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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: Raydr on May 22, 2012, 01:29:14 PM

Title: How much should I offer for this bike?
Post by: Raydr on May 22, 2012, 01:29:14 PM
Hey guys!

I blew up the engine in my GS500 (see this thread (http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=60076.0)). I'm slowly looking for a replacement engine, but I just came across this post on Craigslist:

http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/mcy/3027521068.html

I'm thinking I could actually just buy that bike, swap some stuff from my dead bike on to this one, and be back on my way.

My question is: How much should I offer for that bike? I really have no clue what the value of it is.
Title: Re: How much should I offer for this bike?
Post by: Kijona on May 22, 2012, 04:11:55 PM
$2000??? LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :icon_lol: :icon_lol: :icon_lol: Did they accidentally add an extra zero??

That thing isn't even worth $1000.

Needs new tires, fairing's f%&ked, battery is dead...probably needs a chain (people that f%$k bikes up like this are usually bad about simple things like chain maintenance).

I'd offer them no more than $500 and if they don't take it, walk away.

...$2000...gimme a break.
Title: Re: How much should I offer for this bike?
Post by: Soloratov on May 22, 2012, 05:35:54 PM
2K does seem a little high, however, it is an 07. Kijona...did you read the ad?

1. A dead battery is a VERY small issue. Maybe it just sat too long, and didn't have a charger: Not worth ignoring the bike

2. Guy says he has the new tires (that's worth a few hundred right there)

3. HE HAS REPLACEMENT PLASTICS. Unpainted sure, but again, he has all the parts to fix this bike!

4. Don't know how a dropped bike relates to bad maintenance, but there seems to be no reason you can't go look at it.

5. IF, I STRESS IF, you get there, and other than the fairings and some scratches it looks good, then see if it turns over....do you have a charger. or the battery from your bike?

All in all, you owned one already, you know what it should be like. If we are just talking aesthetics...you can fix it with your parts. Honestly I would gladly hand the guy 12-1300 for a good condition NAKED bike. It's an 07....with what I consider low miles.
Title: Re: Re: How much should I offer for this bike?
Post by: ohgood on May 22, 2012, 06:44:25 PM
Quote from: Kijona on May 22, 2012, 04:11:55 PM
$2000??? LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :icon_lol: :icon_lol: :icon_lol: Did they accidentally add an extra zero??

That thing isn't even worth $1000.

Needs new tires, fairing's f%&ked, battery is dead...probably needs a chain (people that f%$k bikes up like this are usually bad about simple things like chain maintenance).

I'd offer them no more than $500 and if they don't take it, walk away.

...$2000...gimme a break.


+1

It will cost you in time and hunting down parts that he/she lost while half assing everything.

If the bike were complete, as an E or F, sure, $1500 with an owner honest about crashing it. Dishonest seller= price drops faster than dollas at the hoe down.
Title: Re: How much should I offer for this bike?
Post by: Kijona on May 22, 2012, 06:55:56 PM
Quote from: Soloratov on May 22, 2012, 05:35:54 PM
2K does seem a little high, however, it is an 07. Kijona...did you read the ad?

1. A dead battery is a VERY small issue. Maybe it just sat too long, and didn't have a charger: Not worth ignoring the bike

2. Guy says he has the new tires (that's worth a few hundred right there)

3. HE HAS REPLACEMENT PLASTICS. Unpainted sure, but again, he has all the parts to fix this bike!

4. Don't know how a dropped bike relates to bad maintenance, but there seems to be no reason you can't go look at it.

5. IF, I STRESS IF, you get there, and other than the fairings and some scratches it looks good, then see if it turns over....do you have a charger. or the battery from your bike?

All in all, you owned one already, you know what it should be like. If we are just talking aesthetics...you can fix it with your parts. Honestly I would gladly hand the guy 12-1300 for a good condition NAKED bike. It's an 07....with what I consider low miles.

No offense man but that's way too much. Think about how much he'd have to pay a shop to repair all that crap...I guarantee it'd be more than $1000. Completely repaired but wrecked before, the bike is probably worth $1500-1800. That bike will never be worth $2000...ever, in my opinion.

As far as tires? So what...you can't ask more because you've got a set of tires that aren't on the bike. All it means is you'll have to take care of it yourself. You have any idea how much a shop charges to put tires on a bike? I promise you it'll probably be more than one of the tires is worth.

