Funny thing happened on the way to the forum....or bike sale!

[John Schmidt]

I had the 1200 listed on Ebay with a $2200 reserve and a buy now of $2250. I made a shot of the invoice for the replacement motor and included it as one of the pictures on the listing. This evening I got a call from a guy in Jacksonville asking about the bike, since it was out of the blue I asked how he got my phone number. He laughed and said it was on the picture of the invoice. I busted out laughing as well, never even crossed my alleged mind. Had a nice chat with him, single dad with two young girls, wants something to ride that he doesn't have to worry about. Said he'd do the "buy now" but needs some help in delivery, doesn't want to have it shipped...said he's been there, done that and the results were some messed up aeas on the bike. He asked so I offered to trailer it up to him but would only drop the "buy now" about $100....told him gas wasn't free. He's OK with that, will make the $500 deposit and we'll talk later about when I can get away to run it up to him, I have to find someone to cover for me here for a full day, most likely a weekend. I also said no bank checks, since it's going to be person to person I want cash, or he can pay the balance via PayPal. Answered...."no problem."  Guess we'll see what goes down, only thing I don't like about the flat motors is they want to smoke when you first start them. This one does put out a good blast upon starting and then it goes away once warmed, even after new valve seals it does that....not as bad but still there. Only difference....after the new seals the smoking goes away.

[Farside]

  Well good luck on the guy following thru with his purchase. I know you wanted to get it moved. A 1/2 Congratulations at this time....   

[hubcapsc]

I'm trying to be a "buyer" instead of a "seller"... I'm looking for a
2nd generation Tacoma... found a likely ad on the local craigslist
yesterday, sent a text to a local number, got a text back from
a non-local number... "The truck is still in Kansas crated and sealed ready
to go. The shipping blah blah blah" ...

I guess the easiest thing is to buy new stuff (no such thing as a new
2nd generation Tacoma) right from the store... selling something
seems even harder than buying something!

-Mike

[Squirrel]

I hope it works out for you, John.  I know it's been a while.  Drive safely.

[John Schmidt]

Looks like he might have changed his mind, got an email via Ebay with just one word;  "sorry"

I could probably get the majority of my $$ back by just stripping it and parting it out, kind of a PITA but better than giving it away.....I guess. 

[Jess from VA]

I'm not a salesman. 

But I was thinking... could you make a short video of it running and riding (like with a cell phone), and add it to your add? 

It seems to me people might always be a little worried about an older bike, bobbed, and brought back to life with parts.  Even though your words tell the story honestly, people are distrustful.  A little video can bring it to life and add cred to the words.

Maybe keep the mailbox and house address out of the video.  (who cares about the plate)

Just a thought.

[Farside]

I'm not a salesman. 

But I was thinking... could you make a short video of it running and riding (like with a cell phone), and add it to your add? 

It seems to me people might always be a little worried about an older bike, bobbed, and brought back to life with parts.  Even though your words tell the story honestly, people are distrustful.  A little video can bring it to life and add cred to the words.

Maybe keep the mailbox and house address out of the video.  (who cares about the plate)

Just a thought.

  I agree with Jess. If it can be done the video might respark the interest with him or others. I bet someone just talked him out of it; I wouldn't be surprised. It'd be disappointing to break it down after you spent so much time getting it right. Good Luck 

[John Schmidt]

Got a text this afternoon from a guy that lives about 5 minutes from me, asking if I could help him fix his 1100. After he explained a bit of the trouble I suggested a chat in person first, he had already told me he lived in Wtr. Pk. so he dropped by about 6:15 this afternoon. Said he had seen the 1200 on CL and said the pics didn't do it justice, asked a ton of questions & all the while telling me what's wrong with his 1100. After seeing some pics of it, it's a nice looking bike but needs some elbow grease applied along with what ever the electrical issue is. He asked if I'd start the bike, I obliged, then said it's a great buy at $2500 but a bit more than he wanted to shell out. I asked what he thought he should pay so he asked if I'd drop it $300 to $2200. Long story short, said I'll be back tomorrow afternoon with cash. He wanted to trade but told him I wasn't interested but would help him fix his before he tries to sell it....ok, said he'd pay me for that as well. Before he left he shook my hand and asked if tomorrow afternoon is ok...."I'll be here with cash." He's in his mid-60's, retiring next year, just wants something to ride for a year. OK....whatever. As they said in the movie; "show me the money!"  I'll let you know how it turns out.

[_Sheffjs_]

Selling, yuck.   

[John Schmidt]

Selling, yuck.   

Agreed, but six yrs. ago when I finished the '99 Tourer that had been in a fire, I had great luck. Put it on Craigslist on Thursday, had $7850 in my hand that Saturday.

[_Sheffjs_]

I feel you would have sold a Valk in the same circumstance much faster.  I just do not feel the old wings have the same following.