Project 305 Scrambler

[goldwinghg@aol.com]

Im looking st buying or trading for a 305 scrambler. The guy that owns it,says all the parts are with it. The wheels,and engine are still in the frame. Looks like its pretty well all together,but the tank is removed, but has been cleaned and painted. The engine appear to be frozen. He said it was running a few years ago,when he decided he was going to restore it,but I guess he lost interest. It is stored in his mancave. He hasn't priced it,and I haven't made an offer. Trying to get some idea what a fair offer would be. Not knowing if I can free up the engine,which concerns me. Any comments would be appreciated!

[Tim Allman]

I don't know what the going price is for bikes of this era but I doubt it's more than a few thousand for one that is in good condition, works and is licenceable. I'm sure many would agree that taking a bike that doesn't run and isn't clearly all there, from beginning to end will cost a lot of time and money, probably more than you think. Many new old stock (NOS) parts are available on the Web but they can be quite expensive if they are in demand or quite reasonable if not. If there's demand there are aftermarket parts available but again, they're expensive and some don't fit. The same goes for used parts.

I don't want to discourage you. I have had a lot of fun getting my CB77 on the road. I would suggest that you assess what's there but especially what's not there. You will also want to replace some things and paint others etc. so even things that are present will cost. The engine will probably require a new set of pistons and rings as well as a rebore and perhaps new sleeves and a valve job. This could easily cost $400-500.

Being wiser now and given your description, I would pay at most $200 if everything appeared to be in good order and go down from there as I assessed it. The engine may require no more than a squirt of WD-40 to free things up and make the bike rideable but don't count on it.

I hope this is the start of a great experience!

[goldwinghg@aol.com]

I agree there are so many unknowns,when getting something like this. I want to be fair with the owner,but I think its worth more to him,than I'll be willing to give. He's 80 yrs.old and said he will never restore it,but would like to see it done,but unless he gets the price right. It will sit in his mancave until,one day it will be in an estate sale.