A 2-part question that I really hate to ask...

[headcase]

I will preface these questions with a C.Y.A. statement - You dudes (and dudettes?) have been an absolute bottomless well of info and help in getting my basket-case '79 Special back to a fine level of respectability. I love the lil buzzer and enjoy riding AND wrenching on it. It is with heavy heart and gnashing of teeth that I make the following announcement: I may be forced to sell my beloved Tojo's Revenge in the next year or so.
I've probably driven a few of you crazy over the past 5 or so years with questions and asking advice on how to make the bike into a decent long-distance ride(yes, I know that's not what it was designed for). Its about as close as it's gonna get I think, but still not quite what I need. I've come to accept the fact that I'm just a little too long to fit comfortably on it for rides longer than an hour or so...and with a hinged vertebra in my neck, and another in the lower back, I just can't stay comfortable for long. By the time I get home from a decent ride, I'm hobbling through the door like Fred Sanford with his eyes crossed feeling like I've just been pulled through a keyhole. I love the bike. Did I say that already?

Now for the question:
Part 1)- I know this is a rather loaded one, and results may vary etc...but aside from using fleabay as a guide, what would a pretty solid, respectable looking bike like mine go for on the market to someone who knows about them? I won't dump all the details here just yet, but I make sure every time I get into it for tuning or repairs it comes out in better shape than before I started. Stainless all over the place. No major alterations or sawzall surgery whatsoever. A list of upgrades and improvements as long as my arm, however. It's a very well sorted bike so far, but still room for improvement. I'm a picky s.o.b., so there have been no cheapie shortcuts anywhere.
Annnd for part #2)- Would any of you members be interested in adopting my baby if and when the time comes? If the decision is made to sell, I will absolutely offer it here first. It's only proper.
I've had people compliment me on it, even in the far-from-perfect cosmetic condition it's in. It's a 'driver' that sees weather, occasional gravel roads, and without a garage yet...well you get the picture. It wouldn't take much to really shine, is what I'm saying.

In order to keep the threats on my life to a minimum from friends, family, and perhaps even you guys, I must let it be known that of all the bikes that have threatened to replace my XS, the ONLY one I even thought about considering is a Moto Guzzi. And if I sell, it will be only to go towards a Guzzi (barring any unforeseen circumstances, of course.) I hope that helps save my reputation a bit.

All comments, advice, insults and curses welcome.
Dan

[richard]

Now is not really a good time to sell a bike. weather wise this has been a really strange year and it is reflected in the price people are getting for XS650s. Here you can get a really nice newer bike like a V-Strom 650 for in the 4000-4500 range you can get almost any newer bike for $5000.

Last year I saw some xs650s fetch over $6000, but lately I have seen low mileage unrestored XS650 go for $2,200 to $3000. I bought my latest 1980 xs650 special for $1300 and it was in good shape. It still needed some work to get it where I felt comfortable with it on a distance ride. A good Xs650 that needs nothing should fetch between 3300-4000 in the spring of the year. Your location makes a difference too. The going price varies by the time of year and the price of gasoline too. The only thing you can do if it is in nice shape wound to set a high price on it, and if it doesn't sell you can always lower the price latter.

I have thought of selling my 1971 because of all the "You can get 10k for that bike" I hear, but a bike is only worth what you can get for it and I haven't see an XS1, 1B or XS2 fetch anywhere near that lately.

The only reason I thought about selling the 71 was because I can never leave any mechanical thing alone for long and I have been riding it so much I'm racking up miles on it. Selling it would be a hard thing to do, so I started riding and improving on the 1980 to keep the miles off the 1971. it's at 9020 now. I would consider your bike, but I have three XS650 and have to squeeze between all my stuff in the garage now. My 1980 is a little cramped, but the 71 is about perfect for my knees, and it tracks very well in the turns. The 80 is not as sure footed.

Richard

[headcase]

Thanks for the info, Richard. I'm not quite to the point of listing it anywhere just yet, kind of dipping my toes in a little bit. I figured around $2500-3000 in the spring maybe. I'd have to do some polishing and tweaking before considering letting it go. Plus it decided to fall over again recently in the gravel after a good rain. GRRR.
If there's any way to hang on to it and also pick up a respectable Guzzi, I'll do it. But there's still no garage here yet, and I would need one before that happens. I'll just have to ban myself from looking at the classifieds as much as possible until then

[richard]

You don't see too many Moto Guzzi out west, but they are a good design. They go for about the same price as a BMW when you do see them. They're kind of a niche market. People who like them like them a lot, but there aren't as many because so many other bike are more plentiful.

[grizld1]

Many of us are feeling our age enough to sympathize, Dan! The Guzzi is a great choice--very agile for a heavy touring bike. Sorry you have to part with your F model--I know you've put a lot of yourself into that machine. Hope you find a good home for it.

[headcase]

Thanks Griz. I still haven't made a decision yes or no yet, just sniffing around to see what the going rate might be. If there's any way to have both, I'll do it...but seems rather unlikely. A few too many other projects fighting for the budget, most are in the 'must do' category. One bike is a luxury, 2 and I might just start feeling guilty. Guilty but still smiling.

[headcase]

The most recent shot. Cellphone quality, but doesn't look too bad from 10 or so feet. How do you like that cut-down-to-the-max butt cradle, Griz? You can take the blame/credit for that one if you want.

Attachments:

[richard]

That's a nice bike headcase.

[headcase]

Thank you, kind sir, but it is nowhere near the cosmetic level of your fine machine. I still have the dents in the tank/paint flaws that it had when it showed up (Adds character, I'm told). Along with the occasional rusty stud or two poking out here and there. Recently the carb needles-seats have been leaking unless I shut the petcocks off every time I park it. There's an ugly discolored gas stain running down the other side of the case from dripping out of the filters when I forget. Definitely daily driver visually. I've slacked a bit on the polishing this year for sure.

[richard]

Sounds like nothing minor things a little clean up wouldn't fix. It looks good.