Possible purchase - '67 Superhawk - what to look for?

[jays58]

Have a lead on what's thought to be a '67. Asking price is $600. It appears to be complete and stock, but I'm certainly no expert on these bikes. My goal is not a total resto, but to simply get it running and streetable, with the idea of reselling it, (hopefully at a slightly higher price). Are there problems that are typically seen w/these bikes that will significantly reduce the resale of a running unit, or other non-stock items to watch out for that make it undesireable for collectors / restorers?

Are there any parts that are prohibitively hard to find or expensive? Any feedback / guidance is appreciated. Thanks! ---Jay in PA.

[thumper2146]

post a pic of it and save yourself some time money if you just want to flip it maybe someone will give you a finders fee.
or buy the bike ,buy bill silvers books on the 305's and spend a lot of time and money hunting parts, buying them, installing them . Does the bke have the title? does the engine turn over? does it have the whole front finder? how long has it sat? was it inside? out in a field? how is the paint? the chrome? seat? sorry but unless you love these bikes your better off doing nothing. if there is no title it can cost days of your time jumping through hoops to get it.

James

[jays58]

James; Thanks for the reply. "...unless you love these bikes your better off doing nothing" - yours is probably the voice of reason I needed to hear. At this point I've only seen the CL listing, but I can answer a few of these questions:

Does it have the title? - No
Does it have the whole front fender? - No

While I would love the process of resurrecting it, I just can't justify pouring a bunch of money into something with minimal chance of recovery right now. Maybe some other time.

Thanks for the feedback. ---Jay

[cyclon36]

Jay,

Assuming the bike is priced accordingly, the amount of work you put in to one of these bikes to raise the value is going to be more than the value you create. The only time its ever worth flipping a bike whole is if you bought the bike for a real deal and the owner wasn't aware of it's worth.

a $600 bike should look like this:

Mostly intact (proper tank, seat, fenders (cut or whole), and engine)
Might be missing some small bits (grab handle, proper screws, correct exhaust)
Will have surface rust in areas
May have a dent or two
Should turn over but not necessarily run
Nothing should be locked up or rusted up so it doesn't move properly
Might have incorrect handlebars


If the bike is running with no rust but the paint is not great, then you're looking closer to $1000.

Parts bikes do not become profitable over $400 most of the time.

Not to mention that whole bikes sell very slow this time of year.

[Gun]

I say the following with sincere attempts not to be rude or agressive:

I, personally, don't see the logic in posting about flipping bikes on the forum that is dedicated to the Owners, Restorers, Riders, and Admirers of those bikes.
I, personally, would rather the bike went to someone who loved the bike and was going to restore it and ride it for many many years to come.
that being said, I ain't buying the bike, so do as ya please.

[jays58]

Gun; No offense taken. You make an interesting comment, but I will give you my point of view and leave it at that.

Unfortunately, I don't have the time, finances or garage space to ride and maintain every motorcycle I admire, because I admire lots of them. If I can acquire a non-running Superhawk, invest a few bucks and some time and get the personal satisfaction of returning it to the street, then I have played a role in the conservation and future enjoyment of the machine. If I make a hundred bucks in the process, then I'm motivated to do it again. Where's the shame in that?

In the past 24 hours I've learned a great deal about 305 Hondas through the many fine people who have posted a wealth of information on this and other sites. That has increased my appreciation for the bikes and makes me more knowledgeable the next time I come across one. I think that's to the betterment of the "cause". Peace. ---Jay

[G-Man]

Jay

Thanks for giving your perspective. For every transaction there has to be a buyer and seller, just as there was when Mr Honda sold his bikes in the first place.

Provided these bikes don't get lost forever I don't think it matters how long you keep it or whether you make a bit of money in the pursuit of a hobby. When I have finished my current restorations I will have some parts to sell and those may have increased in value during my ownership. It will help offset the cost of my hobby if I can make a little money on selling those parts.

G