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MOTOBRICK.COM => The MBdotCOM Community Center => Topic started by: Garf on December 10, 2014, 08:42:13 AM

Title: Whats it worth?
Post by: Garf on December 10, 2014, 08:42:13 AM
Newbe to the motobrick forum and I'm looking to pick some brains.
I currently ride a R1200RT (which I would never sell) but have an opportunity to buy a 1987 K75s with 53k on the odo.
The bike is owned by a friend of mine so I'm not concerned that what he tells me about it is true.
Here are the details:

      The bike is original, with both side and top cases.
      Has 53k on the odometer
      Has been in storage for 3 years

I know it will need tires, a new battery, fluids changed, splines lubed and a complete tune up.
Part of the allure of this bike is the fact that it is 2000 miles away and I would like to ride it home.

So, the questions are:

       What else will it take to get this bike road worthy?
       And.....the biggie....What do you think it's worth?

In just the couple of days I've been lurking around this site, I can see I'm in the right place.
Thanks in advance for your input. Looking forward to many more conversations.

Gary
Title: Re: Whats it worth?
Post by: Glacial on December 10, 2014, 09:26:04 AM
Give us a clue about the country you are in (apart from the fact you use kilometres), as this may affect value.
Title: Re: Whats it worth?
Post by: Garf on December 10, 2014, 09:55:57 AM
I'm in the Great lakes area of the US  the bike is in the Southwest.
Title: Re: Whats it worth?
Post by: bocutter Ed on December 10, 2014, 12:30:19 PM
... (apart from the fact you use kilometres) ...

53K = 53,000
Title: Re: Whats it worth?
Post by: subforry on December 10, 2014, 05:49:15 PM
$1500 less $1 for each mile you have to travel to pick it up, so -$500.  Seller pays you $500 to haul it away.
From just looking at ads on Crag's list Los Angeles, prices seem to $1500 to $3500.  I can't imagine paying more than $2000 for '87 with 53k miles.
Unless it has new tires, replacement (rebuild-able) rear shock, I would think $1500 for working mostly clean bike (ok paint, no tears in the seat, ok tires, NO DMV back fees) is fare.
If you pay $800 that leaves plenty of money for the U-Haul to get it home if it dies on you.  After all $800 is more than $1 per CC.

Good luck.
Title: Re: Whats it worth?
Post by: Scott_ on December 10, 2014, 06:03:30 PM
Setting for 3 yrs, I'm willing to go out on a limb and bet that you will have issues with the fuel system, and probably not able to ride it home anyway.
Not saying that it is an absolute, but just saying--- don't be surprised.
Title: Re: Whats it worth?
Post by: Chaos on December 11, 2014, 09:26:43 PM
IF the seller wants top dollar he needs to get it roadworthy first.  Could easily cost $2000 just to do that (tires, rubber bits, battery, possible fuel system and brakes issues)  Then the bike may be worth around $2500.  If it's a non runner $1000 tops. 
Title: Re: Whats it worth?
Post by: Garf on December 12, 2014, 08:18:48 AM
Thanks to all for the responses. I guess this bike isn't worth what I thought.
If I decide to go ahead with it, I'll let you know.
You have probably saved me some major cash!
Title: Re: Whats it worth?
Post by: kris on December 14, 2014, 08:36:33 AM
I'm in Ontario and have connected with some guys who must think they're sitting on a gold mine. One guy wants $4200 for an '87 (about 40,000 miles) some other guy wants about the same. The most reasonable sellers I have connected with are in Quebec. One guy sold a nice looking K75 for $700 since he said it hadn't been on the road for 4-5 years. I thought that was a steal. Good luck. You crack enough nuts and one will open for you.....patience is the hallmark of the shrewd buyer!!
Title: Re: Whats it worth?
Post by: subforry on December 16, 2014, 12:16:42 PM
Keep in mind people on motorcycle forums tend to under value the bikes, myself included.  My guess is that we see the good deals and bargains and know how  much it cost to fix the bike.  $3k is a lot for a 18+ year old bike that does not have collector value yet.  Also the price is falling fast on the K1200's and K1300's can be bought for $10K.  There seems to be a glut of K1600's.  A new Moto Guzzi cost $9k and up.
Title: Re: Whats it worth?
Post by: kris on December 16, 2014, 03:42:39 PM
Interesting you should say that. I've seen some very reasonably price R bikes (RT models) for $5000 and $6000 in my area....usually in the early 2000's or whatever. I just can't get past the bloated look of these bigs with all the bags and plastic. A neighbour has one but, man, they look so un-German. Functional - yes, ugly - yes (imho). That's part of the appeal of the older Beemers.
Title: Re: Whats it worth?
Post by: Motorhobo on December 19, 2014, 04:02:30 PM
Interesting you should say that. I've seen some very reasonably price R bikes (RT models) for $5000 and $6000 in my area....usually in the early 2000's or whatever. I just can't get past the bloated look of these bigs with all the bags and plastic. A neighbour has one but, man, they look so un-German. Functional - yes, ugly - yes (imho). That's part of the appeal of the older Beemers.

Couldn't agree more there. Too many Transformers fans in the BMW Motorrad design department if you ask me. There's nothing like the timeless aesthetic of the K-Bike ... it's amazing how many compliments I get on the looks of it still after 20 years.