Guys, I know about KBB and the EBay completed auctions search function, but I'm wondering about other ways you determine the value of an older used Sporty? I'm sure some of you have methods I don't know about and well, the more ways the better!

At some point I really would like to get a Sporty project bike. Specifically I'll be looking for a late '90's 1200S in good condition. There aren't too many around compared to the standard 1200, so determining the value is a bit harder.

Thanks for any insights!

 

You could pick up an 883 Sportster for next to nothing and from there build the engine into a 1250 or whatever your heart desires.

To answer your question, there will be vary wide variation on prices, so it really comes down to the individual bike, what it is worth to you, and how much it would cost to make it like you want it compared to what mods it already has that you like.

Something from the 90's is likely not going to be stock, so you will have to contend with undoing what somebody might have made a mess of over the years.

 

Late 90's 1200S in my area would go from around $3000 to $4000 depending on upkeep. I see wayyyy too many Sportsters overpriced for sale these days. They're almost dime a dozen on the used market anymore.

You'll get a better value buying some used 883 somewhere and hopping it up yourself. All the 1200S stuff (high-compression, cams, twin plug, and suspension, MAP) can all be done via aftermarket for a good price and high quality. Depends on how you plan to build the bike.

 

When we were looking for a Sportster for my wife, we found that all the prices seemed semi inflated as people wanted to change for modifications. Modifications are only worth something if the previous owners vision fits with the new owners. I used NADA and KBB as points of reference and then went from there. We found a 2000 1200 that was basically spotless and owned by an older gentleman. Felt he was asking a fair price, and still negotiated down from there.

 

Here you go.

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item...obalID=EBAY-US

A couple thousand bucks if I am reading it right and it is yours. Granted, that year had the four speed. I think they went to a five speed in 91 or thereabouts but still, two grand is cheap.

 

Are there other methods?

Most of the time there are "other" methods to do anything,

See, the simple fact that all of those methods use is this: How much did others paid for theirs? It doesnt matter where you get it from, ebay, kBB, or whatever. It is the same for boats, cars, houses, sunglasses, etc.

Unless you are looking at an antique item which has become unique or classic. I once saw a 1940s BSA in a Shop that would have bought for 5k if I had the cash at that time. The same shop has a custom made sportster for 16k (made by a shop called gasbox) that I wont pay half of that for.

ebay sold prices are usually lower than actual local market value, imo, specially when it comes to vehicles. KBB is the other way, but they are both good to find a starting point.
Best would be local sold prices, and then of course the variables on each bike.

After that, the best deals happen for two reasons. 1- Luck 2- Patience. I had neither, so I just searched for few weeks and then just chose the best I could and got it over with. Some people dont mind waiting, or maybe have no other choice.

 

kelly blue book / motorcycles


http://www.kbb.com/motorcycles/

 

Track sales and listings on cycletrader, craigslist, and ebay for some time. Also just asking here what people would look to pay.

 

Thanks guys. I appreciate all the ideas and feedback!