Like I said. Figure it'd cost $1000+ easily, even WITH your own parts, to fix it at a shop...how much is your own time and frustration worth? Subtract that from what a GOOD condition bike with no previous history of crashes...which is at MOST $2300 for 5 year old motorcycle that only cost $5k to begin with.

I think $500-600 is what that bike is worth. Unpainted fairings? Might as well have no fairings at all...it means you'll have to paint the rest of the bike to match whatever paint you use unless you get a shop...and again...that's expensive.
Title: Re: How much should I offer for this bike?
Post by: codajastal on May 22, 2012, 07:06:50 PM
Quote from: Kijona on May 22, 2012, 06:55:56 PM
No offense man but that's way too much. Think about how much he'd have to pay a shop to repair all that crap...I guarantee it'd be more than $1000. Completely repaired but wrecked before, the bike is probably worth $1500-1800. That bike will never be worth $2000...ever, in my opinion.

As far as tires? So what...you can't ask more because you've got a set of tires that aren't on the bike. All it means is you'll have to take care of it yourself. You have any idea how much a shop charges to put tires on a bike? I promise you it'll probably be more than one of the tires is worth.

Like I said. Figure it'd cost $1000+ easily, even WITH your own parts, to fix it at a shop...how much is your own time and frustration worth? Subtract that from what a GOOD condition bike with no previous history of crashes...which is at MOST $2300 for 5 year old motorcycle that only cost $5k to begin with.

I think $500-600 is what that bike is worth. Unpainted fairings? Might as well have no fairings at all...it means you'll have to paint the rest of the bike to match whatever paint you use unless you get a shop...and again...that's expensive.

+1 totally agree but I would offer at lease $750-$800
Title: Re: How much should I offer for this bike?
Post by: Kijona on May 22, 2012, 07:21:44 PM
Quote from: codajastal on May 22, 2012, 07:06:50 PM
Quote from: Kijona on May 22, 2012, 06:55:56 PM
No offense man but that's way too much. Think about how much he'd have to pay a shop to repair all that crap...I guarantee it'd be more than $1000. Completely repaired but wrecked before, the bike is probably worth $1500-1800. That bike will never be worth $2000...ever, in my opinion.

As far as tires? So what...you can't ask more because you've got a set of tires that aren't on the bike. All it means is you'll have to take care of it yourself. You have any idea how much a shop charges to put tires on a bike? I promise you it'll probably be more than one of the tires is worth.

Like I said. Figure it'd cost $1000+ easily, even WITH your own parts, to fix it at a shop...how much is your own time and frustration worth? Subtract that from what a GOOD condition bike with no previous history of crashes...which is at MOST $2300 for 5 year old motorcycle that only cost $5k to begin with.

I think $500-600 is what that bike is worth. Unpainted fairings? Might as well have no fairings at all...it means you'll have to paint the rest of the bike to match whatever paint you use unless you get a shop...and again...that's expensive.

+1 totally agree but I would offer at lease $750-$800

I'd pay that if he put a new battery in it and had the tires put on.
Title: Re: How much should I offer for this bike?
Post by: Soloratov on May 22, 2012, 08:29:19 PM
I guess you make a good point. It's hard for me to pass up anything that I can fix for little cost...without a shop. I guess thats really the question in the end, how much can YOU do, and is it worth it to you. I spent 2 weeks hunting carb issues and fixing random things, but to me, it didn't matter because I learned everything there is to know about the bike in the process.

It's never a question of how much is it worth, it's a matter of how much someone will pay for it.
Title: Re: How much should I offer for this bike?
Post by: Kijona on May 22, 2012, 09:07:43 PM
Quote from: Soloratov on May 22, 2012, 08:29:19 PM
I guess you make a good point. It's hard for me to pass up anything that I can fix for little cost...without a shop. I guess thats really the question in the end, how much can YOU do, and is it worth it to you. I spent 2 weeks hunting carb issues and fixing random things, but to me, it didn't matter because I learned everything there is to know about the bike in the process.

It's never a question of how much is it worth, it's a matter of how much someone will pay for it.

