Price Negotiating 72' X650

I'm usually pretty quiet on here because most of my questions have been answered and are easily found through the search function.

Basically, I'm looking for some XS650 price negotiating 101.

I've had such a blast working on my XS650 that I'm considering another. I found this one for sale near me, but the guy has little to no information other than it doesn't run and probably hasn't since 1980. I've seen similar bikes go for 1.5~2k in running condition... and this guy is asking for 1.2k... I'll be going to check it out next week to get a better handle on what I'm dealing with.

Can I get some feedback on a baseline offer without low balling the guy?

Thanks

Hi Janicki,
start mumbling about the cost of replacing 37 year old tires, buying a new battery and getting the carbs ultrasoniced then offer him $800.
If he drops to a Grand, buy it. If he won't move on the price, leave him your number and walk away.

Yes, I'd consider $800 to $1000 a good price. The older models are worth more but that one needs a lot of TLC, lol. And also keep in mind, parts for that older 256 motor are harder to find and more expensive.

You could also ask him honestly, what's your dead bottom line. Go from there.

Or you could offer $857.95 and then $999.98 and then leave your number.

That is a rough bike. The seat is sacked out and the front fender chrome has large rust spots - not the small blossoms that respond to rubbing with Coke and aluminum foil. I'm sure that there are more issues that don't show in the photo.

If you are looking for a non-Special XS they are thin on the ground. Remember, they aren't making any more of these. If it was me, I would go with $1200 in my pocket and negotiate. I would be willing to spend the whole wad IF the bike has a title.

I've restored an RD350 and an XS Special and am in the midst of an RD250. I thought that I got all for a fair price except the RD250. At the time I thought that I had paid about $200 more than it was worth but did not mind. My math is that I always make money - the enjoyment that I get out of the restoration is worth at least $20/hour. This holds even if I never sell them .

or go get this one....
https://rockford.craigslist.org/mcy/d/an-absolute-steal-on-clsasic/6227024316.html

I appreciate all the feedback. After pointing out the numerous issues, he took the first offer I gave him... which is going to bother me now because I'll wonder if I could have gotten it for less. Either way, walked away with the title and some cash left over in my pocket. The engine is clean and has compression. I'll start digging into it this weekend and see where I'm at.

Janicki said:

... which is going to bother me now because I'll wonder if I could have gotten it for less.

Click to expand...

I wouldn't sweat that one. You got a cool bike with a title and some cash left over have some fun with it.Life isn't all about American Pickers.