Some bikes are rare, others are just unpopular. An unpopular bike fell in my lap yesterday, a '94 CB1000 Big One. Has some damage but could be made roadworthy for $100, "original" for $300.
This bike is rare in that is was only available for 2 years. It was only available for 2 years because it was unpopular. It seems that everyone who currently owns one loves it but, like puppies, motorcycles are easy to love.
Problem is, gas tanks are nowhere to be found; not new, not used, not any. Were I to find the right buyer, I could charge a mint just for the gas tank off this bike (3 dents, no leaks, no rust).
It just seems so sad that I am going to 'harvest' the gas tank and throw what is by all accounts a friendly, reliable, stable, attractive motorcycle in the garbage. Oh, I'll 'harvest' a few other parts that that have value but the 'meat' of the bike (engine, frame, wheels, shocks, carbs, brakes) will become scrap metal. I feel kind of guilty about this, like I am harvesting a mother's kidney so she can pay for baby food.
The Evolutionist side of me says that extinction of every model is inevitable but the Creationist side of me says every bike is precious. Which side of the fence are you on? "Cash-in" or "Ride-on?"
Brett
This bike is rare in that is was only available for 2 years. It was only available for 2 years because it was unpopular. It seems that everyone who currently owns one loves it but, like puppies, motorcycles are easy to love.
Problem is, gas tanks are nowhere to be found; not new, not used, not any. Were I to find the right buyer, I could charge a mint just for the gas tank off this bike (3 dents, no leaks, no rust).
It just seems so sad that I am going to 'harvest' the gas tank and throw what is by all accounts a friendly, reliable, stable, attractive motorcycle in the garbage. Oh, I'll 'harvest' a few other parts that that have value but the 'meat' of the bike (engine, frame, wheels, shocks, carbs, brakes) will become scrap metal. I feel kind of guilty about this, like I am harvesting a mother's kidney so she can pay for baby food.
The Evolutionist side of me says that extinction of every model is inevitable but the Creationist side of me says every bike is precious. Which side of the fence are you on? "Cash-in" or "Ride-on?"
Brett
