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My 85 is back with the best look to date....

Discussion in 'XJ Modifications' started by AlbuquerqueChoppers, Oct 31, 2008.

  1. schooter

    schooter Active Member

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    hmm, IMo, with the right market you could get 5-7, i think, a steal IMO is 3Kish, but i dont know exactly, im just 17... everyone here is a frugal old man, LOL, and wont spend any more than 2K on an XJ, but it depends on the right market... like im sure if u lived in CALI u could get more, mroe ppl, IDK im just goin on
     
  2. wamaxim

    wamaxim Active Member

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    I think $20 is a fair price! Yeah...... $20 is the top price you should go for. Let's keep this sale just between the 2 of us. No need to let anyone else know about the deal!!!!!

    Seriously, it is certainly a head turner, everything about it seems just right except for the seat. I too seldom pass up the buffet but I do like a nice seat(soft, fluffy, and breathes well). Anybody ever use memory foam for padding?

    As for price you have already pointed out your largest obstacle for getting a fair price for your magnum opus. It isn't a big v-twin scabbed together by the Tuttles. Your biggest challenge is going to be to find the right place to advertise/promote your bike. Maybe ebay with a large reserve to test the water? Or maybe a Yamaha dealer would be willing to part with some cash and make up the balance of the sale price with parts and accessories. The dealer would be getting a discount based on his margin. The sad truth is that if you had appliedyour time and talent to a V-twin you would likely make a whole lot more money. Instead, you have created a unique, work of art using a non standard medium. My hat's off to you.

    Good luck and great looking ride!
     
  3. schooter

    schooter Active Member

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    i think memory foam would be horrible for a seat, im not sure why, but it just sinks down... not much "stuff" to reduce vibration... But ya, i mean if you slapped a V twin in that you could get twice as much, even though i like in-line 4's better...... heres the deal, to sell it as a "chopper" or something like that make sure it passes these factors:
    1. It feels awkward to sit in/steer, and the handle bars are goofy and in an unsensible region
    2. It's loud
    3. its weird looking

    So, if it passes those 3 categories, slap an OCC or a jesse james cross on it, and you'll be rolling in the dough
     
  4. MN-Maxims

    MN-Maxims St. Paul Minnesota

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    The market will bear whatever the buyer is willing to pay. You have a very nice custom there. I would think you should get at least 2K for it at least thats a good start. 3K might be too much but you never know. Good luck and hope to see those night pics.
     
  5. Gerrypw

    Gerrypw Member

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    I can only speak for myself and what I can observe...

    I don't have alot of bank. In fact I would wouldn't have my bike now if I didn't buy it 23 yrs ago. I tend to be known as a thirfty person which seems to be the case with most of the folks here. I would never exceed the original cost of the bike but its hard to determine the value without the finished product. It looks too rich for my budget. That's how good it looks. A wild guess 1500 a steal. Greater than 4900 too much. Without hearing it or seeing it finished...I think the only people who will appreciate it are XJ folks and anybody that appreciates a outstanding design. Which way do you intend to go on the paint?

    I rode a Harley Night Rod Special this weekend. I was impressed by the style(old school hardcore) but not the price 17K or performance 11.72. I think your bike could take it or at least give a good run. It would definitely more comfortable.
     
  6. kd5uzz

    kd5uzz Member

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    I admire your craftsmanship. Incredible job.

    It has already been said, if you find the right buyer the sky is the limit, otherwise you'll be lucky to break even.

    I like the idea of an ebay auction with a high reserve. Something high enough that you won't be sad it is gone.

    That said, it has an incredible amount of personality. I absolutely LOVE the eyes. (I've been thinking of a dual headlight setup, with a similar, minimalistic handlebar setup, I may use your design as inspiration.)

    I could understand someone paying 4k. _I_ wouldn't expect any more. If I had the money I would jump on it for 2.5k.

    Oh, and make a seat for it! Make it removable so you can show it w/o but mention that it does indeed have a seat.
     
