Would you buy this Z50? I might...

I have the opportunity to buy this Z50A I think it is. The guy says it's a 1969. He says it needs:

Taillight and bracket
Coil
Air cleaner
ALL cables (he might have some used)
Handlebars (bars are fair...but knobs broken off)
Seat cover

Not sure if there's any compression. It includes the two gas tank emblems and he says the gas tanks is very clean inside. What would you pay for such a bike?

If it truly is a 1969 and the frame is straight and complete, I might give him $200. From what I can see in the picture, it looks like a complete restoration is in order, so basically all you are buying is the frame and gas tank. If it needs a coil and all cables, it probably hasn't been run in quite some time, if it will run at all.

The muffler is bent at the back, so that would also need to be replaced and it looks like the rear brake pedal assembly is missing entirely. The left front fork boot is not attached, so don't be surprised if the front forks aren't shot. It also looks like the left foot peg is bent to the rear, and the gas tank is dented on the left side. These things tell me it has probably been rode hard and put away wet. At least the chain is oiled, but maybe that was just for the picture.

If you are looking for a cheap rider, this probably isn't it. If you are looking for a good winter project and have the money to do so, this could be a fun little project, but I would buy it with the understanding that it is just a project bike and not a rider.

For whats it worth, the 69's did not have a rear brake pedal. If you are starting from scratch, yes it would get expensive fast. Just go on one of the many suppliers and price out parts- seats 100 easy rear light bracket 100 again, cables my guess 60, handle bars another 100. But on the other hand if your like some of us, we have extra parts on hand and the hard to get parts like the headlight, battery bracket are still on it. I guess it all depends what you want to do with the bike. As the original owner of a 69 z50 and the 2nd owner of a 69 ct70, a z50 is not too practical, slow, hard riding, and uncomfortable.

Excellent feedback guys, just what I need. I hope this is the right place to post this thread.

I don't know much about the Z50's, but I like 'em. I have a 1981 CT70 and it's dirty and dented and needs lots, but it's a driver. I'd like to find a Z50 as a driver for my son to learn on and maybe for me to ride around on...maybe I should just wait for him to grow tall enough for the CT70, I don't know. Z50's and CT70's are hard to find around where I live, so I'm really tempted by this one.

I wouldn't offer more than about $250 without knowing a lot more about the condition of that bike. The hardtails seem to all have been ridden to death. Frame and tank damage are common and expensive to repair properly unless you have the skills. Headset bearings are unique to the early Z50s and not available new. Right off the bat you'd need: tires & tubes...$90, exhaust $200, brakes & bearings...$50, chain & sprockets...$35, seat...$125, cables...$55, fork rebuild kit + upper sliders...$70, engine work...$300-850, new fenders...$140, new tail light assembly...$100, new handlebars & knobs...$150, new coil...$20 that's well into four figures without frame, tank and paintwork. I've seen show quality hardtails bring ~$3k, so you probably won't lose much, if anything. You also don't stand to realize a huge profit either.

If you really want a restored hardtail Z50, this might be a worthy basis. They aren't easy to find in straight, solid condition. Just keep in mind that the short wheelbase, tiny wheels and lack of suspension makes for a harsh ride. The CT70 rides like next year's top-of-the-line Lexus in comparison.

I'd have to check a model reference guide as I'm uncertain which years came with the optional footbrake. A hardtail so equipped is generally worth more since it's possible to run a manual clutch. So, even if it's not a `69, it may still be worthwhile for the right person.

If you are looking for a good rider for your son, look for something newer. There are lots of late model hondas out there pretty reasonable, and they have full suspension, modern styling, etc, as well as the fat tires.

I got the following bike at a local garage sale complete with some helmets and a clear title for under $450!

It really needed no work except a good washing!

I had a 69 hardtail in 1969. I wish I still had it. Even in the condition that one is in, it still brings back some really good memories!

About 8 years ago I bought one just like that for $35 and cleaned it up. I was riding it at a Cushman Motor Scooter meet with no intentions of selling it. A guy runs out like he'd found the Lost Dutchmans Gold Mine and says what do you want for it right now. I figured Id blow him off and said $695 and he said sold. I forgot to tell him it had a 70 motor in it. People will pay stupid money for them things so Id pay about $150 max. It will be a whole lot more money then you realise to restore it perfect, a whole lot! It would probably be cheaper to buy a good one to start with but thats no fun. Just remember if youre going to be dumb, you have to be tough. Ive had numerous lessons too, I know! Be careful what you wish for.

