Whats it worth?

[Garf]

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

[Glacial]

Give us a clue about the country you are in (apart from the fact you use kilometres), as this may affect value.

[Garf]

I'm in the Great lakes area of the US  the bike is in the Southwest.

[bocutter Ed]

... (apart from the fact you use kilometres) ...

53K = 53,000

[subforry]

$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.

[Scott_]

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.

[Chaos]

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. 

[Garf]

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!

[kris]

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!!

[subforry]

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.

[kris]

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.

[Motorhobo]

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.