Re: possible parts source, I may check it out..

Posted by MarkPBG on Nov 03, 2011; 11:21pm
URL: http://vintage-and-classic-hondas.81.s1.nabble.com/possible-parts-source-I-may-check-it-out-tp3472748p3478771.html

So on my last day up in Ocala I was driving around looking at all the bike shops to see if anyone had a used CB750. I stumbled across a motorcycle shop that's also a motorcycle salvage yard. I just had to stop in when I saw a Honda 400 cafe racer all done up for sale out front, and next to that was an old KZ, which was next to an old Royal Enfield, which was next to two old Triumphs and a BSA! (See why I HAD to stop?) I saw some KZ's and some GS's in the front shop too. He had a back "yard" with over 500 bikes that I could SEE, and said he had more on the next parcel back! I asked about CB's and he had "only" 12 complete bikes, and about a half to a full dozen frames, many with titles. He showed me a 78 K, a 78 something else which he said has a K tank on it, and a 76 super sport. I was really interested in the super sport. He said it ran when he got it two years ago, and they just changed the front brakes and he was getting ready to get that one running and ready to sell, and if I was interested, to let him know how I wanted it done. Well, the only problem was the guy is VERY proud of his stuff. He wanted $1800 as it sat. I told him I couldn't pay that much for a bike that "ran two years ago when I got it" and has a torn up seat, rust around the flip up tank filler cover (it was the kind that looks like a gas door on a car, just flat metal painted same color as the tank) and RUST EVERYWHERE. Rust on the spoked wheels, the bolts, the frame, the handlebars and exhaust. In the condition it was in, I could not see paying over $750. He says he regularly sells finished ones for $2500 to $3500, which may be, but this was not finished by any means. He wanted $1000 to $1200 JUST for a frame! At least I know a place I can get the occasional small part, but I doubt he'll be selling me a frame or a bike at those prices. It's just not in my budget right now. I wish my camera wasn't back at the hotel room, I would've made some parts scavengers drool at the sight of that sea of old bikes!