someone offered to sell me a 1981 550 maxim for $100

[rustydog]

The bike looks like its spent a lot of time outside due to the rust,would probably need to be torn down to the frame and completely rebuilt.The owner hasnt started the bike in a long time.I need to spend some money on my silverado this winter so I have to pass on the maxim.

[Schneiderman]

I'd have taken it, but I have the room and should hopefully have some time this winter to do a little work. Worst case scenario I'd have cleaned it up enough and gotten it running so I could sell it for a little profit later.

Everyone in NY thinks their household garbage is worth $1000 so even a project bike is hard to come by for a good deal.

[Thatch]

If it had a title it was worth it. If it didn't it wasn't.

[Biker Dash]

Here in Maine, you would not need a title for a bike of that age. I would spend a week eating instant ramen if thats what it took to get that bike. yes, it sounds like it needs a lot of work, but, then again, if the frame is ok, then you'd have yourself something that you really could consider making into a nice custom.

I like the Maxims. They are among the few bikes that physically fit me well. That and the Viragos

[David 1]

I think from the state of the economy at this time, I suspect there are many people willing to part with good running bikes at bargain (cash) prices.
So why buy something that needs a whole lot of work?
dc

[Biker Dash]

I think from the state of the economy at this time, I suspect there are many people willing to part with good running bikes at bargain (cash) prices.
So why buy something that needs a whole lot of work?
dc

As a project bike? Something that I could have fun with fixing up to run and to customize it so it's the way that I want it.

[Schneiderman]

I think from the state of the economy at this time, I suspect there are many people willing to part with good running bikes at bargain (cash) prices.
So why buy something that needs a whole lot of work?
dc

Myself and many others have inexplicably observed the opposite, prices on things seem to be going UP. I've been looking at getting a second motorcycle and getting a 67-74 Mopar (hoping for a 71-74 duster) and everybody is asking way more than their stuff is worth. Wrecked, mostly useless bikes for over $2000 and rotted out shells of cars for over $3000. Restorable dusters and darts that should be selling for under $3000 are being advertised at $5000.

It's not that they're selling, I've been looking at the same duster for nearly a year now that the seller won't budge his price on. It's a $3000 car and he wants $5500 for it. He said a year ago it was "priced for quick sale" and "needs it gone ASAP" but I guess that's not the case...

This is New York though, markets vary by area. Part of the reason why I'm moving the hell out of here when I graduate college.