Can someone tell me exactly what kind of motorcycle this is

[tkkronic]

I know it's a 1980 honda, but that's about it. This is the only picture I have of it. The guy is selling it for $400 he's 17 and it was his dad's. He has no intention of riding it doesn't even know if it'll start up, but it seems like a good deal. I'm 17 myself and this would be my first motorcycle, I'm really looking forward to it. Is it worth 400?

[Flying Couch]

Looks like a CB650.

Going by appearances, be prepared to spend a lot more than $400 to get it roadworthy again. I'd try to learn a little more about it before committing.

[cmonSTART]

That would probably make a good project if the motor turns over (isn't frozen). I wouldn't expect to just jump on and ride it, though you might get lucky. It may be worth $400 if the motor turns and things aren't too rusted out, but seeing that it's sitting outside you want to be really careful.

[goalie]

Ever heard of a "money pit"?

Right off the bat, what problems are you going to have with the fuel line -- needs new tires probably -- what are the brakes like -- rust is where -- the potential goes on.

My point is that you should alter your strategy to be focusing on a proven, operational bike for the $1000 range. You will find more joy and less headache there.

[z9nine]

I would say it is worth $400, no problem. Is it worth buying as a first bike, possibly, it it worth buying so you can ride it any time soon, no. I would be suprised if you can get it road worthy for less than $700 most likely at least $900. Unless you are in love with that year and make of bike and are wiling to spend the money to get it running you would be better to spend the money on something more atuned to your want to ride and not spend the summer inn the garage.

[Lurch77]

That bike will be a project bike, no doubt. If you hav the skills and tool, and you want something to work on, it's probably worth it. If you are looking to ride soon for not much money, look for something else. You can find many bikes that are already road worthy for only a little more than that. Those old Hondas sell for quite a bit more money than something of the same vintage from, say, Kawasaki or Suzuki. At least in my area. Just a few months ago there was a Kawasaki KZ400 for $500 near me. The bike was a daily rider and looked to be in good, ready to ride shape.

Don't let emotions buy a bike for you. I know it is exciting, but you have to step back and think about what you want and what you are getting into. I have been in your shoes when I was younger, and I wasted a lot of money because I wanted something so bad that I overlooked the whole picture.

[sanford]

Unless your a super good mechanic not sure it is wise to put your life on a used machine... spend the money that goes to restore this on a newer model...that looks like a real money pit.. but if you have no time scheldule what the heck... actually the motor looks pretty clean from picture, but still suggest a running newer model..mainly for the safety aspect not the money, parts may look good but metal fatigue(failure) is not always predictable.

[tkkronic]

i have a year before I can even legally drive it on the road. I can get the funds, I'm going to check it out soon, what exactly should I look for? I can take pictures and post them. I also have a access to a shop for free, my girlfriends dad makes custom bikes for a living, but there way out of my price range, and my cousin has a warehouse made for projects.

[tkkronic]

Also, it was in a shed, he took it out to take the picture

[tkkronic]

Where do you suggest looking? I live in Georgia

Originally Posted by Lurch77

That bike will be a project bike, no doubt. If you hav the skills and tool, and you want something to work on, it's probably worth it. If you are looking to ride soon for not much money, look for something else. You can find many bikes that are already road worthy for only a little more than that. Those old Hondas sell for quite a bit more money than something of the same vintage from, say, Kawasaki or Suzuki. At least in my area. Just a few months ago there was a Kawasaki KZ400 for $500 near me. The bike was a daily rider and looked to be in good, ready to ride shape.

Don't let emotions buy a bike for you. I know it is exciting, but you have to step back and think about what you want and what you are getting into. I have been in your shoes when I was younger, and I wasted a lot of money because I wanted something so bad that I overlooked the whole picture.

[Klrlindy63]

Originally Posted by tkkronic

I know it's a 1980 honda, but that's about it. This is the only picture I have of it. The guy is selling it for $400 he's 17 and it was his dad's. He has no intention of riding it doesn't even know if it'll start up, but it seems like a good deal. I'm 17 myself and this would be my first motorcycle, I'm really looking forward to it. Is it worth 400?

