Shopping for a bike. What should I look out for?

[Coyote]

Nice. I had one just like it several years ago. Too bad the Craigs list pictures are so small. What's wrong with the tank? It's only wrong if the bike is not a 76. Here is the 76 I had. I gave $800 for it --- but that was 20 years ago.

[pearljam724]

Your bike has been for sale for a fairly long time. I think the main reason, is the seller was a few to several hundred high in his asking price initially. Which is normal. I've seen it listed on Ebay for the past several months. It is a very clean bike. The tank can easily be repaired and restored for very little money. If I was looking, i'd give 2500 - 3k. Don't be scared off. Just implement what you have learned in investigating it. From here it appears well taken care of. Exhaust, appears to be in very good shape. No rust on rear fender, under the seat. It's also got the original "S" Suzuki mirrors which are in fantastic condition.

[Vintageman]

That gt550 bike is a few hours away from me too. I think this is its second its year for sale... many of the same pics to me. I am confused, back when he said he repainted tank. At first he had only put pin stripes back on one side.

If you are close go check it out.



ConnerVT i bet your are correct. He has a CL450 honda for sale too, same price "fresh barn find", looks like he found it in the botton of a pond.

[pearljam724]

Pond, by the barn, find. Lol ! You're correct Conner. Both the Craigslist and Youtube video show the same contact number.

[Mike546]

He has two tanks. One is off a 380 parts bike I believe that was painted and the one with the dent is the original. The "S" mirrors on the bike are brand new. It's real nice. I already backed out of the deal so I've moved on. Still looking for maybe another 550 or a 68 CB450.

[Coyote]

Those 'S' mirrors are worth around $150 for the pair. Maybe more. They have been obsolete for many years and restorers are always on the prowl for them
380 - 550 tanks are identical from 74 thru 77, so the tank is not an issue. I guess I didn't see the dent.

[vmxwinn]

That is simular asking price to the one I just bought from a forum member here that was posted on my local CL.. Only thing different is that he had just done a complete motor rebuild and the bike had been gone through top to bottom. All original down to the S grips, mirrors, levers etc..

[ConnerVT]

Using the NADA book price as a guideline:



Excellent = Concours / show quality restore
Very Good = Fully restored but not show quality
Good = Nice condition, needs work to be a good rider

In my mind, the engine rebuild would justify a $750 difference between what vmxwinn paid and the fair price for the bike Mike546 looked at.

[Alan H]

NADA is a good description. Double those prices in the UK.
Prices have gone stupid in the last couple of years.

[ConnerVT]

I don't believe that the NADA prices are the end all of bulletproof correctness, but for vintage bikes, they are coming closer to what people are actually paying. There are always folks who over pay, and under sell, so the range of actual prices are much wider than with automobiles.

Hovering over the Excellent, Good, etc. gives a much fuller explanation. I paraphrased what they have, as it isn't easy to cut/paste it from their site.

The UK prices (from what I read here) are certainly much higher. I don't know the number of bikes that Suzuki sold in the UK, vs. sold in the US. Supply and demand. Probably a lot more survivors in the US, given the US likely had more bikes to start with, and much more space to park a 40 year old motorcycle.

The guy who transported my bike (from near Atlanta, Ga, to upstate NY) said he was getting a lot of business from a guy who buys up vintage bikes all over the US, and take them to the shipping docks on the US west coast. Headed for the far east, Australia, and NZ. If it wasn't so difficult to get a bike on the road in the UK, I would think that some would be headed your way. This probably drives up the price for you.

[Mike546]

I don't believe that the NADA prices are the end all of bulletproof correctness, but for vintage bikes, they are coming closer to what people are actually paying. There are always folks who over pay, and under sell, so the range of actual prices are much wider than with automobiles.

Hovering over the Excellent, Good, etc. gives a much fuller explanation. I paraphrased what they have, as it isn't easy to cut/paste it from their site.

The UK prices (from what I read here) are certainly much higher. I don't know the number of bikes that Suzuki sold in the UK, vs. sold in the US. Supply and demand. Probably a lot more survivors in the US, given the US likely had more bikes to start with, and much more space to park a 40 year old motorcycle.

The guy who transported my bike (from near Atlanta, Ga, to upstate NY) said he was getting a lot of business from a guy who buys up vintage bikes all over the US, and take them to the shipping docks on the US west coast. Headed for the far east, Australia, and NZ. If it wasn't so difficult to get a bike on the road in the UK, I would think that some would be headed your way. This probably drives up the price for you.

The guy I was dealing with said he had a guy in the UK that wanted the bike if I didnt take it. He said they are buying all the old 2 strokes they can find. I take it you are in VT, I scour Craigslist everyday but it you see anything you think I might be interested in up this way let me know.

Mike

[ConnerVT]

On Craigslist, there's always some other guy who wants it.

[pearljam724]

" Someone else who wants it", every sellers famous quote. Mike, I think it's a good purchase. But, you have your reasons. I have come across a few of these bikes in very similar condition over the internet. Not quite as clean. For about 2500 on the net. The thing is though. It rarely happens for anyone, to have one of these bikes for sale locally. Any model, any condition, at any price. The internet makes these old bikes seem quit obtainable. Which they are, if you are willing to pay for shipping and the higher asking prices because these bikes are hard to obtain. All street legal 2 strokes are sought after. If you think you'll save money, by settling on one in lesser condition. That's not very likely. Those bikes will most likely need things immediately or sometime soon. Bottom line, as a lot of guys on here can tell you. These bikes aren't cheap. Unless, you get extremely lucky. I think you should buy it. At least go investigate or show up with 2500 cash in hand. If he takes the offer, good deal. If not, walk if you'd like. He may take it, being it's been for sale for quite a while. In my experience, most bikes under 3 grand. Need work and more money.

[Mike546]

Ok I passed on getting the 550. I'm leaving in about an hour to pick up a 1976 GT500. It's two hours away but it looks real nice in the pictures. I'll post up some pictures if everything works out and it back at my house.

Mike

[Mike546]

Passed on the 500 too. I must be too picky.