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Motorcycle dilemma - need advice

G

Greyd

Platinum Member
Bike in question. Honda 1981 CM 400.

Bike had been in storage for about two years. Wasn't stored correctly. Gas left in tank. Just had it checked out. Found out gas tank had been treated for leaks (that white "cream" coating had been used." Carbs need to be cleaned. Some electrical problems. Chain needs to be redone (not replaced just adjusted) need new tires and mounting - both have rot. Possible new brake pads and some minor brake work. Approximately $350-400 worth of work.

Ok now on to the dilemma. My friend bought it for around $550 3 years ago. He poured about 300 into it. he's offering to sell it to me for $575. Is it worth it to pay this much or should I shoot for cheaper?

Thanks
 
It depends on how bad you want it and what your financial situation is I guess. By that I mean, would it be worth it (and do you have the money) to buy a little bit better bike instead? Personally, I'd pass. There are plenty of good bikes out there for really good deals. My first bike was a 1979 Suzuki GS400. Ran great, zero rust, no dings, never downed, about as perfect of shape as you could want, and I paid $200 bucks for it. Anyway, I'd keep looking.
 
The Carbs will need to be rebuilt, NOT cleaned. My Shadow was not stored corrct and there was so much varnish that I had to replace all the fuel lines and overhaul both carbs. The tank was fine just needed to be cleaned out. Had to also change the fuel filter, and clean the bike like a champ.

Also do a compresion check on the Cyl's to make sure they are not to bad. It will use some oil so be ready for that.
And you are correct, if the bike sat up more than 18months then it needs tires no matter what they look like.

As for price you have to ask yourself what is it worth to you, not what is it worth to him. After you come up with a hinest and fair price, make him a offer.
 
Originally posted by: Marlin1975
The Carbs will need to be rebuilt, NOT cleaned. My Shadow was not stored corrct and there was so much varnish that I had to replace all the fuel lines and overhaul both carbs. The tank was fine just needed to be cleaned out. Had to also change the fuel filter, and clean the bike like a champ.

Also do a compresion check on the Cyl's to make sure they are not to bad. It will use some oil so be ready for that.
And you are correct, if the bike sat up more than 18months then it needs tires no matter what they look like.

As for price you have to ask yourself what is it worth to you, not what is it worth to him. After you come up with a hinest and fair price, make him a offer.
Click to expand...

Exactly what I think, and as someone else said the repairs are going to be more costly than you estimated. My gut feeling is about 600 to 800 dollars with tires.
 
so you're about to pay 1000 for a 81 bike?

You've got to be crazy.... And 1000 is probably on the low side after you fix everything that you know is wrong to try and get it started... and then after you get it started be ready to drop a lot more $$ to fix whatever that you didn't know was wrong....

I say keep lookin, don't buy it just cus your friend wants to get rid of it... buy a bike that you actually want to own and ride.
 
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