Might be picking up a CB650SC - exhaust modification question

[abigbadzebra]

Looking to possibly pick up an 85 CB650SC.  I was on this forum not too long ago and wrote standard bikes off due to foot peg locations but I'm possibly going to get creative cause I can't be too picky for the price range I'm looking at.

In any case, the seller sent me a pic of the bike.  It's rough. 



My main question is this:  the pipes are obviously cut.  I'm wondering how this is going to effect the tuning of the bike.  As it sits it doesn't run.  Seller says carb issues.  I've rebuilt a set of 4 carbs, synched them, etc before.  I am wondering though if i will run into issues due to this modification.

As for the rest of the bike.. he's asking $600.  I think that's far too much (and that's based on me rebuilding an 86 Yamaha Radian that was in similar condition).  Actually, his price is $450 + my Xbox 360 :)  I am going to go try and look at it today, the picture quality is poor so hard to tell how much work it needs exactly.  Any thoughts on this?

Thanks,
Kirk

[Tryvelcro]

Side covers are expensive.  So is a stock exhaust.  It's also missing at least the air box boots (see the gap behind the carbs?  That's not supposed to be open).  From that angle it's hard to tell what else is missing in there.  I'm also willing to bet it's going to need tires.

It needs work for sure - I'm not sure what your budget is, but keep in mind the amount of parts & how much they're going to cost to get it running.  

Edit:  I knew something else wasn't right.  It's also missing at least the front right brake (see the hose hanging down?)

[NightHawked]

Without looking too far your investment can double rather quickly, without counting your time. What is the bike worth in running and descent shape and subtract what it needs plus, to justify your offer to the seller.

Yes I would say you will have issues with the exhaust mod. Not that it wouldn't be able to be dealt with, but is still a issue. Were the baffles removed?

[abigbadzebra]

Thanks for the extra sets of eyes.  I'm not sure what he may have that isn't shown.  I was told he did some work to the carbs but I have only talked to the guys wife so far.  I will talk to the guy tonight.  He may have some of these missing parts laying around.  Who knows what he's done to it.. lol.

$600 is way too much.  I have paid too much for a motorcycle that I rebuilt before.. I won't make that mistake again.  $300 if he has the parts is really about my max.  That all depends on how the tank looks inside, shape of the tires (I agree, they will likely have to be replaced.. along with the battery).  Even then, not going to be able to hear it run.  I can usually get a good feel from people.  I can't say for certain I would know if I was being blatantly lied to.. but I have a pretty good BS meter and I'm going into this with low expectations.

If I can get it on the road for less than $1000 total, that's my goal.  Everything else can come later.

Thanks!

[Tryvelcro]

Use the buyer's guide to find as much "wrong" as possible to get the price as low as possible.  It looks like it would be a good project (assuming it's not seized/blown), but it's not going to be on the road in a day or 2.

http://nighthawk-forums.com/index.php/topic,8431.msg120479.html#msg120479


Edit (again):  Those look like junk yard parts markings...

[gammer]

If it were me, I'd purchase that bike as a parts bike only. I'd maybe look at getting a second of the same bike and take 2 bikes and make it into 1 good one. Considering you don't know much about the one in the pic, and how some parts are getting hard to find, if you had two bikes, it might make it easier to get enough parts to make 1 running bike.

[Option13]

What's wrong with the peg position of a standard bike?

Otherwise I'd definitely agree with Tryvelcro - that asking price is way too much, especially if most of those missing parts aren't sitting on the side.

[abigbadzebra]

What's wrong with the peg position of a standard bike?

Not sure if it's my build or just my inflexibility but I'm uncomfortable when I have to move my toes towards my shin.  I need to spend a little more time with a standard bike though.. may just take some getting used to.

I decided not to go see the bike any longer... for a couple different reasons.  Will have to wait for now.

[JB1290]

It's also missing the right side mirror and.the right front turn signal is broken too.

I wouldn't pay more than $250 for that bike. Based on that pic alone, this guy bastardized that bike claiming he was "fixing" it. My guess is, this guys main tool for fixing things is duct tape.

Bottom line is, this bike needs a lot of work to get it back on the road. Unless you have plenty of time and access to all the parts you will need in a timely fashion, don't plan on getting it rideable this summer.

It has potential but, only for the right price and the ability to unf@#k everything this guy did to it.

Maybe he should pay you just to save it. 

[Option13]

What's wrong with the peg position of a standard bike?

Not sure if it's my build or just my inflexibility but I'm uncomfortable when I have to move my toes towards my shin.  I need to spend a little more time with a standard bike though.. may just take some getting used to.

Won't any bike will require that to upshift? I've only ridden two bikes in my life, my Nighthawk, and my dad's SV650, and I can tell you that the Nighthawk has a much shorter shifter throw.

If he won't budge on price, just move on like you said. Everyone thinks their bike is made of gold.

[abigbadzebra]

What's wrong with the peg position of a standard bike?

Not sure if it's my build or just my inflexibility but I'm uncomfortable when I have to move my toes towards my shin.  I need to spend a little more time with a standard bike though.. may just take some getting used to.

Won't any bike will require that to upshift? I've only ridden two bikes in my life, my Nighthawk, and my dad's SV650, and I can tell you that the Nighthawk has a much shorter shifter throw.

If he won't budge on price, just move on like you said. Everyone thinks their bike is made of gold.

Funny, actually, I had an 05 SV-650 and I was very comfy on that bike.  Yes, I still have to upshift but the position of the legs and their position relative to your feet is much different.