Looks like the CB900, looks like two shift levers, If I am correct that motorcycle had a dual range transmission, kinda like a split rear on a truck. Very cool machine.

[sanford]

Craiglist and kijjiji have lot of bike's listed, but honestly you would be ahead buying maybe a real high milage working bike then an unknown shed bike.. parts or harder to find and probably expensive... but it's your choice of course My brother won a Cadillac in a poker game, it was in our garage for years my dad got it towed to the junk yard. It was one with the big fins and chrome....

[tkkronic]

Does 400 sound like a good deal, looking from the picture?

Originally Posted by Klrlindy63

Looks like the CB900, looks like two shift levers, If I am correct that motorcycle had a dual range transmission, kinda like a split rear on a truck. Very cool machine.

[tkkronic]

So are you recommending craiglist/kijiji or the one that I listed?

Originally Posted by sanford

Craiglist and kijjiji have lot of bike's listed, but honestly you would be ahead buying maybe a real high milage working bike then an unknown shed bike.. parts or harder to find and probably expensive... but it's your choice of course My brother won a Cadillac in a poker game, it was in our garage for years my dad got it towed to the junk yard. It was one with the big fins and chrome....

[Lurch77]

I like Craigslist. But you need to be smart about that too, watch for scams. The good news is that most scammers use late model bikes at very cheap prices to lure in suckers. If you are looking at bikes from the 70s and 80s (all very cool bikes, by the way) you generally won't find that too often.

Another though is your girlfriend's dad. If he builds bikes, he no doubt has some leads on some used bikes. Ask him, can't hurt. Depending how well you know him and how much he likes you, you might even get him to inspect a used bike before you buy it.

[Klrlindy63]

Originally Posted by tkkronic

Does 400 sound like a good deal, looking from the picture?

If the motor is not seized it maybe. I have found from the bikes I have flipped that Honda is one of the easier brands to get old parts for. Dennis Kirk has many, plus if you search the net there are a few boneyards out there that can help.
Problem with a bike like that, you dont know what you are getting until you start to tear it down, if it is CB900 it may be well worth getting into.
That is a pretty unique bike not easy to find, looks real nice when done right.
Take a look on the steering column, all the info you need should be there.
Can you make an offer? I would offer $200 and see..... He might be sick of looking at and part with it.

[sanford]

Originally Posted by Lurch77

I like Craigslist. But you need to be smart about that too, watch for scams. The good news is that most scammers use late model bikes at very cheap prices to lure in suckers. If you are looking at bikes from the 70s and 80s (all very cool bikes, by the way) you generally won't find that too often.

Another though is your girlfriend's dad. If he builds bikes, he no doubt has some leads on some used bikes. Ask him, can't hurt. Depending how well you know him and how much he likes you, you might even get him to inspect a used bike before you buy it.

How is the scam? do they fiddle with the speedometer?? I overpaid for my first bike but knock on wood it was near as new, and the service mechanic said it was well serviced, but did buy on impulse..but was what was looking for a few hundred dollars more take or give...

[Klrlindy63]

I just googled 1980 cb 900, look at the images of the same side of the bike, I am pretty sure I am correct about the model. I have not posted enough here to put in a link. Sorry.

[tkkronic]

it is a cb900, i confirmed it with the seller

Originally Posted by Klrlindy63

If the motor is not seized it maybe. I have found from the bikes I have flipped that Honda is one of the easier brands to get old parts for. Dennis Kirk has many, plus if you search the net there are a few boneyards out there that can help.
Problem with a bike like that, you dont know what you are getting until you start to tear it down, if it is CB900 it may be well worth getting into.
That is a pretty unique bike not easy to find, looks real nice when done right.
Take a look on the steering column, all the info you need should be there.
Can you make an offer? I would offer $200 and see..... He might be sick of looking at and part with it.

