Topic: Hurting the value...what's it worth anyway?

[kurtanton]

Hi,

So, without even thinking about restoring or stock what not, I bought a semi beat up but good running shape 73CB350F AFTER I sought a candidate to turn into a Cafe Racer. It is what it is in the picture now...did I hurt the value of this lil beast by putting on new gauges, bars, mirrors, seat pan, headlight w/ LEDs...custom bits here (basically converting to cafe racer style)? I can only assume the "value" of it went down once I strayed from stock, right? Thoughts?

Funny story, the man from whom I bought it lives up the street from me, I swung by to see if he had any before pictures- I didn't take any, stupid! He didn't, but the funny part is he didn't even recognize his old ride! He liked it a lot and was kinda of impressed I think...I personally also like it WAY better this way, but that is a different sort of value, no? I'm more than happy with it, but what's its fiscal numbers? If I do have to sell, what should I look to get...a range, anyone?

On a side note I may have a line on a Kawasaki H1 or H2 early 70s, late 60s? If I do the same to that would it be sinful in the eyes of the collector? Just chewing on this...ooh, maybe it is a 69 H1R Holy smokes!!!! Muhahaha.

Thanks,
-Kurt

[Gordon]

It's your bike, man.  Do whatever you want.  Monetarily speaking, if the bike wasn't in pristine condition to begin with, you can only increase the value by customizing it as long as you do good, quality work, and don't get too eccentric with it.  One thing specifically about the 350F:  if you have the stock 4-4 pipes, regardless of the condition, hang on to them!!!  They are worth more than the bike itself, but chances are they were replaced long before the bike came to you. 

Nice looking bike, by the way.  If I may make a suggesion, spring for a 4 into 1 exhaust if you can.  That would look sweet!

[eldar]

There is not much value to these bikes really. Certain ones there is of course but that is using the blue book ratings. With old bikes, value is determined more by demand than some official source. If the bike is nice, then someone will pay to get it. I would not pay hardly anything for an earlier model K but I like my 78K and in good shape I might pay up to $1000 cause I really like the style. If this all makes sense.

[seaweb11]

Like the man said ITS YOUR BIKE!
I spent way more on my cafe / restoration than any sane person would ever pay for it.......I think.
It never really crossed my mind, I just new what I wanted to ride.
You build a house thinking of resale value.....NOT a bike.

P.S. The guy I bought mine from lives near by,  I let him take a boot on it when It was finished.
...he came back with a big sh@t  ASS grin on his face and said he had never ridden it that fast before. He loved it!
He just couldn't figure out why he reved it higher than he ever had before!

I know:o

Ride and smile, you have a nice looking ride different than any other bike on the road.
You won't sell it anyway

[chrometank]

I  like the colour,and that seat looks really slick,nice job ! Ive had this bike 20+ years,if i were to sell it i might get $2000-3000. Its worth 100 times more than that to me.I think after all your work you will keep it for a long time too and money just wont come into it
cheers

[eldar]

What chromy said. If you really like, it is worth a lot and what you think about your bike is all that is important. Make it however you want it cause you are not likely to get rid of it and even if you do for some goofy reason, someone else will step up that likes what you did.

Go for it and dont look back.

[Chris Liston]

I think that if your happy with the final result of all your hard work cafe'ing the bike than thats the value for you right there.  BTW, POST some more pics.  Looks great in the little avatar pic.

[Killer Canary]

Definitely pick up the H-1 if you can,but not with any miscoceptions that it can be useful like a CB.
If I rode my triple as much as the Canary the cylinders and pistons would be worn out in one season.
It can sure give me a goofy grin under the bucket, though.

[Uncle Ernie]

I suspect the 350s have the least intrinsic value of the SOHC4s, even in VGC. You probably doubled the value- to a select group of eccentrics. The story of my life; I take on projects, do/have them done like I will be keeping it forever, sink WAAAAYYYYY too much money into them, eventually end up selling them for a big loss.  If my Guzzi was stock, I probably would have sold it by now... The way to make money on customs is by doing the work for someone else.

...but I've learned a few things and had some great experiences along the way. What's that worth?