| Author | Message | ||
     Hooper |
I know, this is in the wrong forum, but I thought I'd tap into some of the experience here first... I'm trying to sell a mid-sized 1999 Japanese sportbike on Craig's List. The catch is, it doesn't start. It probably needs a starter, is all...just too many years of neglect (guess which bike caused that). Anyway, I've had many offers for the bike, but one of them stuck with me: he said a non-running bike (especially with winter coming on - what a load of crap...I ride in all weather as long as the roads are good) is worth HALF. Is this right? Okay, full disclosure: it's a Suzuki GSX-F 600 Katana...it was a spur-of-the-moment purchase to get some experience on a sportbike. I put a quick 1600 miles on it and went right for the Uly. Advice? | ||
| Svh |
Depending on the mileage I would say about $1200-1500 non running. Having spent the last 2 months looking at bikes for my cousin and riding a number of Katana's and GS500E/F's I can take a ball park guess and feel confident. There are 2 near me same year with 12k and 15k miles and both wanted around $2000 and both ran and were super clean. Market may be pricier where you are. Just happened to be "researching" that bike recently and thought I would give my .02 | ||
| Hughlysses |
Neil- I think I'd agree with what the one guy said: whatever it's worth non-running, I'd figure it'd be worth 2X that running. If it's something relatively minor like you think, it'll be well worth your while to fix it. With it not running, a potential buyer has no clue what could be wrong with it. He can't hear it run and can't take it for a test ride. He's taking a big gamble if he buys the bike. From what I've seen, major electrical components like that are pretty bullet-proof on Japanese bikes, so my guess is it doesn't seem likely it'd be the starter. I'd check the obvious electrical things (battery, cables, fuses, etc.). It'll probably be easy to find used parts for that bike too. Somebody here may have experience with Katanas and be able to give you better advice. Good luck! | ||
| Jlnance |
I think you'll come out much better if you fix the bike before you sell it. | ||
| Ulynut |
I bought a non-running bike once.....once. | ||
| Prowler |
I would never even think of buying a bike that doesn't at least turn over (unless it was someone I know well)and even then would have to think real hard about it. Usual seller excuses are: "needs a battery" or "starter doesn't work".......translates to "broken rod", "burned piston" or "broke crankshaft"...If you can fix it and get it running it will be worth a LOT more than if it's sitting there static. (Based on past experiences of people I know) | ||
| Hooper |
Believe it or not, I'm getting bites left and right (mostly asking $1k). I had to do the cost-benefit analysis of fixing it up before selling...it's been sitting in front of my house for the last two years without being ridden, all the while me saying I need to get it running and sold. And it hasn't happened yet. It's tempting to use as a tinkering bike, but I'd rather spend my precious free time riding the ones that work. Or maybe I’ll just keep it as a piece of furniture…  | ||
| Froggy |
•••• it has a center stand! I would kill for one on the Buell. My Micron will go squish if I attempt to jack it  | ||
| Cityxslicker |
the motorcycle in the corner of the living room is always the best designer "conversational center" of any well decorated motorheads house. | ||
| Hooper |
When Neil Peart (Rush drummer, GS enthusiast) lost his only child and wife to tragedies, he floundered around for ways to cope. He eventually realized that he was alone in his house and could do whatever he wanted, so he moved his red Ducati into the center of his living room, something so prohibited and incongruous that it helped him a bit. Heck, I just moved that Suzuki up onto my deck (that was fun...) so I'd have a flat place to work on it (no garage or driveway). By the way, I think I'm going to go get it running with the help of a local shop so I can get more for the sale. | ||
| Cityxslicker |
Theres a 2001 Cyclone around with 55k on it that would make good 'furniture'  | ||
| Ourdee |
When I was single I kept my gokart in the dining room and pool table in the living room. At 17 my mom moved out on my stepfather and she let me park my motorcycle in the dining room of the apartment she got. Guess it was the way I was raised. My wife told me I couldn't weld in the kitchen anymore when we bought our own house. Nice lookin' can-a-tuna. | ||
| Blk_uly |
Ourdee WELDING IN THE KITCHEN! LOL  I love it! Needed that 220 plug behind the stove heh.A good use of available resource is a thing to be admired. | ||
| Bartimus |
If you think it's just the starter, you should be able to push start it. Do you live near a small hill? Was the bike starting and running when you parked it? I agree that you should repair it before selling... | ||
| Hooper |
Before I neglected it, it ran just fine, then it just got harder and harder to start. There was a time when I could pop the clutch down the hill on my street. That time is gone - it just won't do it. I found out the hard way when I ran out of hill and had to push the beast back up to my house - a neighbor came out and helped me with the last stretch. My quads were sore for the next couple days, so I'm not doing THAT again. |
