Possible owner

[eki912]

New one here, soon to be owner ( I hope....)

Finalizing the details and trying to negotiate the price to a level I feel OK with, as the bike is not running. Some issues are easily seen , and should be an easy fix. But naturally a bit scared of problems that might be hiding, as it can't be started, or driven.

Still, the bike is a low mileage one and in such a good shape for a 33 year old bike (-79 model) , that it just might be worth the risk... or not !  

Will let You know, how it all turns out.

What is the biggest problem these bikes have, to prevent them from not running. Spark is there, compression OK too.

Personally, I am already past my teen years, being 46... not my first bike either. Fell in love with the old school looks immediately! And I don't personally need the fastest bike, and being shortish, do like smaller & lighter bikes. That take me from A to B with style and ease. I also don't need or want to blast on motorways all day long, really enjoy the smaller roads and slower (safe) speeds when driving, simply just enjoying it .

Enough now for starters. Keeping my fingers crossed now !  

[Bob_Roller]

Welcome to the forum .

If the bike has been sitting for years and was not properly prepared for long term stogage, the carbs are probably the cause for not starting .

[montmil]

Hopefully, the bike has been stored under cover. Water damage can be problematic.

These operational concerns should help you in working the price down to a bargain basement deal. Heck, go buy it. You've come to the right place to get the bike squared away.  [smiley=thumbup.gif]

[Bob_Roller]

Remove the fuel cap and look into the tank, there is a red oxide looking liner that was applied at the factory .

Not uncommon to see a bunch 'o rust in a long stored motorcycle .

I can attest to it, I've had two so far that were so rusted, that all of the fuel taps and lines were clogged .

[eki912]

Decisions decisions....
wife said NOOOOO , well that was not a surprise  
mainly saying why do you want to buy something that doesn't even work or run! And that is a good point.
But I am still tempted, really really tempted. Ofcourse the price already reflects not being operational, price being under 2k. And might ( or might not) go down after some negotiations.
Naturally did ompare the price on several that I saw for sale now elsewhere, and it is lower. As it should be.
But how much risk can one take, even if the price is lower than "normal" market price is ? After all, it is an old bike. With a possibility of multiple and big problems. Or, a simple fix

[eki912]

I should make up my mind today, with a reasonable and fair offer for a not running bike. Not trying to offend the seller by lowballing it big time. Just trying to get it down to a level that I can live with, if it turns out to be a big problem one....

Will keep my fingers crossed.  

Still trying to also figure out where to keep it, and where o fix it ( if it ends in my hands )! But I know, if there is a will there is a way !

[tvrla]

Don't worry about offending the owner with a low-ball offer. The only way to do something like this is to offer what you'd be willing to spend. And you have to be willing to walk if it's not accepted.

When it comes to a bike that isn't running, or running poorly, there's normally a considerable price reduction. Consider shop time and subtract that from the average going price. Seven hundred to a grand isn't at all unheard of, so keep that in mind, but it could be much more to get this one running well. You just don't know.

So if it's only a bit less than a good running example, walk! It's not worth it! You'll be into it much more than one in good shape, and still not have one as nice.

[Matt Chapter]

Still trying to also figure out where to keep it, and where o fix it

Owning a motorcycle seems like a blast.  I can't lie.  It is a blast.  But, if you want your motorcycle to be more than a very large paperweight, you need a place and a plan.  Looks like you're in New York state.. that means you're probably going to want to put it on the shelf over the winters.  That means ideally you'd have a place out of the weather to store it.

Add in whether or not you'd do your own repairs, and you're looking at either a workshop / garage space, or a large amount of money to get it running, potentially.

When my original motor developed a bottom end bearing knock, it ended up costing me about 2,000$ to get the engine swapped.  After the "trivial" expense of a used motor - 300$, and a 3 hour drive to pick it up.  Assuming you can find a mechanic to work on an old motorcycle.  My local beemer shop won't touch mine except for tires and inspections.

In short, try to think about this logically.  Ignoring what you want, are you in a position to successfully complete this project, or would you just be throwing money down the drain?

[eki912]

Good points , all.
Will make an offer I can live with.
And yes, I do live in Manhattan. Which is a big problem.
Luckily a friend of mine promised to help out in storing it over winter.
And he is also willing to help me to make it run.
If it goes ahead, ofcourse.

[eki912]

Sadly , sold ....

I was too slow. Will keep my eyes open for future deals.

[tvrla]

That's one way to gauge market value.

Don't despair - a better one will show up. You'll see.

[eki912]

Yes, I will not cry... as it surely would have been a major task to get it all sorted out here in Manhattan.
Naturally still thinking what if the fix was something really easy, fast and simple...

There is still plenty of time before next summer to find one !

[tvrla]

That's the spirit!

Then again, the way it usually works for me - the first one was the deal, but I didn't know enough to snap it up.

Last year I was watching for a bike for my brother, and it seemed like great deals popped up all the time (and snapped up just as quick). He continually procrastinated and it drove me crazy - when you see a great deal you've gotta jump on it... RIGHT NOW!!!!! So by the time he decided to go for it, they'd be gone.

[Bob_W]

I parked one in the barn about 8 years ago and have decided to get it back on the road. First was the tank-it had to be cleaned by a radiator shop and while it came back clean with leaks soldered, the outside was also clean.
Carb kits, plug wires, maybe a coil. Push rod seals and other seals will be needed.
Add up the cost of parts and assuming you can do the work yourself (and have a place to work on the bike) figure how much you will spend. One little box can have $100.00 and seem to do nothing.
Non-running means unknown condition. Does the transmission need a rebuild? If stored outdoors you can almost bet it does.
Yes it can be done but $2000.00 seems very high for a questionable bike. Check out local Airheads and find out what is floating around.
My free advice is worth almost as much as I charge for it.
Bob