Anyone looking for a 500 ?

[Johnny4428]

I’m not sure exactly what I’m looking for, but I know I won’t be spending another winter with nothing going on the garage.😡😡

[Johnny4428]

£3k is not out of sorts. Trouble is: wheels, paint job, exhaust and the prospect of an engine strip for cosmetic improvements will probably get the turn out cost all the way to £6.5k. And that before you get into the small stuff. I guess it all boils down to what folk are happy with…..which is of course always the way.

Yes I agree! Depends what level you want to restore to. Maybe see what comes along.

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

£3k is not out of sorts. Trouble is: wheels, paint job, exhaust and the prospect of an engine strip for cosmetic improvements will probably get the turn out cost all the way to £6.5k. And that before you get into the small stuff. I guess it all boils down to what folk are happy with…..which is of course always the way.

You are correct Phil it's the conundrum we all face when buying an old bike with the various different motives behind a purchase.

I did all those sorts of sums before I bought my present 500 - my initial capital cost was not that high - the costs along the way will easily outstrip buying a bike like your old 500 that was very tidy one needing little future expenditure.

One could buy a top end bike for top end money then always have the nagging doubt about the engine if you see a puff of smoke or hear a strange clatter.

When I have finished my 500 I will inevitably part with my 400 (taking a loss) to make space- a part finished restoration sounds an interesting challenge or a van full of parts that need assembly.  Trouble is it's a bit like the Buses you miss one then three come along at once after you have hailed a Taxi instead.

[Oddjob]

I would personally avoid that one, there's a lot more wrong with it than it appears on the surface.

[Johnny4428]

I would personally avoid that one, there's a lot more wrong with it than it appears on the surface.

Good advice! Taken!👍

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

I'm guessing there aren't many 500s about now that are complete & original so it's about some compromise when one comes up. Viewing essential before you bid.

[Johnny4428]

Yes agree Ted, I’m not frightened of a bit of work or elbow grease but there is not going to be an endless pot of money thrown at my next project. Although with the best will in the world it’s always going to cost more than you think. Somebody said work out roughly what it’s going to cost then double it and add another 50 per cent, then you’re getting close. As for essential viewing, might have to phone a friend.😂

[Rozabikes Tim]

Somebody said work out roughly what it’s going to cost then double it and add another 50 per cent, then you’re getting close.

That is very true and tells us we are a bunch of obsessed freaks! But we love it

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Now I am fully  retired I find I do not need several holidays a year to de-stress from working. I can no longer fly to foreign parts so instead of decades of worthless holiday snaps I have a collection of  Honda parts in my garage destined to make a running 500. 🫣

Wendy has her shoe collection that puts my bike part costs in the shade I suspect.😁😁😁

[Matt_Harrington]

Wendy has her shoe collection that puts my bike part costs in the shade I suspect.😁😁😁

Ha! I with you there with my missus!

[Bryanj]

Nope my wife hates shoe shopping, garden plants------ well thats another thing!

[Sesman]

Jewels and other shiney things unfortunately.

[Oddjob]

I think my wife was a magpie in a previous life.

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

And one more a KO ?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/275701327734