If the tank holds gas and isn't completely rusted on the inside, and the headlamp is complete, the bike is worth $300 for just those two parts alone. On ebay, that bike would bring at least $400.

If I were to restore that bike, I'd keep the frame and upper fork legs, the tank, the headlamp, the fasteners and toss the rest in the trash and build from scratch as most of those parts won't be worth saving. Maybe keep the hubs and backing plates as well.

A fully restored Z50 K1 will bring as much or more then a fully restored CT70 HK0 or K0, and with the tank and headlamp being there, all the rest of the parts are available in the aftermarket.

You'd spend $2500 to restore it, and if done right, could fetch what you have in it.

If you want to build it and keep it to enjoy, go for it. If you want to buy it to flip it, don't give over $300 for it, and part it out and watch the people fight over the headlamp bucket.

I like the idea of owning a Z50 hartail, but they are only fun to ride if you are a hardcore enthusiast or want it for your kids first bike. I only build the softtails as the aftermarket is huge on what you can do to them.

Dan

Mine was mssing the headlite and the tank was lined with rust but it did have 2 new tires & tubes which helped sell it. Those were the first I had to saw off to change. Yeah it was good money at the time but I wish I still had it. They are tough to find now, but as was mentioned are usually beat to death and only parked when they quit. Out here you sometimes find them with gummed up carbs from stale winter gas or closed up valves. Finding a cherry one is not likely to happen. Selling it on ebay is best done parting it out, selling it for $400 and having to deal with crating and shipping isnt worth it to me. Just depends on what you can get it for and what you want to do with it along with how bad you want it. Shippings costs are getting insane also which comes off what you get for it.

We're all saying about the same things...be afraid, very afraid

A whole bike can be shipped anywhere in the lower 48 for less than $200. The key is finding a seller willing to break the bike down into parts & ship them in 3-4 boxes. It gets even cheaper if you don't have the unwanted items sent. Except for the tires, it's easier for the seller to discard the scrap parts than packaging them. As for shipping a whole bike, $350 is about as cheap as it gets anymore; Forward Air is on meth

In the long term most of these little bikes will become harder to find and values will increase. I doubt that any will be blue-chip investments, but any vehicle that doesn't depreciate can't be all bad... if it's what you want. In the nearer-term, bargains can be found, even on ebay. Winter is the time to buy, January through tax time is when prices usually bottom-out. If one is patient, it's even possible to buy the basic bike in pieces. For a full-on project, resto/restomod/custom, relatively few parts are reused, or even worth reusing.

Makotosun- I know how you feel, here is the one I got for Christmas of '69

These are all very excellent comments, they're helping me a lot.

I live in Ottawa, Canada's Capital. Around here you don't see these bikes, so I was shocked to see one for sale. I suspect they're rare in lots of places, that's why people buy them on ebay and pay the high prices to ship them!

I talked with the seller and he knows all about ebay and parts prices, but he says he's too busy to deal with parting the bike out or restoring it right now. He says he's restored two before. I asked him if this was his parts bike, he denied that. He said he bought it a while ago and did nothing to it, now he's decided he doesn't have the time. I know he's into Triumphs and 3-wheeled VW motor bikes and stuff like that too.

I don't think I'd restore it, just fix it up a bit to get it running and driving. If I found the motor was bad or something catastrophic, then I'd part it out I guess, but I don't really have the time either! Ebay is all fine and dandy, but very time consuming, as I'm sure you all know. I've done my fair share.....half of my inheritance is in rubbermaid bins in my basement in the form of antiques, jewelry, collectibles, dolls, etc.......ebay knows me well.

He's asking $450 Canadian. I think that's a little high, but he says he has some spare parts that I think he'll throw in. If I can get it for $350 I'd be happy, $400 I'm not too sure if I want to pay that. He might be reading this forum for all I know!

I'd likely park the bike in my garage until I'm done getting my CT70 working properly, done building the addition on my house, and done changing the motor in my Barracuda...lots on the plate. Why do I think I need a little bike too? I must be insane...

