401M plan - 73 GT250

motojo · Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2012 7:41 am Post subject: 401M plan - 73 GT250

With little faith that my 401k will ever be worth anything when I am ready to retire, I have decided to diversify. Now I am taking 5% of my pay and inversting in classic bikes figuring that in the worst case they will always be worth what I paid for them (my 401Motorcycle plan). Here is my first one, a '73 GT250. It's in very nice shape, no rust, paint a little faded, 4k miles, runs fantastic, and titled. I paid $1200, how did I do? You guys know these bikes better than me, what is it worth?

Bikegeezer · Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2012 5:07 pm Post subject:

Now's a heck of a time to ask that question. I'd say it's worth...$1200. Laughing

Seriously, check out ebay completed auctions, and anyplace else you can find one in comparable condition that sold.

Stu

fxray · Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2012 6:54 pm Post subject:

That's good advice from Stu, as far as figuring out what older bikes are going for. Now, if you have a crystal ball to see what it will be worth when you are ready to retire, you will be in business. Unlike buying a brand new bike, I think the '73 models have finished depreciating, and are starting back up. These days, it doesn't take much to beat the rate on a cerificate of deposit, and the old motorcycles are more fun to own. Now all you have to do is keep it insured, clean, and exercised (or properly stored). No chopping, bobbing, cafe-ing, and you should get a return on your investment.

I know a guy with a nice building full of old Harleys, Indians, and Excelsior-Hendersons. His dad bought them very reasonably, years ago as used bikes -- typically advertised for sale in the paper before the days of Ebay and Craigs List. They are worth quite a bundle now. IMHO, he hasn't made a bad investment.

motojo · Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2012 7:11 pm Post subject:

I feel pretty good at 1200. I checked ebay and there are none on there now. The guy I got it from said a rusty one under a tarp so for 900 a while ago. Whether that is true or not, who knows. I have bought and sold 40 bikes over the years and have rarely lost money unless it was a newer bike that I put lots of miles on. This one will looks good beside my DT's, PE and CT90 that I had before I put 401m in place.

MR.CHocko · Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2012 8:19 pm Post subject:

1200 is about dead on for a bike that size. Unfortunately, the smaller displacement Suzuki two strokes are not going for the money like the larger displacement bikes are from the same manufacturer. As someone who sells a lot of bikes and parts, if you are looking at this as an investment look into the larger displacement bikes. Trust me on this, I am speaking from experience as much as I love my Honda Benlys unless they are a racing model they will never be worth much money. One bike to look out for that is begining to get the notice of the collectors is the first year of production of Kawasaki's GPZ bikes. Also before you just go and buy bikes at random learn whatever you can about any bike that you maybe interested in.

Mat · Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2012 7:03 am Post subject:

Nice looking bike. I don't think you did bad as it is a good looker and runner, something you can have fun with. I think the two stroke road bikes are going to go up in value as they aren't made anymore and are a bit different. I find the 250's quick for their size and fun to ride. Stock up on a few extra parts that it is likely to need over the years as those will go up. I just bough some new tires from Dennis Kirk and they almost double in price compared to the same tires two years ago! Don't give up completely on you 401K though. Diversify.

fxray · Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2012 7:15 am Post subject: