I've been texting a nice guy with a zb50 he offered to sell me. He has too many projects. The bike needs work. $350
Cons: (he says)surface rust, seat, missing some lights, no title. (and probably more I am missing)
Pros: (he says) it ran 2 years ago, wheels look good, has most of parts, it's a zb50! (and probably more I am missing)
I haven't seen it in person, just these pictures. He first said $500 and I felt like that was too much for the condition. I mentioned $350. He said he could do that.
Is $350 too much or a good price for this zb50?
My plan would be, apply for title, engine work, and paint. Nothing too crazy or super expensive, but a nice custom look.
Here are the pictures of the bike and zb's that could be my goal.
Please share your opinions, good or bad. What would you do?
Richard for $350 I'd buy it quick, I dont see how you can lose on it. If the title doesnt work out theres plenty there to get your money back in parts worst case. The other thing is you could mod it as much as you like without regrets based on its current condition. With mine I dont have that luxury, and everytime I touch it theres voices in my head telling me to stop.
if you decide to pass on it, please send the info my way as I would certainly take it.
You dont know the irony of that statement. Back around xmas there was a low mileage one that came up on ebay and RedX was in negotiations to buy it. I unknowingly saw it and immediately pulled the trigger and came on the forums to brag about my latest score, essentially sniping it from him. I found a thread he had started at lilhonda asking if he should buy it, but by then it was too late.
Your not snatching this one from me spizz! Lol. I dont want to get into that dilemma of buying something so nice that I can't work on it. I want a project, not a bike I spend a lot of $$ on then might regret touching it. Or watch it collect dust. At least this one I can fix it up and make better.
Everything went great and I am now the owner of a zb50. I picked it up in Nipomo, Ca. It just so happens the guy is a member on here as well. His name is Kevin. The bike is in the car. Excited to get it home and really inspect it good. Then what? Let the fun begin!
I have some paintless dent repair tools that could fix a lot of the big dents in your tank . let me know if you want to give it a try. I'm in Benicia, a couple hours north of Monterey if you're interested.
-Dave
Thanks, tmas. I think your zb is awesome. I hope you can help with mine. I very beginner and always welcome advice and guidance.
I did not get a title. When I took the bill of sale to the DMV they found the address of the previous owner. I had to send him a letter, the DMV needs him to fill out a form to transfer the bike. I am waiting for a response. I hope this process goes smoothly, it will determine how soon and involved I get with this machine.
For the motor, I am not sure. I have never built one. I will either try it myself or have a professional do it. After reading, I would rather have a built up Honda motor than put in a chinese one. I would like to be able to keep up with traffic, 50 mph or more sounds great, plus I am a big guy. I know there is a ton of work and it will take a lot of time. This bike, once I get the paperwork straight will be my main project.
Rustynuts, Here are some more pictures of the tank. I want to get the frame and swing arm rust free and painted as well.
Hey farm dog. I have been running around a lot. Just got back from Florida. Spent a month there. We should try and hang out this weekend.
rm25088- *Restomod* for sure. They look nice all original, but part of the reason I got a junker was to make it "mine". I wouldn't want to buy a nice one and tear it apart.
Usually when something works and I tinker with it, it never works the same. At least I bought a ZB50 that started out not working. LOL
I ordered a new seat cover from ebay for the zb50. Also ordered some new tires. Went with the Heidenau K61 that tmas recomends, thanks.
Took a couple pieces off the tail section of the bike, also removed the battery box. I was going to do the relocate with the ct70 box.
Here are a few pics. This bike was just sitting outside a house along a fence for years, about 5 miles from the beach. I'd like to get the frame and swingarm looking good again. Is powdercoating the best option? I basically want to restomod this whole thing. I feel like every piece needs some sort of work, or replacement. The brake lever is pretty stuck, no spring action. Keep the wheels, frame, swingarm, seat. Might restore the rear tail section or try something new. I would like to get new rearsets, bars.
I have no idea what I will do but I will need to beef up the engine, or get a new one. 50cc just wont be enough for me. Going to need POWER!!!
Any suggestions about anything and from anyone would be helpful. Thanks
Got a lot done on the zb over the last few days. The seat cover and my new tires came. Thanks to everyone who have answered some of my questions. Today, I took my first engine out of a mini.