A couple years ago I got a phone call from a friend saying someone he knewbut had not seen in years was hard up for money and was selling a CT-70.
I went and met they guy, and what he had was a complete but Barn Fresh 1969 Z-50. I really didnt want it but he was really in need of $$$ so I gave him $200 for it.
I got it to run by sanding the points and flywheel and changing the oil, nothing else worked, all brakes frozen up but I could ride it around.
About 1 year later I decided to take it to a swapmeet where I was selling atv and cycle parts, I was beseiged by offers of $200 and $250. I wanted at least $300 and was able to get $350 for it with-in a few hours.
The next week on E-Bay one in worse condition brought $950.

That's it man, I'm going to buy it! A little elbow grease to at least take the dirt and grime off and I'm sure I'll at least get my money back if I decide it's too much for me to deal with.

Personaly, I would buy it. I think in the years to come these bikes will become more and more rare. I think the red one would be a fine candidate for restoration and I think anything under $500 is a bargan. I look everyday in the local papers for Honda minis, ebay has this magic way of over inflating values. That said you could always bail out of the bike and sell it for more than you bought it for.. Good luck, let us know what happens..

Dan

ebay has this magic way of over inflating values

Click to expand...

I used to think the same thing until I just realized that people were just willing to pay more than I was for something on ebay!

A good way to find these old bikes (at a price you are willing to pay) is to hang signs, post "wanted" signs at the local grocery store/hardware store community bulletin boards. Make sure you have a picture of the bike on your wanted sign so people know what you are looking for.

You will get calls from people who want a premium but you also get those great calls from people who just want to clean out the garage/basement/backyard.

I put up a CT70 "wanted poster" and got a bunch of calls

Rare things arent as rare if you kow where to look or how to ask for them for them....

I think this seller picks up bikes at local country auctions. Anyhow, I went out there tonight and bought the sucker!

I paid $400 Canadian...that's about $350 USD.

The guy threw in a front fender (rusty but not dented), a rear brake cable and two spare used tires. The levers are missing, the coil, air box and taillight are missing. Left handlebar is broken and needs welding/replacing. Right one is missing the screw.

The good news is, I'd say with some soap and water it will look great! I don't know if it's the original paint, but it sure looks like it. Did they paint the whole bike silver, then red? There's some silver showing through down on the lower rear frames. The wheels are NOT rusty, there's compression, no welds on the frame, no damage really. The gas tank is extremely clean inside.

I was excited and anxious and completely forgot to get the gas tank emblems from the guy, obviously he wasn't going to offer them up since I offered him less on the bike. I could kick myself, but oh well...it's a cool bike nontheless and I'll have to find some emblems.

I think the bike will sit in my garage for now, waiting for that long winter when I have nothing to do. Right now I have too many other things going on. Then again, maybe a few parts and a bit of work and I could get it running enough to enjoy it a little?

Oh ya, the headstock tag says 12/69. Is this still considered a '69 or a '70? the serial number is Z50A268198.

You should call the guy and ask for the emblems, even if it costs a bit. If they are the original ones and in decent shape, they are worth something.

I believe the whole bike was painted silver, which was the base for the candy apple overcoat. In the old days, you could buy the touch up paint at the dealer in fizzy cans, and the base was silver, then you put the color coat over the part that was to be colored. I remember repainting my bike back then before I sold it with the fizzy can method, and got a good premium over the scratched up version!

The fact that you have lights and a battery holder make it a 1969 Z50 K1. The next model the K2, had bigger tank badges, different license plate holder,longer rear fender, which by the way all of the above could be bolted on to make a K1 look like a K2. A K2 tho does not have a battery,but has a brake pedal in combination with a hand lever for the rear brake,very hard to add on since a bracket was welded onto the frame. When I got mine, the 1st thing I did and I know I wasn't the only one, was to fall and break the plastic brake levers. Going to my dealer who for the times was a large one, he had 2 rows of them,about 20 in all,some without lights.Didn't know at the time but these were the 1st ones, the K0. The price was $242.86, tax was $12.14. I agree if the emblems are in good shape metal wise,you can always repaint them, repro ones I think are about $70.00 US