I think I have a unique opportunity here. A guy I work with can't physically ride at this time because of medical issues. He has a GSX1100G and a 500 Interceptor that hasn't run in a number of years. He asked if I would get them running so he can sell them. I told him I might be interested in buying the 500 depending on what he wanted. He said he had planned to put it up for $1500, but take $1200 or $1300. This of course would be after it was back in working condition. He said he would sell it for $700 right now as is, but before I made up my mind, come and get it, try and get it running, and think about it. Seems to me, he will have at least $500 into getting it into that condition with parts and labor.
It was his ex-wife's and is a 1986 with 8674 miles on it. The last registration seems to be 2003, but he said he rode it with expired plates. Still hasn't been ridden or started in 4 years. Minimum it needs carb work, battery, tires, and overall cleaning.
So what is this thing really worth?? I know hawkrider got his for $300, but it seems his was in worse shape. What should I be looking for on this thing?? Did they have the oiling issues fixed in 1986?? Worse case I get it up and running, then give it back and charge him for my time. In the mean time, it is at my house and I can basically check over anything and everything before committing to buy it.
Bought one for a friend a few years ago. Paid $700 for it as well. His was running, had 20-30K on it, and the body wasn't in as good shape as yours. For that low mileage, and if the body is in good nick, I would offer $600 tops.
It's a shame to think about the maintenance it will need, but I think $700 is a fair market price for the current condition. If you want to re-sell it after cleaning it up, try to get it for less. If you want to keep it, give him the $700 and fix it up at your leisure. When you're done, you'll have a very nice condition bike worth more than book value.
Whether you decide to repair it or not, I am interested in it as it sits. Let me know if you wnat to flip it quick for small profit. Probably still interested in it after you get it running.
My son wants it and he works at Leslie pool supply, so he got that going for him. :goofy:
After a good days worth of quality/pro level detailing (I'm talking stripping it down to the frame), you'd see an instant $500+ increase in value of this survivor. And that's before you even tackled the mechanical issues. :warranty: Unfortunately, the drop damage will keep it from being "collector quality".
put a battery in it, and crank it. If it runs, give him the 700, and get the title quick. Are you good with a wrench? The 700 is well worth it if so (assuming you have the time). If I had any time at all I would buy it at 700. Unfortunately, I need to get my PhD, which is due in a few months.
Cheers!
[image: View Post]Jmmymc750, on 13 May 2010 - 09:28 AM, said:
put a battery in it, and crank it. If it runs, give him the 700, and get the title quick. Are you good with a wrench? The 700 is well worth it if so (assuming you have the time). If I had any time at all I would buy it at 700. Unfortunately, I need to get my PhD, which is due in a few months.
Cheers!
I'd say I'm pretty decent with a wrench. I went to school for working on cars (both high school volcational and a B.S. degree in college) and have been working on bikes for 20 years now in my garage. I definately have the tools including a tire changer and balancer, manometer, etc. Working on it doesn't scare me, just the amount of money that would have to be put into it (potentionally).
I doubt it will start without pulling the carbs first though. Smells like there is some fuel in the oil too, so I need to change that before running it.
I have some time now, just don't know for how long. I have 4 classes left for my MBA which I need to finish by next year. Posted Image
[image: View Post]wera803, on 13 May 2010 - 05:52 AM, said:
I know hawkrider got his for $300, but it seems his was in worse shape.
Watch it, buddy! heheh Okay, so mine sat outside for over a year and has about 3 times the mileage. Cosmetically, mine's not great, but she's a pretty good runner. A battery, some oil, and a CDI box ($20 off ebay) and she was running good.
I could sell mine right now as-is for probably $800-1000 but I'm starting to really get into this little bike. I think I'll have a winner after all the painting is done. After that I'm thinking $1500-$1700 if I wanted to sell...but I might not want to sell. Posted Image
I'd verify that it runs or will run without too much trouble. If it runs I'd pay him the $700 for it. even at that price it's still close to a labor of love vs. something you could flip for a couple bucks. it looks to be in pretty good shape and complete so game on and have a ball with it.
Got the carbs just about cleaned out. The tank was full of nasty old gas and rust. The petcock started leaking when I messed with it too. I'll probably try to clean out the tank first, but may end up needing to KREEM'ing it.
