Hi,
I am new here so I hope this is appropriate. A friend of mine is selling a bike they no longer ride. I have included a couple of pics. According to them it has been sitting for about 4 years. It is an 87 883. I am wondering what kind of pitfalls I can expect. I assume it will need a new battery and fluids. Anything else I should pay particular attention to? Value seems a little tricky to establish based on condition etc. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

$1500 tops

 

That's a pretty old bike, but looks in decent shape. You will probably have to spring for new tires, possibly a final drive chain. Have you started it up yet?

 

anything rubber check for dry rot. hoses, belts (though i don't believe there are any) brake lines, wires, you get the idea. do you have a mileage?

 

Lots of rust on that puppy - shocks, chain - lots of oxidation too - figure on new battery, tires, fluids, etc...you will spend almost as much getting it ready before your first mile....
if it were me, I'd rather spend $3k on a better condition bike

 

Good info so far. Even if that bike was is great running shape, I would never pay more than $1500. Even that is a stretch. The bike is 27 years old. If you're not a mechanic, run away.

 

How mechanically inclined are you? Something that old and relatively neglected will be a $$$ pit at first. It will require a lot of patience as it may leave you stranded til you get it sorted out.

 

I'd walk away as quick as possible.

 

I am reasonably mechanically inclined. I know this will sound funny on this forum but up until recently I had a Honda Ruckus which I played around with, stretched it replaced the intake, exhaust and re-jetted it as well as replacing a bunch of components for fun. I feel comfortable with tackling what has been mentioned so far.
The story on this bike is the guy who owned it died(unrelated to the motorcycle) and his girlfriend is selling it. She is willing to sell it cheap and even take payments. I believe he was the 2nd owner. I am supposed to get the mileage tonight, maybe tomorrow.
I am not afraid of putting in a little elbow grease and it seems like with a little TLC this could be a pretty fun commuter although I am aware of the potential mounting costs of an older vehicle not to mention the temptation to customize it.
Thanks for all the great responses.

 

If you feel comfortable wrenching and you've got the time to invest, that could be a satisfying project bike. Otherwise, look for one in better shape.