Vintage Dirt Bike Q & A

I found a 1981 CR450R (all stock) for sale in Colorado. Been sitting in a barn for YEARS. Older gent (70's) says his son bought it new, used it a few times and then in 1984 was killed in a car wreck. It has been in the barn since 1984! He says it was in running condition when stored. Was partially covered by a tarp (an inch of bird crap) and really dirty. Everything that can be dry rotted is dry rotted, so it currently does not run (I don't even want to try to start it in this condition). All fins on the head are straight, none broken. Boots and hoses are all dry rotted. Plastic is dirty but PERFECT. Seat and tires are dry rotted. Rims are straight but rusty. Pipe has one small dent, a scratch and has surface rust. Forks are REALLY spongy (will need to be totally rebuilt). He's asking $700. Does this sound a little high for an '81 in this condition? I was thinking more along the lines of $500. It'll probably cost at least a grand to get this thing back to life! This baby is going to be a blast to put back together! Any thoughts?

Judging from what I've seen lately, I'd normally say $3-400. But since you know some history and that it has limited use I can see paying your $500 if you want the bike to rebuild. JMO.

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-John

'81 Honda CR250R Elsinore
'78 Yamaha DT175 Enduro

sounds like it might be a fare buy if it does have low hours on it ( rims are staright but rusty) i think it should have aluminum rims