Looks like the petcock and strainer are discontinued. Any other sources out there for the petcock or rebuild kit??
[image: View Post]wera803, on 26 May 2010 - 06:45 AM, said:
Got the carbs just about cleaned out. The tank was full of nasty old gas and rust. The petcock started leaking when I messed with it too. I'll probably try to clean out the tank first, but may end up needing to KREEM'ing it.
Looks like the petcock and strainer are discontinued. Any other sources out there for the petcock or rebuild kit??
So have you decided to buy the bike or are you just repairing it for the guy?
[image: View Post]wera803, on 26 May 2010 - 06:45 AM, said:
Got the carbs just about cleaned out. The tank was full of nasty old gas and rust. The petcock started leaking when I messed with it too. I'll probably try to clean out the tank first, but may end up needing to KREEM'ing it.
Looks like the petcock and strainer are discontinued. Any other sources out there for the petcock or rebuild kit??
I have a KREEM kit if you need it. I can bring it to Tally if you want.
[image: View Post]InterFester, on 27 May 2010 - 12:23 PM, said:
[image: View Post]wera803, on 26 May 2010 - 06:45 AM, said:
Got the carbs just about cleaned out. The tank was full of nasty old gas and rust. The petcock started leaking when I messed with it too. I'll probably try to clean out the tank first, but may end up needing to KREEM'ing it.
Looks like the petcock and strainer are discontinued. Any other sources out there for the petcock or rebuild kit??
So have you decided to buy the bike or are you just repairing it for the guy?
I'm going to try and buy it, although I think we need to negotiate the price a little more.
[image: View Post]KPerham, on 27 May 2010 - 12:55 PM, said:
[image: View Post]wera803, on 26 May 2010 - 06:45 AM, said:
Got the carbs just about cleaned out. The tank was full of nasty old gas and rust. The petcock started leaking when I messed with it too. I'll probably try to clean out the tank first, but may end up needing to KREEM'ing it.
Looks like the petcock and strainer are discontinued. Any other sources out there for the petcock or rebuild kit??
I have a KREEM kit if you need it. I can bring it to Tally if you want.
That would be great. If I don't end up using it, I'll give it back or just let me know what I owe you for it.
Is there a particular way to find great deals on nice condition VF500F's? It seems like there are many more '86 models running around out there than '84 or '85. Other than paint, were there any differences in the years? I do remember a recall on some '84 models that had possible crank issues. I'm the typical old guy who wants to relive his youth and the red/black/white '84 paint scheme is dearest to my heart....that and the red seat and forks has not grown on me enough yet but I'm flexible.
I think the 86 had smaller carbs for improved low end torque as well. I think I remember one of my friends had put a set of 85 carbs on his 86 and thought it was the best set up...
So how goes the renovation? You got that thing on the road yet? I bet you have too many bikes in your garage as it is, you should sell it to me, I don't have enough in mine at the moment.
[image: View Post]InterFester, on 26 June 2010 - 02:54 PM, said:
So how goes the renovation? You got that thing on the road yet? I bet you have too many bikes in your garage as it is, you should sell it to me, I don't have enough in mine at the moment.
LOL. Stand in line. I've got 3 others beating down the door wanting it. Actually I was waiting for some parts to come in which I got yesterday. This afternoon I got the carbs finished up and put back on. With a battery out of my GSXR and a temporary fuel supply, it started. Posted Image
Still needs some tweaking, but at least it runs. Next up, spark plugs, oil change, battery, and figure out what to do with the fuel tank. So not exactly on the road yet, but getting closer. Posted Image
Sounds awesome! And Thumbs up on the MBA! Have a blast. I am updating/upgrading my wife's Rebel...in direct sunlight and 95-100 degree heat. She has hard saddlebags and new LED turn signals, a new headlight (that you can really see with at night!), new fork oil, and broke my chain tool last night while pushing the pin through for a new chain...hope you are workin in the shade!
There are a couple VF500s on Craigslist over your way...we may get over that way for a bigger bike for my honey!
Good luck on the re-boot!
Cheers!
End of thread · 26 posts recoveredWayback Machine snapshot 4 Jun 2011