Total Motorcycle Community Forums

I have been really into bikes lately, but don't get a chance to work on mine since it isn't broken. If I try to dabble with it, god knows it won't be running for long.

Anyways, I was thinking about trying to buy an old bike from craigslist that doesn't run for 200-500 bucks. I could learn about stuff as I disassemble it, then part it out on ebay. Could I make money doing this? I realize it would be a lot of time and effort, but if I could use the opportunity to learn a thing or two and break even or make a few bucks, that would be awesome. What are the main things I should check for to make sure I get some money out of the parts? Any experiences or tips would be so very appreciated.

Thanks,
Zach

Zach - it all depends on the bike you are buying...how popular it is now, how much it is in demand, the condition of the part etc. There are lots of variables. Most of the buyers on eBay are not fools. They are going to ask you questions about the bike and the parts such as the condition of the part etc.
If you want to learn mechanics by purchasing a bike and wrenching around on it to try and get it to run, you may be just buying a headache, since alot can go wrong with a bike. I see time and time again on craigslist bikes for sale that "just stopped running, I dont know why."
I suggest you either take some community education classes or find someone in your area who owns a bike shop, offer to help clean up around the shop and do errands for lessons on how to work on your bike. Good luck

Pick a bike with a high demand for parts. The GL1500 was made for thirteen years, and they have been known to go 300,000 miles or more.

There are a bunch of them on the road, and their owners typically ride the hell out of them. (ask me how I know) I've bought plenty of 1500 stuff from fleaBay.

That's the one I would part out, if I was so inclined. (I don't have the time or space)