What's a fair price?

[d.engquist]

I'm a new guy on this web site.  I'm new at posting a message/question on any site for that matter.  Nevertheless, I came across this site while doing research on the 1990 CB-1 Honda 400.  I don't even own a CB-1, but I want to buy one.  I'm not really sure what a fair price would be.  That's why I thought I'd ask on this site.  I figured you all would be much more knowledgeable about it then I.  Thus, I found a '90 CB-1 400 with 10,000 miles on it for $3,500.  It's been sitting in "non operational DMV status" for 2 years.  The guy said he just wasn't riding the bike anymore.  The bike started fine.  It seemed to shift fine.  No backfires on deceleration.  No scratches.  Motor looked clean, no leaks.  Aluminum seemed to be oxidizing on the front forks, wheel hubs, and here & there.  Garage kept, apparently.  Single owner.  No service documentation.  Paint was shiny.  Tires were all cracked on the side walls.  Seat was in fine shape.  Idled at ~1500 RPM.  Throttle would not return to idle when goosed-it had to be manually twisted back to idle.  The owner said he would go as low as $3,000.  The Kelley Blue Book for Motorcycles says $1,980 for this bike.  I loved how the bike handled.  Is $3,000 a rip off?  If anyone has some input, I'd love to hear it.  Thanks in advance.
Doug

[jaynalbu]

I bought mine today for 350.00 But its not in as good as shape as the one you are explaining.
Hope this helps.
J

[mrbones]

Honestly, $3000 is way high. Take a look at comparable CBR600's in that price range. You could also get a SV650. KBB is right. I wouldn't pay more than $2000 for it.

[ptlcb1]

Hey Doug,
     I think this will shed some light on your situation.  I bought my first CB-1, 18 yrs ago, brand new off the show room floor for $4,100.  I know!  OUCH!  But I knew what I was getting and at that time, I really didnt care what it cost, I wanted one! 

In order for me to pay $3500 for a CB-1 with 10,000 miles on it, it would have to look like it just rolled off the showroom floor!  The tires would have to be in great shape.  I would not have to lube the throttle cable.  There would have to be no oxidation on any part of the bike.  PERIOD! 

I honestly would not go any higher than what the blue book says.  And the blue book price, I believe, is for a CB-1 in great shape.  It does sound like its in very nice shape, but I personally would not pay what he is asking for it.  You are going to have to buy tires right away, and to me, THIS ONE IS HUGE BASED ON HIS ASKING PRICE-He has no documentation of service, and in my opinion, for him to be asking that much for the bike, there should be records on its service, because I would check with the shop that has been doing the service, to find out it has had any major issues, of course without him knowing, incase he has a 'good friend' that works at that shop! 

The cars that sell really high on the Barrett-Jackson auction, you can bet they have service documentation... 

You have a $1,000 range for negotiating.  You are going to need tires.  Cables may need to be replaced due to dry rotting.  Have you checked the gas tank for any rust?  Make sure you let him know that because the bike was only sold here in the States for 2 yrs, '89-'90, that parts will be hard to find!  Wink Wink!

Just my 2 cents...

[d.engquist]

Thank you so much for all of your input on my question about "What's a fair price" for the '90 CB-1.  There certainly is a wealth of information here at this site.  Again, thanks for your help.
Doug

[REgina CB-1]

I paid $2600. I see them for sale for less all the timebut in canada when I was looking the prices ranged from $2500 to $3500. Then I paid $900 to ship it 3000kms.

I'm not upset I paid so much. I paid what it cost. I've had more than $2600 worth of fun on the thing this summer, saved alot of $ on gas, and I own a bike that no one around here has ever seen before.

[Gobs]

Hi all!

Here I bought mine 65000 Thaï Bahts with proper rego (here, many bikes rides without any papers or plates! in this case about half the price, but it's not legal), that is about 1900 USD... That's to say about the same price than in USA. But maybe not as mint as what I can hear from you.

But it's cheaper than in some parts of Europe where a nice one can be sold about 2500 Euros or 3500 USD. There the CB1 is like a collector: special bike with special engine and special design at the time.

Cheers

[91cb-1]

Hi I bought mine for 1500 euro which in my oppinion was a bargain thats equall to about 2000 dollars. when i bought it it had 16000 ks on the clock and it was 16 years old i had to replace the rear tire and it was dropped so there is scratch on the tank and clutch housing but top be honest i was and still am more than happy with what i payed for it, but if there's no service history and you'll have to replace cables and tires i wouldn't go any higher than 2000 dollars, unless he finds someone who doesn't have a clue i can't imagine he'd sell it at that price