Hey everybody,

So I've been looking around lately for a used
bike to replace my old one and I came across
a 1980 400 twinstar. The bike has been sitting
for a few years and currently does not run. I am
curious to see how much you guys think its worth.
Thanks.

 

2 in the bush.

 

I was hoping someone could
let me know what a reasonable
offer would be.

 

Best. Response. Ever.

 

without knowing whats wrong with it id say no more than 250

 

Well, the guy is asking 650 so maybe I should
just avoid this for now and wait for something
more reasonably priced.

 

nice...

$650 seems a pretty high for that bike since it's not running. offer him $250 and see what he says.

 

wow

 

I would offer him the 250, but I already wasted a few weeks time in the summer with someone else s dead bike only to have them back out of the deal in the end. Not sure if I want to go through that again.

 

honestly if i were the one buying it id only offer what was in my wallet at the time

 

Well it looks like I'll just have to pass on this one. But while I'm here
I wanted to get your opinions on something else. A guy is selling a
Kawasaki 400 for around 600. Does this sound reasonable? BTW, this
one actually runs. Also can you guys give me a general idea of what I
should be looking out for when shopping for a used bike. Thanks.

 

what year 400?

when you look for a used bike first thing you need to find out is if its a salvage? if so it should be priced accordingly and find out why. pay close attention to the frame, especially where the swingarm and forks meet. if you see any hairlines walk away. the handlebars should never slap the fuel tank. if fuel injected make sure it cranks right away and doesnt skip after a minute of idle, same for a carbed(althought a cold carbed may sometimes take a little love to get running and thats ok). take it around the block a few times at different speeds, it should ride straight and true with no wobbles at any speed. check for chain kinks, check the temp and make sure the fan cuts on after warmed up. check for uneven tire wear, the tires should be either rounded or flat dead center. it should idle smooth at around 800 or 900. if the seller seem short with you about anything you ask or wants to rush you walk away. after warm make sure there arent any leaks under the bike or on the fairings. if the dude has stands put the bike on the stands cranked, put the bike in neutral and rev it. if the rear wheel spins more than 3 or 4 rotations it probably needs a clutch. im probably missing a million things but you get the idea.

 

My first bike was a Kawi 400...good all around bike, but again, what year? If it's the twin, it's probably late 70s, and $600 is a bit tall INO, unless it's been totally gone through. I am with the above, check the frame to swingarm and frame to forks. These bikes were air cooled so no fan(s). If it is the late 70s twin, check the back of the fuel tank where it meets the frame, as mine leaked from there, twice (once each side). I learned a lot on that bike (and survived the f'd drivers of Phoenix...freakin' snowbirds ). Good hunting!

 

Thanks guys, that's the kind of stuff I want to know about. The bike is
actually an '83. I've been doing some research and it looks like its probably
a 440cc, not a 400. Well Ill see how it goes with this bike, but if it doesn't
work out there is also a Yamaha I was looking at. A 400 twin, anybody know
anything about them.

 

440>400 basically same bike, though the 440 was a belt drive (if I remember right). Less maintenance, but no roadside fixes if you break one (this I know from experience ).

 

2 Stroke or 4 Stroke? RD400 cool...XS400,

 

The bike is a 79 xs400

Edit: I inquired about the Yamaha, the guy told me its not running right
and he didn't want me to make the trip if I couldn't see it @ 100%, at
least he was honest. I guess I'll try the cm400t but I'll limit myself to
300 max.

 

It's funny, I saw another non-running cm400t for sale for 650. I find
it funny considering the blue book is 800. I wonder what the deal is
with these things. Is it some sort of classic or something along those
lines?

 

I'd say 250 sounds about right

 

The CM400 is kind of the predecessor of the CB250 Nighthawk. The motors look very similar. I'd say 250 sounds fair to since it doesn't run.

 

Hey guys,

As you can tell by my lack of posts it didn't really work out with any
of the bikes I was looking at previously. I just started to shop around
for a bike for springtime and needed to get some ideas about pricing.
I recently came across a honda gl500 w/ 50,000 miles on it and was
wondering what your opinions are of this bike and if 600 seems like a
fair price.

 

Why are you looking at these ancient Honda motorcycles? Is it because they are in your price range?

The GL500 is the old silverwing, right? Those motors are very tough and nearly indestructable. I saw a pair get destroyed for fun once at a motorcycle show. They tied the throttles at WOT and let em go. They lasted for a good 15 minutes before they died.

 

Actually, that's the reason exactly. Some people say I should go with something newer because I am still kind of new to motorcycles, but I don't mind doing work on my own stuff. Which brings me to my next question to any who has owned or ridden any one of these, do you think this is suitable for someone like me. I know I should go the 250 route but I already invested in a 200 which ended up being a p.o.s. and I will not have any money to upgrade after buying another bike.

 

That's cool. My first bike was a 1981 Yamaha Exciter, a 250 cc single. I have also owned a 1979 Suzuki GS750 and a 1982 Honda CB650. It owuld be cool to have bikes like these if you can find one in good shape for a good price.

 

Funny you should mention the exciter because I have the '82 185cc exciter. Unfortunately who ever owned it treated like crap and it cant really run for too long. It seems like every time I fix one problem another pops up. That's why I'm looking for a Honda, hopefully I'll have more luck.