Well think of it this way...the guy's being a lazy SOB and doesn't want to deal with it himself. He wants to unload a non-premium bike for a premium price and not have to do anything to it.
Title: Re: How much should I offer for this bike?
Post by: cbrfxr67 on May 23, 2012, 08:56:03 AM
Houston here,...if I was looking at it I'd try 900 and maybe go up to 1000.  'Runs Fine' automatically makes me think something is wrong with it so I'd go over it pretty good.  $2000, the seller is smoking crack.
Title: Re: How much should I offer for this bike?
Post by: Raydr on May 23, 2012, 12:51:13 PM
Wow, great replies. While I was waiting I sent an impulse e-mail offering $1400. How embarrassing. I guess I overvalued it thinking that since the bike is running "fine" and all I need to do is move the battery, fairings, and tires from my bike on to this one, it'd be a good deal.

The guy hasn't replied. I imagine he was insulted by my "low balling".

I understand now that it's worth $750 at the most. I'd be okay going up to $1000 assuming it does run great and I don't need to do much more work than what I listed.

Back to my search for an engine or something else. What concerns me is that so far the engines I've been able to find on eBay are $800+ (including shipping) and would required a couple of days of work. My schedule makes it tough to do the work myself so I'm looking for the easiest+cheaper options.
Title: Re: How much should I offer for this bike?
Post by: pliskin on May 23, 2012, 03:50:06 PM
Wow it's crazy to see how prices flux from area to area. I got my 06 with 4500mi running in like new condition for $1700. There was another 06 F just like it on (York PA) craigslist with about the same milage but had been sitting for a while and had some rust in tank for $1600.

Then I see older GS's  in other parts of the country with more miles with asking prices over 2-3k and 06-09's in the upper 3-4k range. I guess it's supply and demand.

Title: Re: Re: How much should I offer for this bike?
Post by: ohgood on May 23, 2012, 03:58:26 PM
Quote from: pliskin on May 23, 2012, 03:50:06 PM
Wow it's crazy to see how prices flux from area to area. I got my 06 with 4500mi running in like new condition for $1700. There was another 06 F just like it on (York PA) craigslist with about the same milage but had been sitting for a while and had some rust in tank for $1600.

Then I see older GS's  in other parts of the country with more miles with asking prices over 2-3k and 06-09's in the upper 3-4k range. I guess it's supply and demand.

I don't know about supply/demand. If a machine is cared for and maintained, it holds value after the majority of initial depreciation happens.

I bought my 96 for $1800 with 3k miles, and sold it for $1800 with 33k miles. It was in better condition than when I bought it, with new tires, cogs, chain, signals, and as always fresh oil and filter. The difference between a new E and mine was only noticable if the milage was seen.

When a bike is in pieces, uncared for, and in disrepair, there isn't much money being thrown at it. I've seen cbr f4i's go for $1000, as complete bikes, but in booxes. The same machine in good condition with an owner that obviousely cared for it fetches 4 times that, and then some.
Title: Re: How much should I offer for this bike?
Post by: noiseguy on May 23, 2012, 07:17:30 PM
Quote from: Raydr on May 23, 2012, 12:51:13 PM
Wow, great replies. While I was waiting I sent an impulse e-mail offering $1400...The guy hasn't replied. I imagine he was insulted by my "low balling".

Yeah, don't do that. I ignore all emails and texts like that... too many kiddees with cell phones sending stupid offers. I don't negotiate with anyone via text, and rarely via phone, and I don't do it to others.

Why? B/c you're not in a position to make an offer until you're standing there, looking at the thing, with cash in hand and a truck to haul it away. Every other situation is BS. There are just too many variables in play otherwise.

Wait a few weeks, then go see the thing in person, and make your offer.
Title: Re: How much should I offer for this bike?
Post by: Kijona on May 23, 2012, 08:11:36 PM
Quote from: noiseguy on May 23, 2012, 07:17:30 PM
Quote from: Raydr on May 23, 2012, 12:51:13 PM
Wow, great replies. While I was waiting I sent an impulse e-mail offering $1400...The guy hasn't replied. I imagine he was insulted by my "low balling".

Yeah, don't do that. I ignore all emails and texts like that... too many kiddees with cell phones sending stupid offers. I don't negotiate with anyone via text, and rarely via phone, and I don't do it to others.

Why? B/c you're not in a position to make an offer until you're standing there, looking at the thing, with cash in hand and a truck to haul it away. Every other situation is BS. There are just too many variables in play otherwise.

Wait a few weeks, then go see the thing in person, and make your offer.

