The value of ....

[The Gecko_imp]

I'd be interested to know what you think might be the value of a well maintained, accident-free, spick n span CB1100 ... in terms of her parts. Ignore mileage (say 10 - 20k), ignore her age.
If you took the major parts like engine, gearbox, tank, seat, the wheels, and all the rest and sold them one by one with ebay ...

- which parts wouldn't sell within a few months ?
- and what total price would one get combined for those selling ?

[PowerDubs_imp]

The value of a clean complete running bike will be higher in value than parts- and much less time and hassle to sell.

....and you can't ignore miles & age...it is absolutely relevant for friction and rubber bits.

[Tev62]

The value would not be enough to compensate for your time in selling the bike that way, unless you put no value on your time. One item can cause a dispute with a buyer and consume your time and energy too.

[bioman_imp]

I agree. The only time it makes sense from a financial point of view to part out a bike is if it is not-running - and will never run again. E.g. after a serious accident.
Selling the parts seems to me a terrible job which will take an enormous amount of time (and possibly a lot of frustration) for very modest financial gains.
One positive outcome could be that you probably will make several CB1100-owners very happy when they find that unique elusive part that is no longer available via regular suppliers.

[KiowaEagle_imp]

So I guess this means you're not coming to the rally Gecko?

[ymtnpoah11_imp]

To answer you thoroughly would require a spreadsheet.

Having spent a lot of time shopping for parts for repair, I'll testify it's very expensive. New and (especially) used. When a salvage yard can charge as high as 80% of a part's new retail price for a used one from a wrecked vehicle, then the secondary market is strong (arguably too strong). I detest ebay for this reason, where greed is unavoidable.

I wouldn't want to spend the time doing it, but if a business or inclined private party is set up for selling parts, then yes, they will earn more doing so than selling complete. The in-demand parts will be those most susceptible to damage from common downs/drops and those that wear fast. The parts that would take a long time to sell would be those we seldom need. The model is proven in automotive, bicycling, etc etc.

Regardless - I love CBs and would rather keep them on the road.

[1985CB450_imp]

it also depends on the model. some are worth parting out, especially classics. the cb isn't there quite yet IMHO to make it worthwhile. as said in the vintage world, some must die so the rest can live.

Yep that’s my take as well

I parted out my ‘83 GS750ED about 20 yrs ago. I disassembled it for a full rebuild at 50,000 miles and was planning to mount 17in wheels along with some other modern suspension parts. It lingered for a while before I lost interest and decided to let it go. The engine and frame w/title sold local and the rest on eBay. I had a lot of desirable aftermarket parts that were no longer available so that made it worthwhile in the end but it sure was a PIA. Interestingly enough most of the parts went to Canada so there was also customs paperwork to deal with as well. I sure was glad when it was done….

[The Gecko_imp]

My curiosity isn't spurred by the idea to part out my own CB. She is mine and will stay mine for a long time.
@Kiowa: I may not, but not because my wheels have been sold

But I have seen high part prices (see below), and it occurred to me that the sum of parts may be higher than a used CB1100. And any parts which are easy to inspect before the deal is sealed seem to sell. Here is what I found:
- tank new >1000, used up to 80%
- wheels new each ~1000, used 80%
- pipes new each side ~ 800, used 70%
- ABS module ~1600, used ... not certain, but 50% seems possible
- ECU ~ 1200, used 70%
- seat ~ 500, surely 60%
- LED headlight (my EX), ~600, used 80%
not sure about engine and gearbox, but a simple drop in the garage may require an exchange.

Put those numbers together, the total is about what one has to pay for a 2014 DLX ... without the engine.
And I do not see any legal issues if the parts are sold privately without any warranty : what you inspect is what you get = what you see is all there is.
I could be wrong all right.

[pdedse]

My curiosity isn't spurred by the idea to part out my own CB. She is mine and will stay mine for a long time.
@Kiowa: I may not, but not because my wheels have been sold

But I have seen high part prices (see below), and it occurred to me that the sum of parts may be higher than a used CB1100. And any parts which are easy to inspect before the deal is sealed seem to sell. Here is what I found:
- tank new >1000, used up to 80%
- wheels new each ~1000, used 80%
- pipes new each side ~ 800, used 70%
- ABS module ~1600, used ... not certain, but 50% seems possible
- ECU ~ 1200, used 70%
- seat ~ 500, surely 60%
- LED headlight (my EX), ~600, used 80%
not sure about engine and gearbox, but a simple drop in the garage may require an exchange.

Put those numbers together, the total is about what one has to pay for a 2014 DLX ... without the engine.
And I do not see any legal issues if the parts are sold privately without any warranty : what you inspect is what you get = what you see is all there is.
I could be wrong all right.

It's interesting to think about; the nice thing would be that you have the parts right there, so no real down time, or worse, no "can't find" experience to deal with. On the other hand, it's highly likely you wouldn't need all those parts.

The age / mileage of the spare-parts bike may be less a consideration than one's own age (some of us are getting up there in years), and your specific plans for the CB1100--you may want your bike to be rideable for another 25-30 years. For me, that would mean when I'm 85-90 and it won't be my concern at that point, should I make it that far.

Another thing to think about is how stable is your stable. If you like where you live, and have the garage / shed space to store the spare bike / parts, and you have the economic means, this could be a very good idea. But if you see multiple moves in your future, doing so with a spare parts bike could be a hassle.

But I'm kinda of doing the same with my DR650--it's supposed to be my bike for Costa Rica and I hope to ride it 15-20 years there. Even though new, I've already started a long-term items bin for the bike because I know that once there it will be difficult to track down certain parts. We'll see how that goes.

[KiowaEagle_imp]

My curiosity isn't spurred by the idea to part out my own CB. She is mine and will stay mine for a long time.
@Kiowa: I may not, but not because my wheels have been sold

But I have seen high part prices (see below), and it occurred to me that the sum of parts may be higher than a used CB1100. And any parts which are easy to inspect before the deal is sealed seem to sell. Here is what I found:
- tank new >1000, used up to 80%
- wheels new each ~1000, used 80%
- pipes new each side ~ 800, used 70%
- ABS module ~1600, used ... not certain, but 50% seems possible
- ECU ~ 1200, used 70%
- seat ~ 500, surely 60%
- LED headlight (my EX), ~600, used 80%
not sure about engine and gearbox, but a simple drop in the garage may require an exchange.

Put those numbers together, the total is about what one has to pay for a 2014 DLX ... without the engine.
And I do not see any legal issues if the parts are sold privately without any warranty : what you inspect is what you get = what you see is all there is.
I could be wrong all right.

Oh good! Then you don’t have an excuse after all!

Hope to see you there!