FOR SALE 1972 CT70

Thanks, goes to show how important valve adjustment is for Honda to have included the tools to do so, too bad more owners wouldn't have done the simple Maintainance, probably be a lot less worn valves than what we see these days. I think there should be a feeler gauge also that slipped into a small pocket in the tool pouch. Nice looking bike

72ct70 said:

I am obviously not a great marketer nor an expert on these bikes, just someone who found one in excellent original shape and took care of it, making only small mods that are easily reversible:

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Sounds reasonable...and wise...to me. AFAIK, you're the fist person who's actually gotten some utility from the "grab handle". It was only installed on ST70 Dax models that came fitted with a center stand assembly and those were a small percentage of total production. I bet that Honda sold more of these things as OTC aftermarket parts than were ever installed at the factory. It's understandable, the thing looks the biz, y'know? But, unless one is a southpaw it's the CT70 equivalent of package shelf pillows I used to see (what seemed like) everywhere, back in the 1970s. I'm getting a clearer picture of the bikes history and that's a positive thing. IMO, your turn signal setup is more intelligently executed than what Honda did with the K3-later models...for example. Now, at resale time, you need to communicate this kind of info to potential buyers.

You're looking to get a top price...which very well may be justified. The harsh truth is that there's a lot of shady marketing out there and it's been going on since ebay became the top venue for selling these bikes. I've seen people get seriously taken, overpaying for crap...as well as sellers who got less than what their machinery was worth. I know, in an auction environment, every product is worth exactly what someone paid for it...I'm speaking in terms of fair market value, under ideal conditions. In here, there's plenty of time for Q&A discussion. "Out there", it's every man for himself/buyer beware. I get it, not everyone is talented when it comes to marketing. The fact remains that, unless it's done reasonably well, what you don't know can hurt you. With thousands of listings over the last couple of decades, many potential buyers have learned to focus-in on details (or lack thereof) that lead to quickly dismissing a bike and moving on, in search of something better. Face it, short of seeing a bike firsthand, there's nothing to by other than what the seller presents...in photos and text. On the one hand, it might seem unfair...OTOH, harsh as it can be, it's also the fairest system going, in that the "rules" are the same for everyone, making it a "level playing field". My suggestion is that you use some of the opinions & advice given in this thread, to your advantage...to create a successful one-off ad. Only way to get the buyers to come to you is to set yourself apart from the crowd and draw them in. That applies to all sellers.

I intended to upload the pic. I went back and edited my posting to show the end. Yes, it does have a square end.

There is also a feeler gauge in the kit.

allenp42 said:

I intended to upload the pic. I went back and edited my posting to show the end. Yes, it does have a square end.

There is also a feeler gauge in the kit.

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This makes a whole lotta sense; Honda did a pretty amazing job sciencing-out their toolkits.

Did may be the key word,my 99 XR has one less tool than my 69 Z does In reality you don't need anything more than a plug wrench and chain adjusting capabilities when your out and about- leave the oil change and spinner cleaning for real tools at home

Gary said:

Did may be the key word,my 99 XR has one less tool than my 69 Z does In reality you don't need anything more than a plug wrench and chain adjusting capabilities when your out and about- leave the oil change and spinner cleaning for real tools at home

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A complete CT70 toolkit allowed...in theory at least...plug R&R, point gap adjustment, valve lash adjustment, chain tension adjustment, C/S sprocket replacement, wheel assembly R&R, among other things...virtually any maintenance that might be required, in the field. I say "in theory" because when fully torqued, axles usually require at least a short ratchet & socket, or box-end wrench and rocker covers can become very stubborn.

Stan,
X2 to all that Racerx said. Good presentation, photos and lots of details will really help you out sell your bike. In terms of what not to do, here’s an example of minimum effort and greed:

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/312838017693

This is a 1971 like yours but is dirty, beat up and not well maintained. Yet the seller thinks he can get $3900 for it?! He can only hope for a sucker...

Here’s another 1971 example that is more likely to be your competition:

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/184015348681

This bike has been fully restored, and has some good pictures, but limited info otherwise.
At your current asking price, you should be able to successfully market your bike as a 1971 K0 all-original low mileage survivor with extra goodies (tool kit, books, carrier, etc.). I would not mention the reason for the sale, but you should include the history of the bike to present date. Re-route that spark plug wire and get rid of the sheathing zip tied to it. Remove all those fabric pouches on the handlebars. Mention that the turn signal setup, mirrors and cargo rack (and maybe grab bar) have not affected the paint or chrome in any way and that they can be easily removed for the purists. Then take lots of new photos in good lighting like the restored bike seller did, and include all your photos of the books & tools as well. It would be very helpful if you could also photograph the bike loaded on the carrier and mounted on the back of your vehicle to show the carrier’s usability rather than just laid across an unassociated trailer.
The only thing I can think will hurt you is if you don’t have any kind of a seller rating on eBay. It doesn’t make you untrustworthy, but it does mean you’re an unknown. In any case I think you should be able to achieve your desire. Hopefully your next problem will be how to ship it to your buyer. Good luck!

Thanks again to airblazer and racerx for sharing ideas on how to best market my 1971 KO which was first titled in Arizona in 1972. After 249 miles it was moved to Truth or Consequences, NM in 1976 and stored there. I purchased it from the original owner, who had moved from Arizona to TorC in 1976, in 2009 and cleaned out the fuel tank, replaced the rotted fuel lines and fired it right up! Used it as a pit bike for 709.6 miles (odo shows 958.6 miles) doing 7 oil changes in those 10 years/709 miles. And just recently we did the 1000 mile service.
Asking $3950 for bike as pictured in original survivor condition (plug wire rerouted to original OEM location) with all added accessories as shown in pictures, including Honda 6volt turn signals (aftermarket switch on bike/loose new Honda OEM switch from later model CT70 provided), aftermarket rearview mirror, Honda CT70 accessory luggage rack, European grab handle, custom carrier, pull behind foldup wagon (hitch mounted on rubber to luggage rack to prevent chrome damage). Also includes all books, original toolkit, special tools, and parts as shown above.

Can deliver to following cities, and points between them and Las Cruces, NM for cost of fuel: Phoenix, Tucson, Albuquerque, Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland, Odessa, El Paso.....May consider further distances for greater compensation.

For purists who do not need the turnsignals & mirror for street use, those, as well as grab handle and wagon hitch can be removed to have a great original condition low mileage Honda CT70 trail bike.

Text or call Stan, 915-204-3520

IN STORAGE 33 YEARS. 1000 mile service recently completed; 958.6 original miles.....offers encouraged.

72ct70 said:

IN STORAGE 33 YEARS. 1000 mile service recently completed; 958.6 original miles.....offers encouraged.

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Did you post it on eBay?

Not yet.....

72ct70 said:

Not yet.....

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SOLD!!!! Thanks for looking.