Topic: How much should I offer for this 76 CB550 Cafe? (Midwest)

[Stev-o]

I second what Cal said about the starter, I can't think of a reason why someone would skip that portion.

I'd bet a little bit of money that the issue is the right control, easy fix.    Offer $1500 on the orange bike, that looks nice

[Bankerdanny]

Two questions jump to mind: why the “rejet” on the carbs with a stock airbox and exhaust? Two, why doesn’t the electric start work if a Reputable Vintage Repair shop just went through it?

It’s a much better bike in its condition, and probably worth $1,500 all day long from a picture,maybe a tad more in person. End of season up your way, use that to your negotiating advantage.

My guess would be that "rejet" = jets replaced when the carbs were done, which tells me the professional that did them didn't know much about old bike carbs and the problems with aftermarket jets.

Still, that looks like an excellent candidate, much better than the first one. If the exhausts are solid then it is worth every bit of $1,900. If they just look pretty in the photo and have major rust damage then $1400-$1500 is more reasonable.

[Little_Phil]

I second what Cal said about the starter, I can't think of a reason why someone would skip that portion.

I'd bet a little bit of money that the issue is the right control, easy fix.    Offer $1500 on the orange bike, that looks nice

Or it could be starter clutch slipping. A more serious problem, but can be fixed without fully stripping the engine. But a tricky job. But also a good negotiating point. But hey, use the kickstart and enjoy for a while.

[my name is nobody]

You'll hunt a long time to find an example like that around here for that price (MO.) Worth It? Depends how bad you want it.
Look at it in person, and have cash in your pocket when you go there. See if the bike is as clean in reality as it is in the pic.
Look at the details. Know what your getting for your money. If it runs as good as it looks, have the asking price in your
wallet, in case the seller won't budge. Don't wait too long...

[ekpent]

 The add is already over 16 days old so if its still available it getting pretty ripe for an offer.

[my name is nobody]

Are the pipes good and the title has no issues? Two important things that definitely affect value.

[itzjoker]

Man, distance is going to be an issue with the orange CB (9hrs away)...and cost of shipping and buying without being able to see it in person is going to be a challenge. The other rebuilt CB550 is only an hour away.  I'll most likely give him a low offer with my concerns, check out the bike, and if it exceeds my expectations I may bite.

I plan on adding Carpy's exhaust to either bike. How difficult would it be to rejet the carbs on the orange CB? Would that something a newbie like me would be able to do with basic tools and a guide?

[calj737]

Carpy’s exhaust likely won’t necessitate a jet change on the Orange bike. The 4:4 exhaust is a highly sought after accessory, so if it’s in very good shape, selling it alone is worth a few hundred dollars.

The first bike you posted is a hodgepodge and not worth 50% of its asking price. Caveat emptor-

[turboed13b]

I dont spend more than 500. I live in Ohio too and have had a ton of 500/550.

[Stev-o]

Man, distance is going to be an issue with the orange CB (9hrs away)...and cost of shipping and buying without being able to see it in person is going to be a challenge.

Why limit yourself to bikes within a short distance?  Whats the challenge?  I've bought plenty of bikes from other states...

[itzjoker]

Orange CB sold quick....who here bought it??? lol

Man, distance is going to be an issue with the orange CB (9hrs away)...and cost of shipping and buying without being able to see it in person is going to be a challenge.

Why limit yourself to bikes within a short distance?  Whats the challenge?  I've bought plenty of bikes from other states...

My budget $2,000:

$1,500 for bike
$500 for maintenance, repairs, etc.

Getting a bike far away is going to cost an extra $300 for shipping...unless I ride it home. Then I'll be looking at a plane ticket and risk it not being as good as it may seem. But if the price is right and the bike is clean/running smooth then I'll gladly pay for the shipping.

[Bankerdanny]

Orange CB sold quick....who here bought it??? lol

Man, distance is going to be an issue with the orange CB (9hrs away)...and cost of shipping and buying without being able to see it in person is going to be a challenge.

Why limit yourself to bikes within a short distance?  Whats the challenge?  I've bought plenty of bikes from other states...

My budget $2,000:

$1,500 for bike
$500 for maintenance, repairs, etc.

Getting a bike far away is going to cost an extra $300 for shipping...unless I ride it home. Then I'll be looking at a plane ticket and risk it not being as good as it may seem. But if the price is right and the bike is clean/running smooth then I'll gladly pay for the shipping.

$500 is not a big budget for repairs on a vintage bike. If you have limited mechanical skills then you can blow through $500 in a snap. $1500 should be more than enough to buy a CB550 that needs little to no work.

[turboed13b]

I get all my barn finds running for less than $500 including tax and title. Unless it is missing a ton of parts it should only be around $300 to be a solid road worthy machine.

-tires
-carb rebuild
-oil
-battery
-plugs and caps

DONE

[seanbarney41]

I get all my barn finds running for less than $500 including tax and title. Unless it is missing a ton of parts it should only be around $300 to be a solid road worthy machine.

-tires
-carb rebuild
-oil
-battery
-plugs and caps

DONE

this post is ridiculous unless you are getting half of that stuff for free or buying the cheapest crap available...tires and a battery are gonna exceed $300...and a $500 bike is still gonna need a chain, most or all cables, steering head bearings, fork seals etc.

[turboed13b]

Excluding forks All of these bikes are running on that budget but what do I know I have only had a couple dozen Hondas.

[seanbarney41]

sweet...but now you have to ride them or it does not really count

You really think I have had any less?

[turboed13b]

Most of them are sold mainly to friends and we still all ride....

[my name is nobody]

Orange CB sold quick....who here bought it??


This is what I was referring to. All too common, at least around here. Smaller CB's really go quick . Sadly, a lot of them get butchered by inexperienced owners with little mechanical ability. CL models REALLY sell quick.

[Stev-o]

Hey Joker...have you seen this one?

https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/mcy/d/1978-honda-cb550/6693797027.html

[przjohn]

Hey Joker...have you seen this one?

https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/mcy/d/1978-honda-cb550/6693797027.html

That’s a bike worth looking at.

[itzjoker]

Hey Joker...have you seen this one?

https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/mcy/d/1978-honda-cb550/6693797027.html

Yup! I've already chatted with the owner. Should I be worried about the low mileage (only 2k)? Which means it sat most of its life. It sounds like its running very well from his video.

[calj737]

Hey Joker...have you seen this one?

https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/mcy/d/1978-honda-cb550/6693797027.html

Yup! I've already chatted with the owner. Should I be worried about the low mileage (only 2k)? Which means it sat most of its life. It sounds like its running very well from his video.

Legitimate question, but no, not really. If its running, thats a very good sign it is rideable and worth the money being asked.

[seanbarney41]

Nick is a great guy, especially to buy from...i have bought stuff from him before and met and ridden with him....top notch sohc4 lover

[Scott S]

Hey Joker...have you seen this one?

https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/mcy/d/1978-honda-cb550/6693797027.html

That’s a bike worth looking at.

 This.

 That is a great looking bike. Looks stock except for the (better looking) lower handle bars.
 I had a '78 once. Extremely comfortable bike. I encourage you to get it and enjoy it as-is. You won't be disappointed.
 If you feel like tinkering, upgrade the tires, shocks, brake pads and lines, etc.

[Bankerdanny]

Nick is a great guy, especially to buy from...i have bought stuff from him before and met and ridden with him....top notch sohc4 lover

I thought that looked like Nick's place.

You can absolutely trust what Nick tells you about the bike. He's an experienced owner that I have met on multiple occasions and I have visited at his home. He knows his stuff when it comes to SOHC4's.