| Author | Message | ||
     Hangontight |
So, rather than spending my normal income on my addiction (the purchasing of motorcycle accessories, motorcycle tools, and mechanic tools in general) I have decided to buy a few motorcycles at cheap prices, fix them up and make a little cash on each one. My first attempt is a '76 Honda CB500T which I picked up on Craigslist for $500. Since purchasing I've replaced the battery, went through the carbs, put a new ignition in, cleaned the spark plugs, rebuilt the front caliper, and polished the chrome. Now, the bike runs good and looks pretty good considering the age (original seat, paint, and everything...no aftermarket parts). So what I'm wondering is; how much is a bike like this worth given the current state of the economy and the time of year? I've got $600 into it and I'm hoping that I didn't spend too much  | ||
| P_squared |
KBB suggested Retail value in my Zip code = $740 for that bike. With the weather turning to spring, folks will come looking for bikes again, especially inexpensive running bikes. You should be fine on selling this 1 for a little profit if you've only got $600 into it. Just my opinion & YMMV. | ||
| Zenfrogmaster |
Did you title it in your name? I've seen a lot of problems when people try to skip that step, and the next owner has to pony up the DMV fees. Not a problem if you transfer ownership, just an added cost of doing business. | ||
| Rde48 |
I would list it for $800-$1000 depending on how much you are looking to make. A lot of people look for the runners under $1000. You should be able to make a couple hundred. | ||
| Hangontight |
That's kinda what I figured too...about $800-900 would be reasonable. I really don't put too much stock in kbb values on older bikes because there are so many variables. I guess its a good ballpark if nothing else. I get great satisfaction out of taking a sick bike and doctoring it up into a street worthy (not so much highway worthy) machine  | ||
| Bill0351 |
I have been in the market for an older Honda twin. Here is the "book" value from The "Comprehensive Vintage Motorcycle Price Guide." CB500T 500 Twin (498cc twin) (Parts bike)400 500 800 1,100 1,400 1,800 (Perfect) I'm amazed at how the prices have gone up over the last few years. My last CL350 was complete, titled, and in good running order. I paid $400 for it. I haven't seen even a basket case for for that lately. Good luck. I wish you were closer. I would take a look at it. Bill | ||
| Mr_grumpy |
I've always treated "book" values with great scepticism, anything over a couple of years old is only worth what you can convince someone to pay for it. My general rule of thumb is to take how much I'd be prepared to pay myself & add a bit on for negotiating room. | ||
| Skinstains |
Cafe' that thing and make some money off of it. In case you're not aware of it, Cafe' Racers are the next "choppers". Trust me. Wait 'till you see what the minions will pay for a period Cafe' bike as soon as someone tells then that they're cool. (Message edited by skinstains on March 11, 2009) | ||
| Brettx1 |
This is crazy your 76 was the first bike I ever purchased, it was sitting in my buddy's garage when I decided to purchase it to learn how to ride. Long story short I was naive and didn't realize its potential, bought it for 700 non running and sold it for 400, and have been kicking myself in the pants ever since. I wish you were closer so I could check it out, oh well maybe someday we'll be reunited! | ||
| Swampy |
A guy in the neighborhood cafe'd a 78? 750 Honda out, he had it for sale for $7000, I don't know if he got it but the bike is gone... | ||
| Fast1075 |
Speaking of old school Cafe' bikes...that is why I like my ever so slightly  modified Blast so much...that lil bugger is a hoot to ride. It isnt as fast as my old Honda XL461 stroker, but it handles better and has way more bottom end grunt. (Message edited by fast1075 on March 11, 2009) | ||
| Bill0351 |
"Cafe' that thing and make some money off of it. In case you're not aware of it, Cafe' Racers are the next "choppers". Trust me. Wait 'till you see what the minions will pay for a period Cafe' bike as soon as someone tells then that they're cool." I've already fallen for the trend. I never bought into the high dollar custom chopper thing. (That doesn't include Aaomy's incredible Ironhead.) I don't think they look that fun to ride. Cafe racers just look cool to me. It brings me back to my roots of taking a hammered old bike and getting it back on the road. It's also the perfect motorcycle trend for our current economy. I wonder if Buell could sell a Cafe style Blast, and jump on that trend early. It would be a nice compliment to the XR1200. | ||