Yes, agreed...however:

Sometimes you can only offer a certain amount (may be all you have) and if you tell them that up front, then you won't waste your time, or theirs.
Title: Re: How much should I offer for this bike?
Post by: noiseguy on May 24, 2012, 06:55:32 AM
Quote from: Kijona on May 23, 2012, 08:11:36 PM

Yes, agreed...however:

Sometimes you can only offer a certain amount (may be all you have) and if you tell them that up front, then you won't waste your time, or theirs.

I'll do that on a limited basis if I think they are really out of line on the price to set expectations, but that's a phone call, not an email / text. Usually is something like "Based on the condition that you're describing the bike in, I think it's worth more in the ballpark of $500. Here's why... Are you still interested in selling at that price? If so, I'd like to come take a look at it..." Sometimes you can reason with them, sometimes not.

My favorite is "it will be worth what I'm asking with some minor work." Great. Owner can haul it to the MC shop and have that done, then we can have a conversation on the new proposed price. Both parties know how expensive and time consuming that is. I personally don't work for free.
Title: Re: How much should I offer for this bike?
Post by: Kijona on May 26, 2012, 08:26:37 AM
Quote from: noiseguy on May 24, 2012, 06:55:32 AM
Quote from: Kijona on May 23, 2012, 08:11:36 PM

Yes, agreed...however:

Sometimes you can only offer a certain amount (may be all you have) and if you tell them that up front, then you won't waste your time, or theirs.

I'll do that on a limited basis if I think they are really out of line on the price to set expectations, but that's a phone call, not an email / text. Usually is something like "Based on the condition that you're describing the bike in, I think it's worth more in the ballpark of $500. Here's why... Are you still interested in selling at that price? If so, I'd like to come take a look at it..." Sometimes you can reason with them, sometimes not.

My favorite is "it will be worth what I'm asking with some minor work." Great. Owner can haul it to the MC shop and have that done, then we can have a conversation on the new proposed price. Both parties know how expensive and time consuming that is. I personally don't work for free.

I think what I was saying was misunderstood. Let's say you have $2800 to spend but not a penny more. You see a bike you want that's listed at $3500...it would be worth calling them and saying "Hey look, I've got cash in hand but this is all I have...can we do a deal?" rather than showing up with no more than $2800 and the whole thing being a waste of both parties' time.
Title: Re: How much should I offer for this bike?
Post by: Paulcet on May 26, 2012, 12:17:42 PM
Yeah, I see what you mean. I bought mine kinda like that. It was well photographed and documented and I wanted it. But didn't have the asking price in my pocket. Made an offer which was accepted after a small negotiation on the clip-ons and mirrors.
Title: Re: How much should I offer for this bike?
Post by: Raydr on June 12, 2012, 05:08:45 PM
Alright, got a new one for you guys. This guy (http://houston.craigslist.org/mcy/2997012370.html) is asking $650 for an 06 GS500 with a seized cylinder. Is this an opportunity where I can pick up the bike, put this engine on my bike with my existing cylinder head, and have a running bike? How hard is this job?
Title: Re: Re: How much should I offer for this bike?
Post by: ohgood on June 13, 2012, 04:54:28 AM
Quote from: Raydr on June 12, 2012, 05:08:45 PM
Alright, got a new one for you guys. This guy (http://houston.craigslist.org/mcy/2997012370.html) is asking $650 for an 06 GS500 with a seized cylinder. Is this an opportunity where I can pick up the bike, put this engine on my bike with my existing cylinder head, and have a running bike? How hard is this job?

Skip it. Get a good engine
Title: Re: How much should I offer for this bike?
Post by: The Buddha on June 13, 2012, 05:18:31 AM
What garbage is this:

Needs new cylinder head. Can find on ebay for 130.00. Have two sets of carburetors.

One of cylinders seized in cylinder head reason for it being out of commission.

The cylinder mind you, not the piston, has seized in the cylinder head ... yea its seized in the cylilnder head, as opposed to everyone else's bike where it is instead bolted together ...

OK Maybe he means piston seized in the cylinder - which is about the only thing that can "seize" ... and you cant get a cylinder head off ebay ... cos the head isn't the issue at all. In fact I have pulled the head off a seized motor and put it on a bike with a snookered valve a few years ago and has run a few 10000 miles already. As long as the piston didn't hit the valve - rather uncommon on a low stress engine like a GS, the head comes out being essentially un touched.

What is toast is the cylinder - both of em, the piston, and get this, the crank. The rod bearing is most likely bad cos a seized cyl happens in a motor that is running @ a  pretty good clip, that will bang the living daylights out of the rod bearing.

