This might need to be my next project!

From Craigslist:

1975 Honda CB550 Basket-Nice! - $500

Bike disassembled, but complete. Low mile and original. Engine has cylinders and head off, head has valve job done by Bill Bune, cylinders and pistons good-covers polished, cases, block and head beadblasted, carbs rebuilt, ready for assembly-gasket set included. Frame, swing arm, kickstand, triple trees and more powdercoated satin black as original. Wheels ok, some rust, but might clean up-I had planned to replace. Forks ok, need seal but straight and not corroded. Headlight ears rough-one bent some. Fenders nice-braces straight and clean. Nice battery box, wiring good and complete. Tank clean inside, needs paint as do sidecovers-have both sides and no cracks. Two sets of tailights, set of original rear turnsignals also included. No exhaust. Has new clutch installed, new chain and sprockets included. Needs front turnsignals (came with junk Windjammer). Also have mint Windjammer (highest serial number known to exist as per Craig Vetter) for sale-will deal with purchaser of bike. Also 2 complete CycleSound housings available, same deal. Every nut and bolt there and useable. Just too many projects going on to finish, $500 or best offer

 

Not for $500, I hope.

"Bike in a basket, some assembly required?"

Don't give him more than $150. If it were me, I'd pass.

 

Unless you know the seller personally a bike in a box is really a gamble. The owner can say anything in an ad and once it's out the door it's your responsibility. I'd go with fitz on this one, just look at the ad:
Wheels ok, some rust, but might clean up-I had planned to replace. Forks ok, need seal but straight and not corroded. Headlight ears rough-one bent some.
Needs front turnsignals
Probably needs wheels, forks rebuilt, headlight ears and signals. So ask yourself, what else will it really need?
Good luck, let us know how you make out.

 

Yeah, no way is he getting $500 out of me for it. I'll offer $150 and see how it goes over. The main thing I feel I'm paying for is the valve job thats been done and the fresh powdercoat on the frame.

That being said, I've got my XJ to ride while I work on this project, so part of my attraction is the "assembly required". I had planned on new tires for sure, and I'm not to worried about headlight ears and blinkers as I wouldn't have used the stock ones anyway. Wheels might be an issue, I'll have to figure that out when I see them.

Wish me luck!

 

Yup, if it needs all that, then it's not really complete, is it?