I have a chance to buy a Honda XL175 that has been in the same family since it was new. It has only 300 miles on it and the tires are the original ones. What price do you think would be fair for this bike? I’m not familiar with these types of bikes, so any help is appreciated.
1000$
Mikel said:
1000$
Yeah, this sounds about right. Also, parts for older bikes can be tough to find. The bike looks like new, but you never know.
It’s probably not worth as much as you think. The 175’s and 185’s had a weak kicker and finding a replacement is nearly impossible these days. If you have the title, you can ask for a bit more though.
The bike’s condition is more important than just low mileage or rarity. Check for any signs that it’s actually low mileage, like the exhaust. Also, original tires will likely need to be replaced unless it’s just a display piece. Does it run? If it does, how well? If the bike doesn’t run, you can probably get it cheaper. If everything checks out, I’d say it could go for anywhere between $1200 and $2000. Just keep in mind that the market for bikes is slow right now.
@Florian
Thanks for your input! I don’t know much about these bikes. I know vintage Honda bikes can get decent prices, but the seller is asking for over $4500, so the price difference might be too large. I’m planning to check out the bike on Thursday. He says everything is original and he has the title in hand.
@Leighton
I think $4500 is too much. Maybe he’d get that on an auction site or if it was an XL350, but not for an XL175. Go see it, and if you like it, make an offer. Sometimes sellers will think it over and call you back later.
@Florian
I agree. Thanks again for the help.
The fact that you called it ‘rare’ shows you probably don’t know too much about it. Yes, it’s a cool bike, but it’s not worth $4.5K. There are many vehicles with low mileage or even ones that were never sold.
@Arden
Thanks for the insight. This advice is really helpful.
It’s not rare
Why is it considered rare?
Indigo said:
Why is it considered rare?
How many bikes do you know that have been in the same family since 1975 with only 300 miles? I’ll let you figure that out.
Indigo said:
Why is it considered rare?
How many bikes do you know that have been in the same family since 1975 with only 300 miles? I’ll let you figure that out.
I think it’s just a rare find, but it’s not exactly ‘rare’ in the true sense. You don’t see these bikes often in that condition, but they aren’t particularly scarce.
@Ramiro
Alright, I was wrong. If you think it’s worth it, go for it. You’re cool for considering it as an investment.
Indigo said:
@Ramiro
Alright, I was wrong. If you think it’s worth it, go for it. You’re cool for considering it as an investment.
Sorry if I came off short, I thought you were joking. I’m genuinely looking for serious advice. I’m not a collector, but I’ve been following auction sites like Bring A Trailer. When I saw this bike pop up on our neighborhood Facebook group, it caught my attention. Vintage bikes like this, especially if they’re original or restored, can fetch good prices. If I can get a good deal, I’d be happy to make some money for my family.
@Leighton
In my opinion, one family owner for 50 years isn’t rare. It’s vintage, but rare means something different. What matters is how hard parts are to find. Honda made a lot of these. If the bike is in good condition, the price might be reasonable, but if it’s been sitting for years, parts could be hard to get. Consider whether the price is realistic. A low-mileage bike is nice, but it doesn’t make it special just because it’s been in one family.
@Hollis
Thanks for your perspective. I think I’m going to pass on this one. We are too far apart on price and I don’t want to offer something too low and offend them.
Leighton said:
@Hollis
Thanks for your perspective. I think I’m going to pass on this one. We are too far apart on price and I don’t want to offer something too low and offend them.
Just make the offer. The worst they can say is no.
With such low mileage, I’d be worried it might leak oil because of dried seals. I’d offer you $1200 max.