| Fast1075 |
Drool, Drool.....a Blast with real (and adjustable) suspension...and XB or better head and cams, and maybe a bit more displacement, or...."half-a-helicon".....I know it sounds stupid to some....but the single defines "Cafe'" to me....ya'll have to pardon me....I'm REAL old school in a lot of ways....in any case, I would be at the dealership....CHECKBOOK IN HAND...ready to buy serial number 0000001. | ||
| Hangontight |
Believe me, the thought crossed my mind to strip it down and make it into a cafe racer...but then I started adding up the cost of 'cafe style parts' and looking at all the time I'd be spending and it is just not convincing me, I'll let someone else do that. A bike like this should appeal to two types: 1.) people who wanna cafe it 2.) people who want to keep is classic (stock). Anyway, I'm waiting on delivery of a few parts i bought on Ebay and then I'm gonna post it on Craigslist. I was going to post it on Ebay until I saw the listing fees....$100 for any motorcycle..are you kidding me? | ||
| Cityxslicker |
"Cafe' that thing and make some money off of it. In case you're not aware of it, Cafe' Racers are the next "choppers". Trust me. Wait 'till you see what the minions will pay for a period Cafe' bike as soon as someone tells then that they're cool. " I have always thought they were cool, there is a honda gb500 that is on my shopping list, only built for two years... evil lil performer, and now that it is 20 years old, I can run it in our local 'vintage' rally. (a 22 mile course through checkpoints with no traffic, cops or supersport bikes) a slow version of the isle of man, but still fun. | ||
| Bill0351 |
I would be careful of bolting on any cafe parts on it. Instead of funding your addiction, it could easily turn into your new drug of choice. | ||
| Danny_h__jesternut |
CB500T was only made two years "75"+"76". I cafe'd out a "75" in '76". Wished I had another. | ||
| Brumbear |
  77 kz 1000 A1 bought it for $700 put a batt, a seat, ties,painted tank quicky not great made clubmans,bar enders went through carbs I love it $1200 into it maybe this spring I'll sell it for $1700.00 and get an old buell and do that up I like the tubers never owned one  original look at purchase | ||
| Fast1075 |
Very nice KZ there Dave...I bet you can get more than $1,700.00 for it...those were some bad machines...and still are (at least for 1/4 mile) if you throw a wheelbarrow full of money at it...I had a 1075cc (hence my fast1075 moniker) that would go mid 8's at 155+...no, not a streetable one...a stock frame conversion dragbike...real old school chassis like the late 70's prostock bikes...it won many street races....on it's own of course...I wouldn't do anything like exceed the speed limit or anything like that on the street The last I heard, it was terrorizing the streets of Columbus Georgia...or maybe the dragstrip... (Message edited by fast1075 on March 12, 2009) | ||
| Brumbear |
awesome the kawi dealer by me has a turbo drag KZ just sitting in the back rotting it is kinda sad | ||
| Tom_b |
I would ask a grand or eleven hundred for the bike and give your self wiggle room. I would give 800.00 for the honda cb today and come get it if you were closer. A good running bike these days can't hardly be had for much less than 900.00, especially a vintage twin. I have bought and sold 8 bikes in the last 3 yrs and only broke even or lost on one. Nice old KZ i would give the 1700.00 in a minute for that bike, (Message edited by tom_b on March 12, 2009) (Message edited by tom_b on March 12, 2009) | ||
| Fast1075 |
A friend of mine last year sold a restored Eddie Lawson replica 1100 for just short of 7K.....it looked absolutely showroom...very tasty bike. | ||
| Brumbear |
see the groovet thread speaking of eddie lawson | ||
| Brumbear |
groovey | ||
| Hangontight |
Sold!! I posted the bike on Craigslist yesterday afternoon and I sold it about 1/2 hour ago. $1000.00 I think it was a fair price for both of us. Now......what to spend the money on......  | ||
| Brumbear |
YOURSELF |
