How much is too much

confish86 · Posted: Fri Oct 21, 2011 6:08 pm Post subject: How much is too much

To spend on a vintage bike when restoring one Question

I know some do it to bring back memories & some just like the older iron (like myself).

Now if you had to do it again (would you) & would it be better to purchase a running bike or one that was put away & needs to get running again

I know it should have been a pole , but oh well. Laughing

Russell · Posted: Fri Oct 21, 2011 6:32 pm Post subject:

How long is a piece of string? Seriously "too much " is when you on reflection regret what you've spent...and only the person(s) involved can make that judgement.

yamasarus · Posted: Fri Oct 21, 2011 9:02 pm Post subject:

+1 on what Russell said! If it makes you happy it's okay.

confish86 · Posted: Sat Oct 22, 2011 6:05 am Post subject:

05c50 · Posted: Sat Oct 22, 2011 7:35 am Post subject:

My thoughts on the subject: I consider this old bike (classic?, vintage?, antique?) addiction as a hobby. If I wanted a really nice show bike, I would buy the very best one I could find.........finding and buying the bits to make a rat into a show bike is just beyond my limitations. But finding a bike sleeping in a barn somewhere and bringing it back to life with some used, some nos pieces and then being able to ride it without fear of it breaking down is what it's all about to me. As far as the dollars go, I divide the number of dollars spent by the the number of hours spent searching for parts, learning something new, cleaning, polishing, and repairing the bike. These hours I consider my "hobby". I don't expect a profit on those hours/dollars........so as long as my wife doesn't throw me out, all is good! Very Happy

........by theway, I NEVER keep track of how much I have wrapped in a bike. I'm afraid it might bring me to tears. Laughing

...................Paul

Rizingson · Posted: Sat Oct 22, 2011 8:04 am Post subject:

+1 on what Paul said. It's actually pretty easy to buy a nice bike at a good price and flip it for a small profit, but the minute you start throwing NOS parts at it you'll be in the hole fast! Due to the size of my collection I keep a spreadsheet with Year Model etc. and NADA values or The Comprehensive Vintage Motorcycle price guide. What I paid for it, insurance stated values (Hagerty Ins.) and Title info. I do that for hopefully making it easier on who is left to depose of it if something happens to me. The ONE column missising (on purpose) is the additional money spent to fix, paint clean etc. No sense in letting the wife find out that!!!

keman · Posted: Sat Oct 22, 2011 11:43 am Post subject:

Hmm... How much is to much to spend on something you love?? Something that helps you maintain sanity. Something that brings you joy and satisfaction...

If you have a decent income, but your kids are wearing rags and eating top ramen from the food bank, because you needed a new set of carbs... you spent too much.

It's a good thing my kids liked top Ramen growing up. Laughing

Runningdog · Posted: Mon Oct 24, 2011 8:00 am Post subject:

I've mentioned it before, but I use the formula that you spend $300 on a runner (barely), put $1000 into it, and you have a nice bike that is worth $1200.

However you have gained much more in stress relief, fun, accomplishment, plus likley made more friends who supplied knowledge and parts to you.

This is a hobby for most of us.....it takes a lot of time to gain the experience to actually make money at this, and then the fun level drops off.

confish86 · Posted: Mon Oct 24, 2011 5:01 pm Post subject:

Except for my 76 wing, (havn`t spent a whole lot of money on it yet , just alot of time) The last 4 classic bikes i have bought i have made quite a good penny on them when selling them. In fact i`m going to look at another early wing (friend of a friend) to park right next to the 76 & yes it`s barn fresh & lots of dust buildup (my kind of bike) Laughing

Well Paul made me change my avantar as his bike looked too much like mine , so i put this one that most have seen in there garage now & then. Shocked

05c50 · Posted: Mon Oct 24, 2011 6:40 pm Post subject:

Hey Fish- look real close at that Avatar
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
.............that aint no wing! Shocked

..........Paul

confish86 · Posted: Tue Oct 25, 2011 7:05 am Post subject:

05c50 · Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2011 2:58 pm Post subject:

MR.CHocko · Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2011 3:31 pm Post subject:

Not yet give it a few years. I view motorcycles as my hobby, although I do happen to make money at. But to truly get good it takes years and an awful lot of money. When things get to be too much is when you are spending money on bikes parts versus heating oil, or the mortage. When that starts to happen then it gets to be a little too much.

confish86 · Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2011 4:55 pm Post subject:

05c50 · Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2011 5:41 pm Post subject:

That would be a KZ200

Now, about that barn fresh wing.........it does have a title, right? Wink

...............Paul