60 - 65mph wide open - for hours at a time.

He and that little bulldog, Baby, ride it everywhere (not in the cold).  It is cute as pie but a great little ride with the 125 on it. In summer, he makes weekend runs with the "big dogs" who frequent his shop. Sure, they could outrun him. But, they usually only run about 55 - 60.

[Brown Bomber]

Here's one for $1850;
http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/mcy/2137802781.html

I guess if you really have to have it