Topic: How much is this cb 550 worth?

[elcid]

Ok I am looking at another cb550 to buy & am wondering what your guys opinions are on what I should pay for it. Here are the details:

It is 1976

Minor rust on wheels, & exhaust (4 into 4), and in tank opening (is ANY rust in tank bad?)

Headlight low beam is burnt out

Headlight on/off switch is aftermarket & separate from controls & broken (headlight still comes on)

Bars are not stock-very high

Front brake master cylinder is shot & needs to be replaced

Seat is not stock & too big (very big sissy bar with padding is on the seat-UGLY!)

And also hasn't been registered since 1981

He said he did a tune up & cleaned the carbs. It started up no problem but I did not ride it. It sounded good. Is there anything else I should be aware of if it was sitting for 20 years?

Overall the bike seems solid (only two owners) but there is the minor rust (maybe inside tank). I can replace the headlight, & master cylinder from my old cb550 junker. I would want the seat replaced & change to a 4 into 1 exhaust. The light switch is no biggie either.

That being said, how much would you say I should pay for this? I apologize that I have no pictures of it. Thanx guys!

[Lumbee]

...go to Ebay...its always a good source for general market pricing.  Next, how much is he asking?  Let him make an offer first...right off I would think anywhere from 300-600 for a runner.

[Tim.]

$200 tops.

[elcid]

he is asking $800!!! the motor looks real clean though. Are you sure $200 tops? Can you explain in detail?

[Lumbee]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=80647&item=4549379628&rd=1

...this one is pretty nice...see what it goes for.  Keep in mind, Ebay is pretty reliable...its the largest market place out there...so what ever a given item is go'n for on Ebay...that is the top of the range...

[Gordon]

The reason posts like this don't get many responses is that the value of something is completely subjective.  It's worth what someone is willing to pay for it, and not a penny more or less.  No one can tell you how much you should spend on something but yourself. 

[Bobby]

Good posts by all.  I always determine a budget when considering purchasing one of these old pieces of iron.  I f you need to replace the exhaust, that's an easy $200 unless you find a used set on eBay or other source, which may go for about that.  You need to replace the seat, I auctioned a stock '78 seat on eBay that went for $95.  If you replace the "high bars", you'll need all new cables.  While the aftermarket switch may be broken, there could also be underlying electrical issues to consider.  While you may be able to treat the tank with a rust inhibiter, any crap present may have found it's way into the carbs.

Also, consider the value of the time you'll spend replacing the front brake, etc.  While the time I spend wrenching my bike is sort of a zen ritual, my time is very valuable.  That being said, how much is that old 550 worth to you?

Good luck

-Bobby