I would pass on the $600 dollar '86 model, too many problems...just keep looking

5

7

It definitely has potential as a parts bike......and maybe as a project if you aren't in a hurry to go riding.  I have no idea how hard sitting outside in Florida for 3 years is on a bike - but I betcha it is going to be plagued with electrical gremlins for the rest of it's life.  All those switches up on the handlebars are probably compromised, the clutch, kickstand and brake switches are probably questionable as well.  The master cylinder, caliper and brake fluid?  The bike obviously has the rubber head plug leak, as an 86 model it should be upgraded to the newer starter gear and left side cover.  It is going to need new tires to be ridden safely if you ever do get it to run.

If it was local to me I might buy it for $ 200 - $ 300 as a donor bike for a cylinder head, cylinder and other parts.  It would take time to haul it home, take it apart and salvage.....it would be more of a hobby project than a money maker for anyone.  This bike is 28 years old and has been sitting outside for 3 years......all the trouble free years are probably used up!

Dave      

Ooops....got confused about the location.  Might be a bit drier in CA - but the corrosion on the outside is possibly matched by the corrosion on the inside.  That is especially worrysome in the electrical system.

Dave

Dave wrote on 05/21/14 at 10:08:22:


Concur. It's like buying a 30 year old car: ALL the rubber parts and seals are probably shot.  Parts bike, for sure, not something to buy if you plan on riding any time soon with any money left in your pocket. It's not like it's a classic bike and a restoration will bring it back to some value.  You'll basically have a 1,200-1,600.00 bike when you're done spending 2K or more (especially if you're having a shop do any work) fixing all the stuff on it.