Give me your opinion of this bike and how much would you offer?

Its a 83 650 Maxim. Mileage is about 12000, no service work ever done.
Its a nice all original 2nd owner bike and a friend is looking to buy it. I know I'll have to do all the normal "get it back on the road work" like brakes, carb rebuild valve check and all the other stuff.
How much would you offer?
Do you see anything in the pics that alarms you? The pipe fitting crash bar has to go.

https://boone.craigslist.org/mcy/5659055848.html

 

If it starts right up, idles, and pulls through the rev-range, and if the cosmetics are is as good a condition as the photos show, then It's easily a $1200 bike. I'd check the date codes on the tires and brake lines, have prices for replacements on hand (including caliper and MC rebuild kit prices), and offer $900 (but probably be willing to pay more if it rides well).

 

Might also need new back brakes if they are delaminating.

It will need valves checked and possibly adjusted - so you maybe looking at a few valve shims and possibly a new valve cover gasket (you can do the work yourself, trust me, if I can do it, so can you).

Nice looking bike.

 

I am waiting on a reply back, I sent a list of questions.
I really doubt the brake lines have been replaced. Even though it looks good I would plan to invest 500 in parts to make it safe.
He was asking 1500 as is, I was thinking in the 1000 $ range maybe 1200.

Do you see anything in the pics that don't look right? I can look at pics of XJ and XS1100s and find things not right but I have not seen the smaller XJs in such a long time its hard to know what is right or wrong.

 

The "black pipe" engine crash guards are interesting..........

 

Yep. Interesting and resourceful, and heavy. Though not a bad way to go if you don't have a tubing bender or welder.
Other than the case guards, I don't see anything that stands out as being incorrect or bodged.

 

Good looking survivor!
Correct emblems on side covers. Good seat, and exhaust.
No major signs of mischief. (highway pegs removable)
I see nothing that would be a negative for the price.

~Ghost

 

I just heard back from him and he has no idea if or when any scheduled maintenance was done. It does start and run , it is drivable he says. He won't go any lower than 1500$.
What do you think.

 

I think you should write him an offer, with your contact info, and wait.

 

a lot of 1200 to 1500$ boats on that CL, if he wants one he's going to have to come off that 1500.
this one will sell before his
https://charlotte.craigslist.org/mcy/5704973441.html

 

I wouldn't take less than 5000$ for my truck but it's worth maybe 3000$....

 

That's exactly what I am going to do. I offered him 1200 he was not happy

 

Have you seen the bike in person? If he said he has no idea when scheduled maintenance was done and you haven't heard it run or driven it, you can simply run down the list of costs that might be necessary and why it justifies a much lower price than you're offering.

 

It's always nice to get a deal on a bike you get in Craigslist , but how often do you see nice survivors.
Most of what this bike needs you would have to do with most you find and the value of no painting or rechroming or upholstering can be high
All the bikes I have were stock original bikes that in some cases I stepped up and paid well for that originality and over time have seen there value increase.
IMHO bite the bullet and as the other members have stated if it runs and drive well grab it.
Not many left that look that good after 30 + years
And wave 14 Benjamin's at him and he might bite " cash talks"

 

Wave 10 Benjamin's with two more in your pocket.
With the list of pricing for brake rebuild, carb rebuild, Petcock, etc. all typical 30+ year old bike necessities to make it safe and reliable, in your other hand.

 

Around my area.... That condition, WITH good tires, cleaned/synced/balanced carbs, good brakes, valve clearances in spec, ready to pass inspection would have a price of $1200-1300, and probably sell for around $900-$1000

 

Just my opinion, looks good ,rus and drives, but everyone is right about the rebuilds of all the 35 year old seals, brakes, lines and so on and so on.....I'm just finishing up a total restoration of my '85 maxim 700N, rebuilding everything i can instead of buying new or repops and even if you got the bike for free, your going to have almost what the bike is worth into it. So stay strong and stay low on the price and factor in the upgrades or look for another, for the price he wants, they are out there. going to try my 1st pic send of what I started with and if I had time i'd tell you everything that needed serviced after 30+ years. P.S. I paid $700 for my XJ700 !!!!

 

You did your bike some justice, there!! I'm sure some if the visibles are because you're riding it, but I'd suggest cleaning and refinishing the three engine covers on this side--- the road grime on the timing cover and shifter cover take away from the rest of the gorgeous engine, and the fuel stain on the alternator cover make it look like the carbs have throttle shaft seal leaks...

Nice to see another 700 in nice shape

 

Check this.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/mcy/5704283318.html

 

The seller spelled $1100 wrong.

 

Hey hogfiddles, thanks for the support, this bike only got a wash and wax in this pic and maybe a touch up here and there (like the black on the rear fender struts). This is the bike that for the last 2 yrs i have been doing a full restoration and and mods, that is the reason i found this site. started with absolutely no bike repair knowledge (just common wrenching skills), Thanks to all the great advice and info, i am almost done and will be anxious to show her off to the croud here. Every thing from valve adjustment to full carb rebuild, tires, both brakes,calibers,petcock,handlebars with wire harness inside bars, and this week to rebuild m/c. Not to mention the paint and chrome finish on every part, nut and bolt. Hopefully pics coming soon. Thanks again,to you and all that have helped me !

 

Now THAT is why we are here

 

But it includes other unique parts, too--- let's see:

-Broken brake lever

-Invisible mirror

-Black tape overlay on rear signal stem

-I suspect possibly rash on muffler

-Ventilation port on backrest pad

-Chrome de-brightener on carb trim

-extra tank sticker

 

Like the ct90 tank in the back

 

Rare option, that. We have dozens of them in stock.

 

Might be a plumber who owns it....

 

But how would you know how many you have ??? .... Just count the empty bags with a part # on it maybe

 

We gave up on him, he won't come off his 1500 asking. We did find another 650 Maxim in the same condition maybe a little better for 800. We are making arrangements to pick it up.

 

Then he can stay there and wonder why nobody is buying it

 

Meh. He'll find some fool who wants to chop or Bob or cafe it, and they'll let it sit in the rain till it disintegrates. Always someone young, dumb, and full of... ill conceived notions. Mebbe I'll buy it.

 

Smart move mlew, not sure where my post about finding another went but was pretty sure too much for that one and pretty sure others are out there. Have fun with the rebuild, I know i am with mine ( that reminds me, need lots more beer )

 

I found my earlier post ( did'nt look on page 1, duh ) but anyway for hogfiddles, what does drone mean about cleaning my 700 engine, new term to me ?

 

It was a typo--- should have said 'from'.... Went back and corrected it.

Thanks

Dave

 

hogfiddles,ty that's to bad ,i was hoping drone was a secret special cleaner or treatment that i was'nt aware of. Oh well, back to old school rubbing, unless you can tell me about something called "dull shine+ or close to that i saw on a thread along the way ?

 

Wagy, you gotta watch for the sarcasm. Dave is a Wizz of carbs and sarcasm.

 

Nevr-Dull

 

Thanks k-moe, only at bike shops ? never seen it where i go...

 

Amazon has everything.

 

Boat guys like it also

 

Pic of a big can for Matti

 

ty dave, picked up a can today , anxious to give it a try

 

Not sure which way to go with it, Dave. I enjoy both types - tall coldies, and the sir mixalot variety