market for parting out bike

tm-enduro · Nov 23, 2004

Hey guys, lend me your thoughts. I am thinking about getting an '05 fe550 soon. But realistically I need to sell my '02fx470 first. There are no 'berg dealers in my immediate area which hurts resale value. I was thinking of parting out my 470, I know of others who have done this and come out ahead (even on good running late model bikes). I have taken the motor apart to look things over and replace bearings (mains, CB, aux shaft, and countershaft). As I sit around and ponder how much to "freshen up" the motor, I contemplate if it is worth it.
So what are your thoughts, is it worth it? What are the parts worth?

berger · Nov 23, 2004

I guess the first question is how much money do you need to get for the bike?

tm-enduro · Nov 23, 2004

I haven't thought much about that yet. I am open to PM'd offers.

Splat · Nov 23, 2004

Why not list it on ebay as complete and running. I've seen some sell for more than $3000 there. You can part it later if you don't get any decent offers.

husabutt · Nov 23, 2004

If you decide to part it you may want to consider selling complete assemblies. For instance a complete motor not one missing the carb, kickstarter and gearshift lever. The complete lighting kit and not just a taillamp. The frame including the swingarm.

When the bikes are broken down too far you would only bid if you needed/wanted that one particular part. But if complete assemblies are offered you are likely to get more interest/bids I think. This is not a scientific analysis but just a reflection of my personal bidding habits.

tm-enduro · Nov 24, 2004

Thanks for the input so far, keep it coming. I would love to keep it around as a spare bike, and be able to rob parts if needed. I currently have some spares (radiator, ignition, shifter, plastic, seat, chain guide, and other such parts) that can be invaluble when you are pinched for time. Parting out the bike may be a way to generate some revenue and add to the spare parts bin. I don't visit ebay, so I have no idea what parts / assembly values are. It would be a shame to take a detailed bike and part it out when a new owner could be thumping around the hills on their dream bike.

70marlin · Nov 25, 2004

I just don't see how you could make enough $$$ ? My FX470E is destine to become a vintage racer! When reliability and parts become an issue. I'll put on the new plastic and graphics that I've been collecting. Give it a good PM and she'll go to the back of my basement shop under a cover for a long awaited rest. Then when my club has it's vintage ride in many years the old FX will make her appearance!

dsducati · Nov 25, 2004

A fellow I know just parted out his 03 FE501 on E Bay. Balance and Auxillary shaft bearings went out. Was worried about the counter balancer going out again because he races pro level and the motor sees high revs a lot. Anyway, when the smoke cleared parts brought around $4000.
Dan

tm-enduro · Nov 25, 2004

ds duc , that is the type of info I was looking for. It may make sense to do this. The cost to put in new parts so that I can confidently say to the next owner that the engine is in good shape and will give him/her many miles of fun could be quite expensive (main ,rod, CB, aux shaft, counter shaft bearings, cam chain, cam sprocket, rockers, gaskets, seals). It may be bad economics to put $500+ into a bike that is only worth $2500 to $3000, only to turn around and sell it. I am known by many people around here from my years of racing, and will not sell a bike that is compromised, it's just bad morals. Please note that I've not priced out new parts yet.

70marlin · Nov 26, 2004

dsducati said:
A fellow I know just parted out his 03 FE501 on E Bay. Balance and Auxillary shaft bearings went out. Was worried about the counter balancer going out again because he races pro level and the motor sees high revs a lot. Anyway, when the smoke cleared parts brought around $4000.
Dan

Even though the though of parting out my bike is sacrilegious! The though of someone making profit out of damaged goods is very tempting indeed? I'd like a little more data on this $4000 parts bike. The gentleman was a high-end racer? Does that mean this fine old steed had a ton of high end racing parts all over her? Enquiring minds would like a break down? As in my lock stock 02 470, if it had a damaged engine. What would you sell to bring $4000? Everything on her, other than the forks, shock and engine are fairly inexpensive to obtain from the dealership? More power to this gentleman though!!!

berger · Nov 26, 2004

$4000 for an 03 501 does not sound like a good deal to me. After you add time and labor for disassembly and shipping as well as ebay fee's. It does not sound like the way to go. I have to admit that I did purchase about $500 worth of parts off that bike.

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