Buying Advice

[BuzzKill]

My brother is looking to buy a 2000 IS.  Its been wrecked with a little damage I think, and only runs on 4 cylinders atm.  He hasnt gotten it to start yet though, but its supposed to start, and run rough after it warms up, hes told.  I think he said its got around 16k miles and has been stored outside for a while.  I dont have any pics yet.  Any idea how much this might be worth, ballpark? 

[Pete]

Insufficient information!!!

But at least $500 less than if it ran and $xxx less for repair parts.

Sorry but with the limited info that is the best I can do.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

I bet that bike has little spots on it were folks have touched it with a 10 foot pole .

[JimC]

A good running 2000 interstate that has been taken care of should be bringing $8,000 to $10,000, the way you describe that one, half that OR LESS,  At half price he may be able to part it out and come out even if it becomes too much trouble to resurrect it. I would start way less, about 3K
Jim

[Red Diamond]

Read Smokin Joe's thread, it may sound a bit sarcastic, but there is a message there. If your brother want an Interstate, there are plenty around that are well worth the cost. Be patient and look around, check the classifieds on this board, check other sites. An interstate with only four cyclinders firing and won't start, been in an acident, simply smells. Good luck.

[Disco]

Hey neighbor,

To add to the good advice that has been put forth, check out the really nice 2000 IS Dag bought last month in Florida.  Don't know about the CB (no antenna in the pictures, though) and it doesn't have the pod lights, but it's clean with 32,000 miles, bag rails, front fender rail, and trunk rack.  $7,800.00   http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,11714.0.html

If I were to take on a project like the one you describe, it would have to have a clear title and I'd have to steal it.  I know "stealing" is subjective, but I'm in the same ballpark as JimC.  Knowing me like I do, I'd probably start lower than that.  Don't worry about offending the seller. 

[Red Diamond]

Last week before I bought my 2k tourer, I talked to a gent in Santa Fe, Tx. He has a 99 I/S, green and silver, 7200. Look at craigslist.com search valkyrie. 14.5k miles I think. He said he was the original owner.

[Tundra]

The bottom has dropped out of the Valkyrie market. If you can get between $8-$10 k for a nice Interstate now, God bless ya. They are selling between $6-$8 grand in my neck of the woods. You can ask whatever you want SELLING is another number.
  I've seen three standards sell last year in my area between $3800-and $5800, one of which is a Bumblebee with 4000 miles on her ($3800).
  This just kills me, I spent more on my Valk in just the first year of ownership. Can't replace a machine like these for that kind of jack, especially with all the custom stuff and accessories we all like.  I will die with mine, maybe add Connie 14 next month when I pay off my home? But I will always keep my Valk.
  Back to you question...Need more information regarding condition, accessories, did he get it running? If you really want an accurate figure look it up in the NADA Motorcycle book. Couldn't find it in the NADA link, only went back to 2003. Found it in Kelley book, keep in mind they only give the "trade in" value. http://www.kbb.com/motorcycle/trade-in/2000/honda/gl1500cf-valkyrie-interstate/231443
  Then again, it all boils down to an educated buyer or an emotional buyer. I thought I had my Standard, which I converted to a Tourer, with gobs of accessories sold last year for $10,000. The guy fell in love with it (emotional buyer) and had to have it, he had the cash. His buddy interfered,  making him an educated buyer and as a result I lost the sale.

[MP]

I agree with Tundra.  What brought $10,000 two years ago, is at $6000 now.  I got a 2001 red/black is with CB, hangers, some other acc. for $6800, no way $10,000 would have bought it two years ago.  I sold a plain 99 IS is VERY good shape at $6000.

MP

[wingrider]

sent you an e mail with pics

[Flameout 86]

I believe I learned a valuable lesson on the first motorcycle I bought.  About 18 years ago, I bought a 1983 Magna V65 for $1500.  I then put about $4000 into it and ended up with a $2500 bike.  Part of the problem was that I had to hire most of the work done, but even if I done half of the labor I still wouldn't have come out on it.  Two years ago, I found a 2000 Tourer with 6000 miles on it at my local Honda dealer used bike store.  They had put new tires on it and thoroughly  checked the bike out -- even took the carbs down and cleaned them.  I paid a premium ($9500), but have put nothing in the bike since other than oil and tires.  Now has 24,000 miles.  (I had a '97 with 135,000 miles on it that I sold.)

My advice is to pay a little more for a bike that is in really good condition -- you'll come out ahead in the loing run.