Woes of selling things...

[93Bandit]

Just wanted to gripe for a min. I'm trying to sell my project 81 850 and basket case 750.

I've had 2 people ask me to rebuild the starter so they can do a compression test on the 850, so they can make sure they "aren't getting screwed". Now maybe I'm just an old grump so correct me if I'm wrong, but a 41 year old machine that is non-running and is listed as a project in the ad and has an asking price of $500OBO is just a machine you buy if you want it and deal with the stuff that's broken. It ain't a brand new machine yet I get the impression these people expect it to be. It's 41 years old, and is under $1,000, and is complete. If it were me, I'd decide if I want it or not, show up with a trailer and make an offer and leave because I understand that even if compression is good, there's a whole bunch of other work needed anyways and it's a PROJECT... In fact, that's exactly what I did when I purchased both.

Am I just a grump???

[Rich82GS750TZ]

I’d sure want to know if I was buying a bike with a seized engine or not, regardless of price. Compression numbers would be extra assurance. Might be just what you need to get a tire kicker to bite. Then again, I’ve never bought or sold a used motorcycle.

[Big T]

You can turn the motor over with the nut at the ignition cover

[Grimly]

All they have to do is connect their own compression tester and push the bike in gear for a few yards.
Not exactly rockety science.

[steve murdoch]

As to whether you are a grump or not i can't say but those tire kickers should be kicked to the curb.

[93Bandit]

I’d sure want to know if I was buying a bike with a seized engine or not, regardless of price. Compression numbers would be extra assurance. Might be just what you need to get a tire kicker to bite. Then again, I’ve never bought or sold a used motorcycle.

well yeah, I'd like to know if it's stuck as well. But it's clearly not stuck and you don't need a compression test to determine that. Maybe I am a grump? I just figure an old machine like this is gonna get torn down eventually anyways so if it's cheap I don't worry too much about it.

[Rich82GS750TZ]

Just trying to look at it from buyer's POV. I don't think you're a grump. But you are trying to sell something. If the only people that will consider giving you money for the bike want to see compression numbers first, maybe consider it if it's doesn't put you out too much. I never heard of Grimly's idea, but makes sense "All they have to do is connect their own compression tester and push the bike in gear for a few yards." Rebuilding the starter would be out of the question, for me, if I were the seller.

[tom203]

Skip rebuilding…..just get a used eBay starter and swap it in…easy on 850 IIRC. ….and up the price to compensate for your trouble.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/334423634927?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=6LYou-9MSz2&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=ARSR0K5ISZu&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

[dorkburger]

If I was selling something at what I considered to be at or near giveaway price, I'm not going out of my way to make repairs for a tirekicker.
When I looked at my 1150, I went in knowing that it had sat for 12 years. I brought a battery along, dropped it, in and made sure it cranked and didn't make any awful sounds.

Selling things online definitely gets ridiculous at times.

[93Bandit]

If I was selling something at what I considered to be at or near giveaway price, I'm not going out of my way to make repairs for a tirekicker.
When I looked at my 1150, I went in knowing that it had sat for 12 years. I brought a battery along, dropped it, in and made sure it cranked and didn't make any awful sounds.

Selling things online definitely gets ridiculous at times.

Precisely my point.

The biggest reason I'm trying to get rid of them is because of the space they take up, and the fact that I'll probably never get around to them.

Maybe I'd have better luck parting them out?

[ddaniels]

You're selling them because you don't want to have to deal with them right? rebuilding the starter is sort of dealing with it, no? I'd say no on rebuilding the starter for them. Just let 'em make an offer as they sit and decide if you'll take it.

[93Bandit]

You're selling them because you don't want to have to deal with them right? rebuilding the starter is sort of dealing with it, no? I'd say no on rebuilding the starter for them. Just let 'em make an offer as they sit and decide if you'll take it.

Exactly what I'm trying to do. Like I said before, I'd take a low baller as long as he shows up and hauls it off no questions asked. But these guys want to waste everyone's time.

[93Bandit]

When I bought my 1979 1000 it wouldn't turn over. I figured the starter was piled up and took the chance, Price? $500.
New bikes cost a bit more than $500 if that's what you want.

Exactly. These guys want a new bike, or at least a turn key running old bike for $500. Ain't gonna happen.

[Gorminrider]

You can turn the motor over with the nut at the ignition cover

That's what I'd do for them or tell them to do- Take the plugs out and use a drill attached to a socket. I don't blame them for asking...

[Nessism]

Selling stuff, more times than not, involves frustration with questions from guys that won't buy it anyway. Regarding a compression test, it's understood, by guys with experience, that a bad compression test doesn't spell doom and gloom with an old bike that's sat for a while. Anyone buying a 40 year old bike for $500, should plan to go inside the engine and renew gaskets anyway.