So, I'm trying to sell my 1973 Karmann Ghia converrtible project.  I have no space for it anymore and very little time with a baby on the way.  One of the buyers offered up his 1983 Suzuki GR650.  Having read a little about the bike, it doesn't seem bad at all.  He's supposed to be sending pictures.  It seems the GR650 was only made in 1983 and filled a unique niche between sport bike, tourer, and cruiser.    Kind of like Suzuki's answer to the Triumph.

Should I hold out for cash or take the trade?  How much do you think a GR650 would be worth and what should I look out for.

I read an artcile in Cycle World from 1984 that the adjustable rear suspension had some problems as well as the head gasket seals.  Other than that, it seemed to be a pretty reliable bike. 

Thoughts?

a tempter? ive got one of them im tryin to get rid of lol, engine looks damn near idewntical to a gs500 engine 

how much do you think a running example would be worth?  i'm assuming it will need suspension and carb work.  i'm also thinking the tank is shot, or close to shot, and it has some electrical gremlins.

would make a sweet cafe project, though.

I would think that a rag top Ghia is worth much more than a GR.


fyi...the GR650 was only sold in the USA in 83 but in Europe for more years, not sure which ones. The motor is similar to the GS but...it is about 3/4" taller, 5 speed tranny, angled exhaust ports but the GS head should fit (I have not tried fitting one yet but the valve cover is the same). It will bolt in the GS frame but you will not be able to check the valves with the motor installed (cannot remove the valve cover) and a longer exhaust header is needed. I have one which I will be heavily modding for another GS.

thats the thought i had of doing. my tempter is in running condition, but i had bought it with the intention of installing it in a gs frame

before i replaced teh front end

after

the KG needs A LOT of work.  and i made that clear to the buyer.  i'm asking $1100 for it, which would be a $200 loss to me since i titled it in my name and paid all the taxes on it.  it's valued at $3200 in "ok" running condition.

Hell no.Parts are Almost Impossible to find for a GR650.Even if you try to Ebay GR650 parts No one will buy them.I don't have many Parts but what I do have I'm stuck with.

I have seen GR's sell for $300-500 in fair condition and up to $800 in good condition.

I would Ebay the Ghia if you No longer want it you'll be suprised what you might get for it.

oddly enough, i'd buy a car using ebay, but i wouldn't sell one.  the fees are way high.  i want to sell locally to avoid scams and shipping too.  but it's a good thought.

i know it sounds exotic, but i need to sell it and $1100 is a good price.  spread the word!

i'll think about the GR650.  i figured parts would be a bear, but since some of you have one, then i can bum parts off you, right? 

i really want a Duc Monster...maybe i should be patient.

GR is rare and prolly hard to find parts for, but I'll bet, most sheite that breaks on it, you can swap in one off a GS550 or the like.
OTOH, 1200 bucks cash might get you a nice bike (to be named later), from me ...
Cool.
Srinath.

Quote from: baco99 on February 07, 2007, 07:13:48 AM
oddly enough, i'd buy a car using ebay, but i wouldn't sell one.  the fees are way high.  i want to sell locally to avoid scams and shipping too.  but it's a good thought.

i know it sounds exotic, but i need to sell it and $1100 is a good price.  spread the word!

i'll think about the GR650.  i figured parts would be a bear, but since some of you have one, then i can bum parts off you, right? 

i really want a Duc Monster...maybe i should be patient.

The Fees arent that bad.. Its like $40 to list and $40 when it sells.. then you can inturn charge the buyer an $80. Transfer/paper work/ BS Fee 

Actually the Fee's went up Again 1/30. I guess that they weren't getting Rich enough off of me Before. You can Also List it as a parts Car and Conveniently list  T I T L E Hidden Somewhere in the Description and save a Whole bunc of money.Of course you'll still not get as Many Lookers.

some more details on the bike.  garaged, 10k miles, regularly serviced.  no pics yet...