[Klrlindy63]

Only make a deal if it has a clear title, getting a title can turn into a full time job depending on where you live! Here in NJ it is near impossible. When I bought my KLR a year ago:
The bike had sat for 10 years, a friend of mine got it running but lost interest, he told me he had a title, 2 owners old. Fortunately for me, the signature wasnt dated. I went to MV, they took the title and pointed out to me that the signature for the lien release was in the wrong place, they would not accept the title. I had to track down the lien holder and the last owner of record, the lien holder was easy the owner of record was not. I finally found him through Facebook and offered him $200 for the first hour of his time and $50 for every hour after (NJ MVC is know for being extremely slow) Fortunately for me the girl recognized me and ushered me to the front of the line, and the former owner was a gentleman and only took $100. Took me two months to clear that title. Be very careful about that.
Do your research on the bike, many of the 80's bikes are coming into demand for builders to turn into cafe racers, check out the show on Velocity TV. I recently sold a 77 cb550, very clean for $800. I bought the bike for $75 with a title, cleaned the carbs and spent many hours polishing her up, found side covers and headlight brackets on E bay. I spent an additional $500 on it including tires. New owner is building a cafe racer out of it.
I wish you the best! I love working on old bikes, they have character.

[Klrlindy63]

Originally Posted by tkkronic

it is a cb900, i confirmed it with the seller

NICE!!! Read up on that bike, had some really cool features including that dual range transmission, I dont think Honda made them for to long, I remember when they came out, it was big news back in the day.
Good luck! Let me know if you pull the trigger. Lots of very knowledgeable people out here in the forums, ask lots of questions and take your time.!

[tkkronic]

Oh i'll definitely be using this if I do buy it

Originally Posted by Klrlindy63

NICE!!! Read up on that bike, had some really cool features including that dual range transmission, I dont think Honda made them for to long, I remember when they came out, it was big news back in the day.
Good luck! Let me know if you pull the trigger. Lots of very knowledgeable people out here in the forums, ask lots of questions and take your time.!

[Dodsfall]

Originally Posted by sanford

How is the scam? do they fiddle with the speedometer??

The most common scam is the "seller" says he is on vacation, business, or otherwise occupied overseas and will ship the motorcycle totally free with a 100% guarantee and return shipping prepaid if the buyer is not absolutely overjoyed with their purchase. The motorcycle is being held by a "legitimate" company like Ebay or Federal Express that will take care of getting it to the buyer right away.

What can go wrong?

The buyer wires money out of the country (in a non-refundable way) thinking they are getting a $10,000 motorcycle for $3000. It's the deal of a lifetime!

Well, sad to say, the motorcycle doesn't really exist. The "seller" pockets the cash and is never heard from again.

Many, many people fall for this every year.

[Gandalf]

Technically speaking, I'd say it's probably worth the money in that you could part it out for more than that if you were patient, but that said, it's more than likely gonna take a lot of time and money to get it running again. Expect to put several hundred into the carbs alone if it's been sitting for a while (unless your gf's dad is willing to help you). My first bike was an 84 kz440 that I bought for $250, tinkered with for a couple months and then sold for $500 without ever getting it running. Was it a good deal financially? Yes. Did I waste two months that I could've been out riding? Also yes.

I'd figure out if your gf's dad helping you is a viable option, if not I'd probably look for something else that's closer to being street-ready.

[crankbait]

My very first nike was a Honda FT500 ascot I paid $500 for, Looked good ran and rode decent when I first looked at it, once I bought it thats when I started noticing things like oil leaks, carb problem, needed a new seat, fork oil and seals, needed tires, brakes and master cyinders both of which were no longer available or the rebuild kits and because of the other issues I wasn't getting into fabbing anything. It also needed a voltage regulator that I picked up at a bike boneyard. It was a great running bike though just not road worthy, so I used it to prick around in the yard for a while.