  7. AlbuquerqueChoppers

    AlbuquerqueChoppers Member

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    Thats exactly what I was looking for. I knew from the start I was building an "oddball", but I really liked its potential.

    Im not worried about losing anything on this bike. I know my work on a hog would be more cash in my pocket, but im not like those "copycat" douches that we all see. I think thats why I want to leave the bike in satin black...to shut up those Nightsters,lol !

    I was thinking around $3k as well. I will however do the ebay thing a few times and see if I cant hit a solid number, that is a reasonable and safe option for me. Thanks for the plan guys..

    The seat. I have been looking for a stick on pad, kinda based on Neoprene. Just have not had too much luck, so far. I do agree that a seat would help its sale, lol.

    Again, all of you are a great help and an inspiration for me! You guys and your words have justified my time I put into this project. 8)
     
  8. coachholland

    coachholland Member

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    If I had the cash, I'd buy that for $3K in a heartbeat!
     
  9. kevineleven

    kevineleven Member

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    id like to see the saturn...
     
  10. TECHLINETOM

    TECHLINETOM Member

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    Memory foam "ain't worth three dead flies on a piece of poop" for a seat.

    It does however make the cover smooth.
     
  11. AlbuquerqueChoppers

    AlbuquerqueChoppers Member

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    What are you talkin about? I just have another pic of the front of the bike and a Dr. Pepper. :wink:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  12. schooter

    schooter Active Member

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    lol that car is EPIC, i love the whitewalls and chrome hubs. does that have windows? err is it street legal? cuz i see roll bars..
     
  13. kevineleven

    kevineleven Member

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    Nice, although I'd like to see more. Obviously it's not quite finished, but looking really good.
     
  14. AlbuquerqueChoppers

    AlbuquerqueChoppers Member

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    I am working on the windows, gonna go nascar on them and just have to buff them once a year. Im going to black out the back 3 windows and tint the front 2 big time. I can't see crap out the back anyway, so Im going to use two rear view cameras (kinda like stereo vision) Use those where my gauges use to be.

    Mind you it is registered and insured currently. :twisted:

    Thanks Kev, these pics I took were more of a teaser pic photo shoot. I will have much more detailed shots in much better light later this year, hoping for christmas I can finish my airbag setup. I need it to sit 5 more inches down,im not happy with the 42" roof height,lol.

    Thanks again guys! You all are a very welcoming crowd.

    [​IMG]
     
  15. AlbuquerqueChoppers

    AlbuquerqueChoppers Member

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    It's official, i'm selling the XJ. Finally got an auction setup and im going to test the market. Figure now that people get tax money back, it's a perfect time to sell.

    Figured I would let you guys know.



    I put a low reserve as well, so its not as bad as many would think.

    Ebay Auction Link


    Hopefully I can get another XJ, these have their own unique attitude!
     
  16. Ace_Frehley

    Ace_Frehley Member

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    Good luck with the sale, and your right about the xj attitude, there is just something about them that everyone seems to be drawn too.
     
  17. alkasmeltzer

    alkasmeltzer Member

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    Man, I gotta say that is some of the finest craftsmanship I have seen in a long time!!

    I would love to pick it up, but, alas, I have already spent my tax money on a race car, again. They never are finished, are they?

    Again, great looking custom, and I like the Saturn as well.

    Greg
     
  18. Hack

    Hack Member

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    That's an awesome custom! Fantastic work.
     
  19. AlbuquerqueChoppers

    AlbuquerqueChoppers Member

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    Thanks again fellas!

    It looks like my reserve is gonna be met on the ebay auction.

    Im looking at a 650 maxim locally....I hope it runs good when I go check it out. Time to chop and drop part 2. :twisted:
     
  20. AlbuquerqueChoppers

    AlbuquerqueChoppers Member

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    Reserve is off on my auction.

    I hope the next owner comes in and participates here!

    Thanks for all the support!
     

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