Yea I'm with ohgood, I'd say that bike needs a motor. And no your motor + that one aint going complete the thing either ... unless you only have a bad head.

Cool.
Buddha.
Title: Re: How much should I offer for this bike?
Post by: Raydr on July 18, 2012, 02:47:15 PM
Here I go again. Still searching for a good deal on an engine local to me.

This guy (http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/mcy/3147556543.html) wants $700 for a bike with a "bent exhaust valve". Thoughts?
Title: Re: How much should I offer for this bike?
Post by: Tombstones81 on July 18, 2012, 04:24:08 PM
WAYYYYY too much.

Honestly if you need an engine, I wouldnt take a chance on his word.

and exhaust valve swap Not being an easy task? HAHAHAHAA says who?!
Gimmie a blind fold and point me in the direction! hahaha

if it wasnt the engine you needed, i'd offer no more then like $400.
Title: Re: How much should I offer for this bike?
Post by: jestercinti on July 18, 2012, 06:47:31 PM
Pass.  If they skipped valve maintenance, what else did they skip?
Title: Re: How much should I offer for this bike?
Post by: Raydr on August 23, 2012, 09:34:27 AM
Here's another one!

http://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/mcy/3202806918.html

$800 for a 95 model. A few minutes of research tells me that it shouldn't be a big deal to put this engine on my bike. Any thoughts on this?
Title: Re: How much should I offer for this bike?
Post by: Formori on August 23, 2012, 09:49:39 AM
I have no idea about the condition of the engine, but the bike looks clean and decently maintained from those pictures. But does the PO know that he's missing the entire rear fender?!? :nono:

I would talk to the seller and see how the motor runs, if it's good it might be a good fit for you and you'll have some spare parts and some parts to sell, which can recoup some of your cost on the bike. Might be a good deal depending on the engine.
Title: Re: How much should I offer for this bike?
Post by: Raydr on August 23, 2012, 09:50:55 AM
I shot him an e-mail asking about the number of miles on it.
Title: Re: How much should I offer for this bike?
Post by: Raydr on August 28, 2012, 10:39:49 AM
Well, the guy hasn't replied but I did find another interesting one:

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/3224839752.html

2005 with 6K miles, but no title. He'll take $1,500 for it. Assuming it runs well, this could be my engine + misc parts + part-out candidate. The title thing worries me a little, but I figure if I run the VIN by the local PD I can make sure it's not stolen.

Any thoughts?
Title: Re: How much should I offer for this bike?
Post by: The Buddha on August 28, 2012, 10:55:33 AM
Near impossible to get title-less POS'es registered in TX if I recall from my 6 months there.
Cool.
Srinath.
Title: Re: How much should I offer for this bike?
Post by: cbrfxr67 on August 28, 2012, 11:32:30 AM
Buddha said it about right.  I haven't had any luck in dealing with no titles here in Houston.  I'd pass or offer a ridiculous low price.  I'm sure seller is hoping to sell to someone who just doesn't know any better.
If you just want parts, and vin is clear,......I'd still offer a ridiculous low price.  :icon_razz:
Title: Re: How much should I offer for this bike?
Post by: ggg on August 28, 2012, 11:43:00 AM
The going rate for a GS engine in working order is $600-700 on eBay. Getting one seems a better option to me, both in terms of time and money spent, than getting another GS for its engine and parting out the rest.
Title: Re: How much should I offer for this bike?
Post by: Raydr on November 02, 2012, 08:50:04 AM
Alright, so my bike has been sitting for waaayy too long, and I've missed a few events by now. It's making me very sad.

Just found this: http://dallas.craigslist.org/sdf/mcy/3362610004.html

What do you guys think is a reasonable price for this? Looks like the owner will take $850 for it.

From the owner:
"The fairings and the front sub frame that supports the headlights took most of the damage. Also instrument panel was damaged.

Frame, engine, tranny, forks, brake lever, clutch lever, brake disks, rims and rear sub frame all seemed fine (I got the bike running after I wrecked it, stripped it down and test rode it) shift lever was replaced. Tank was dented"
Title: Re: How much should I offer for this bike?
Post by: cbrfxr67 on November 02, 2012, 10:24:59 AM
You really just want the engine right?  You could probably try talking him down lower too,....Looks ok for what you want and if you can get it for what you can afford.