[LWRider]

I'd buy it if it has a title and good compression, but then again I have a little experience working on old bikes. If you're not handy or like working on mechanical things then maybe not the deal for you.

Cheers,

Mike

[Lurch77]

Originally Posted by Dodsfall

The most common scam is the "seller" says he is on vacation, business, or otherwise occupied overseas and will ship the motorcycle totally free with a 100% guarantee and return shipping prepaid if the buyer is not absolutely overjoyed with their purchase. The motorcycle is being held by a "legitimate" company like Ebay or Federal Express that will take care of getting it to the buyer right away.

What can go wrong?

The buyer wires money out of the country (in a non-refundable way) thinking they are getting a $10,000 motorcycle for $3000. It's the deal of a lifetime!

Well, sad to say, the motorcycle doesn't really exist. The "seller" pockets the cash and is never heard from again.

Many, many people fall for this every year.

Yep, and the kicker is they will steal a real photo of a bike from someone's online photo page or something like that, and claim it is the bike they are trying to sell. Back when I was into ATVing, we found another member of the forum had his profile picture stolen (it was a picture of his ATV, complete with his modifications) and used in a scam eBay auction like this. It was a nearly brand new machine, valued at about $6000. The auction had a buy-it-now for $2500, as the "seller" was a soldier and was going to be deployed soon and needed it gone ASAP. Yeah right.

[sanford]

Well most of these scams have a lot of clue's also to warn us, especially if they want pay-pal info or wire taps etc...I guess was lucky when bought my first bike, the only mistake was paid a few hundred extra by not shopping around..but got what I wanted.. and did not want to haggle

[throttle]

looks like a nighthawk 450 or 750 but what the hell do i know

[Klrlindy63]

I am real curious, what did you decide to do?

[Bede5man]

Tkkronic, the gal next door has a 1981 cb900 that's been sitting for YEARS; her old boyfriend left it.

Looks just like that...same color, etc....need some parts?

[markk53]

Originally Posted by Klrlindy63

Looks like the CB900, looks like two shift levers, If I am correct that motorcycle had a dual range transmission, kinda like a split rear on a truck. Very cool machine.

It is a CB900C Custom. Has the air shocks on the back too. Shaft drive with a dual range on the 5 speed. Kind of a nonsense item, but what the heck.

It's easily worth $400 in ebay parts if nothing else.

[FNA]

"He has no intention of riding it doesn't even know if it'll start up"

It's kind of funny that he doesn't know - I know and so does everybody responding.

If it was his father's bike should have title, but Kirlindy63 is abso right - you have to get title - good title - before any money leaves your hand. W/o good title forget it.

You can't drive it for a year? Offer $200 - if engine can be manually turned over. If he won't sell walk away, by next year you'll have seen something better.

"It's easily worth $400 in ebay parts if nothing else."

So he should invest $400, have to haul it and store it, have to advertise and remove and ship parts and maybe after a couple of years he'll have recouped his money? Boy o boy, if I could get in on that action.

[Flying Couch]

Originally Posted by FNA

If it was his father's bike should have title, but Kirlindy63 is abso right - you have to get title - good title - before any money leaves your hand. W/o good title forget it.

Depends on where he is. Here in Ga, for example, and a few other places in the South you don't need a title for anything more than 25 years old. It adds one more step to the paperwork, but it literally takes 25 minutes.

[Bede5man]

Yeah, that's right; when I lived in GA I bought an old T-Bird...didn't need a title for it. A handwritten bill of sale was good enough.

[Klrlindy63]

Originally Posted by Bede5man

Yeah, that's right; when I lived in GA I bought an old T-Bird...didn't need a title for it. A handwritten bill of sale was good enough.

I live Jersey, you cant wipe your own @ss here without a permit!
When I bought my KLR the two previous owners did not bother to title the bike, the last guy to sign over the title signed in the wrong spot. Took me two months to track him down! Finally resorted to face book and that is how I got to him. Had to pay him $100 for his time in Motor vehicle.
Was real close to parting the bike out!