What to Offer?

[thenemos]

I bought a 99 1500J from a guy up in NC.  Working on 'making it my own'.

[Old Drifter]

Nope, I bought this instead...

Nice Drifter...good choice!

[JagLite]

Well, I'm glad he decided to keep it.
I think he would have regretted selling it. 

[thenemos]

By the way, the guy changed his mind.  He plans on attaching a sidecar so he can still ride with his prosthetic.

[thenemos]

Nope, I bought this instead...

[chief]

Ditto.. if you don't want it, let us know. SC isn't that far from me!

[Pilgrim]

Well...did you buy it?

[DC]

Heck, you can even get a free tarp from Harbor Freight if you have one of their coupons.

[jonnyb]

I agree. I hate to see nice things sit out and rot in the weather when a $10 tarp could have protected it...

[JagLite]

Of course it's hard to tell from the pictures but at first blush, I'd say it a steal for $1500!  Worst case, if there's something seriously wrong, you'd easily double your money (and more) parting it out.  If that was near me, I'd have it already.

That's my thinking exactly   

[Bucko]

Of course it's hard to tell from the pictures but at first blush, I'd say it's a steal for $1500!  Worst case, if there's something seriously wrong, you'd easily double your money (and more) parting it out.  If that was near me, I'd have it already.

[DC]

1)  When did he lose the leg?

2) I would only buy it for the value of a parts donor, based only on the value of any parts in GOOD condition.  At best, it's a long term project bike.  You have absolutely no idea what it needs. . . . . and that's being generous.  Realistically, I would pay no more than $1k for it.. . . and that's without inspecting/testing it.  You might find the engine is seized and if that's hosed. well . . . . . .

[pcarrell]

A big concern for me would be the electrical.  Much of the electrical is housed inside that missing right hand side cover, which means it's been open to the elements for some time now.

[CDNRatMan]

  That would look so good in the living room as next winter's project, the 800 is done, only regular maintenance left to do to it everything else has been done that I wanted or needed, so need a new project.

[Old Drifter]

I'd have to agree with bambam0099, unless you can get it for cheap and are prepared to have a project on your hands.

[Pilgrim]

Just looking at the pictures I would offer him about 12, because you need a new battery, oil and filter, safety check, might need new rubber, lots of TLC and cleaning.....see what he takes.

Bet you would like to get ahold of that bike for a winter...

[Pilgrim]

Does the lisc tag say 02 on it? Looks like it, I blew the pic up and coudn't tell. If it does then it really has low miles and has been sitting for 14 years, not all outside.

I would offer 1000 and meet halfway at 1250 hopefully... but I might give 1500 also, would have to check it out.

[bambam0099]

Don't mean to be judgmental but, just look at the surroundings.  Do you really think he took care of the bike at all when everything around it states otherwise?   If you enjoy tinkering with a bike and have the time (and demeanor)  then yes but if it were me, no way unless I was buying it for parts.
Cripe, he's even missing a side cover.

[AZCaveman]

Of course if you can get it cheaper do so, However 1500 is not a bad price at all. it looks complete.  the antifreeze looks clear and clean, I'd check oil and fluids.   Not much chance of it being locked up or siezed if the plugs are in place.     Judging from the photos it looks as although it has sat for a long while it was a well maintained bike beforehand.  We love these bikes for the looks , rarity, comfort....and because with proper fluid changes,,,they are damn near BULLETPROOF!  and BTW my wifes bike with started me on this Drifter kick was an abandoned bike out in the elements of PHX AZ.   fluid changes ,tires some electrcal cleaning and finally seafoam. it started and ran perfectly. AZ heat will destroy most bikes,Absoluteley destroyed the plastic fenders,some sandinding and ABS welding all better,yet this ol girl keeps right on running over a year later and not one issue

[CDNRatMan]

  Just looking at the pictures I would offer him about 12, because you need a new battery, oil and filter, safety check, might need new rubber, lots of TLC and cleaning.....see what he takes.

[thenemos]

What would you offer for it?

[Pilgrim]

what a shame but I think you can restore it to it's original beauty. Change all the fluids, clean all the electrical connections, new battery, brake pads, etc. Keep us informed on your progress..

[thenemos]

Pics posted here...

[CDNRatMan]

 pictures are not showing up where did you post them?

[Gooseberrie]

Could not see the pictures yet.

I would take it since there were a limited number ever build but you will need the trailer to get it home. You will clean and check the bike for small issues when figuring things out. It is always good to have had the saddle off and the headlight open on a new to you motorbike.

Spray oil in the cylinders and turn the engine over, a little bit only every now and then, after giving it a thicker motorcycle oil with a new filter since you should better not mix expensive oil. Spray lubricant in the cylinders again. You will need a charged battery, when it even survived, and an extra jump start battery for extra power but with fuel injection and ethanol gas I know attempting this is ridiculous without cleaning the fuel system. You will need an inexpensive shop that can flush the system and check on critical points if any harm is done by degrading gas.

Since traders can easily say they have ridden and owned the bike, even one legged (no pun intended), one should pay close attention to signs of accidents like misalignment or fork positioning. Bikes and cars are brought to peoples houses in order to make it look like a better offer. Please do check legal issues the way a police officer would.  Write a few lines about the transfer and the bike being payed plus you receive the title, it should contain the V.I.N. -do a check on the number and the paint being right- and both sign. Signing requires identification of both.

Such a bike will have trouble shifting and often the clutch is disabling slow driving until after thousands of miles. I overcame the shifting and a rough turning engine with clutching, then pull the clutch (always the highest position of the lever) give throttle and shift when revs go lower. I like to spread the word on this oil: Motul 5100 4t 15w-50

Good luck with your drifting.