1986 Suzuki GS550 ES Seattle eBay

“1986 SUZUKI GS550ES great condition-drive daily and used for trips-exceptionally low miles 6,762-just had carbs rebuilt,oil filter change,front brakes replaced,new air filter and valves adjusted about 700 miles ago -aftermarket dmp led signals and aftermarket flasher (no cut wires all retain stock connectors)-tires replaced approximately 2,000 miles ago-avon road riders front and rear parts i have taken off that it will come with chainguard,front and rear signals, rear reflectors, original flasher, do not have original rear fender”

It’s a gorgeous day here in the Pacific Northwest, it’s 75 degrees, and the sky isn’t just blue, it’s cobalt. The Craigslist motorcycle ads are pretty dry of interesting, affordable motorcycles for sale, so I found this gem listed on eBay.

…The Suzuki GS550ES kinda got buried in the Interceptor/Ninja/GSX avalanche of uber-sport bikes of the mid-80’s. This is a very low mileage example of a solid sportbike that today is better than 95% of the riders who will throw their leg over it. It has a few nicks here and there, but if you’re in the Seattle area and are in the market for a good vintage sport bike (i.e., you don’t want to take a loan out for a current model bike that looks like all the other current bikes) check this one out on eBay. I’d recommend visiting the bike before bidding, if you live in Seattle, unless you know all about this era GS.

Museum Quality Restored BSA Sunbeam

“Up for auction is a well preserved 1953 Sunbeam S8. The bike was restored years ago and ridden sparingly, and since then has been off the road, considering it’s museum quality condition. While in my posession it has always been in a dry, clean, and smoke-free environment. I did ride it a few times several years past and can confirm the machine performed as it should - as it did back in 1953 - the inline twin engine has good torque, the transmission shiflts nicely, and the differential is quiet. You will note the chrome is very nice, including the header pipes; the engine and transmission castings appear excellent. The 3226 miles indicated may be original but I have no way to confirm. I noticed a few chips in the paint and on the backside of the cast aluminum muffler a professional repair. The Avon Speedmaster tires appear near new. The rims are beautiful but a few of the spoke nipples have surface rust. Please see the pictures. Clear WA title in hand.”

…this isn’t a normal bike you’d buy for commuting to your swing shift at WalMart. Just look at this gorgeous bike, though, just for fun. It’s located in Auburn, Washington. As of this posting, its eBay auction is less than a day old, it’s received 14 bids and the price is up to $4,300 and its reserve hasn’t been met (duh).

1982 Kawasaki GPz 1100, Mint on eBay

Less than one day into this auction, the bidding is over $4,400.

“You are bidding on a 1982 Kawasaki Gpz 1100 DFI. The bike has 6,734 mi and is in immaculate condition. It was purchased new buy Nascar/Indy Car team owner Roger Penske,it has had a pampered life . I have owned it approx. 8 yrs and only rode it a few summers. It has been parked for the past 6 yrs and has always been stored inside. Before it was parked I removed the battery, changed the oil and fogged the cylinders. 6,700 miles.”

…Yowza! I saw an ‘83 750 Interceptor with about 5K on the odometer go for over $5,000 this year, this may get more. I created this posting the afternoon of April 5th, and its auction had only been active for 22 hours. It was bid up to $4,450 and it hadn’t made the Reserve Price yet. Click the image to see the eBay auction. This sweet GPz is in Clymer, PA.

Feeling disheartened at the lousy few unattractive, affordable motorcycles available from Seattle-area eBay sellers, I widened my search scope. A seller’s auction listing really grabbed me, although he’s not anywhere near the Seattle Area. If you’ve dabbled with motorcycle shopping on eBay, you know it’s a tricky hobby, particularly when it comes to getting an idea on crating and shipping that nice shiny bike to you if you’re lucky enough to win the auction. This seller, thecollectabletrader (National Powersports) has the absolute best listings and policies, period.

• They provide dozens of very good quality images, and they provide instant crating and shipping costs. No more waiting for the seller to ‘get back with you’ with a quote.
• All of their motorcycles go through an extensive inspection process performed by both our mechanics and detailers. Their thorough inspection ensures that they accurately describe the bike’s condition.
• Their listings include exhaustive mechanical and cosmetic inspection findings of the motorcycle.

They’re a business, not just Joe Sixpack sellin’ the Vulcan in their garage. Here’s what they have currently:

They provide dozens of very good quality images, and they provide instant crating and shipping costs. No more waiting for the seller to ‘get back with you’ with a quote. All of their motorcycles go through an extensive inspection process performed by both our mechanics and detailers. Their thorough inspection ensures that they accurately describe the bike’s condition. Their listings include exhaustive mechanical and cosmetic inspection findings of the motorcycle. They’re a business, not just Joe Sixpack sellin’ the Vulcan in their garage. They post important information about the bike that may affect you as a buyer - if you live in California, they will explain the state’s emissions requirement. Canadian buyers are given a list of motorcycles that are problematic regarding exportation. Their listings even provide a link to CapitalOne motorcycle financing.I’m very impressed with their web presence, and if National Powersports in New Hampshire has a bike you’re interested in, and you can’t find it nearer to you, they’re like a nearby dealership.

1990 Yamaha FJ 1200 on eBay, auction ends 3/25/08 Opening Bid: $500.

“This bike is in excellent condition. Just over 17k miles. I am the second owner and purchased bike from a friend. Adult only ridden. Newer tires, new battery, all original. This bike was well maintained and taken care of. You won’t find a nicer FJ anywhere! ”

…Yeah, it’s gorgeous. The midnight blue color scheme is a great match for the FJ. At just over 17 thousand miles on the OD, it’s just getting warmed up. These are great motorcycles, but I won’t waste any more paper electricity singing its praises. Here’s my summary of the mighty FJ line. I predict this baby will go for more than $2,500. I know it’s a wimpy prediction, but I’m kinda wimpy myself. It has a Buy It Now price of $3,500 which is within the realm of affordable.

Not too many interesting motorcycles for sale on eBay this week that are in the Seattle area. Pickin’s are somewhat slim. The only cycles you’re gonna find on eBay in the Seattle area this week involve getting a secured loan and/or a chiropractor on retainer. Actually, the only cycle I wanted to highlight is a version of the very same first motorcycle I owned. I learned on this model, the Yamaha RX50.

This is a Yamaha RX-50 1983. Kirkland - “The bike is not a toy but a full sized motorcycle for an adult to ride or commute on. It gets over 90-100 mpg. It has lights turn signals and brake lights like its big brothers. It only seats one comfortably, the back section is a little glove box. This bike has been in my garage for over 10 years. I will work with shipping it to you, but you will be responsible for the shipping. Motorcycle is for sale locally so I may end this sale at any time.” This is a 2-Stroke cycle, and its engine sounds like a deluxe chain saw, but it gets you around town and you don’t have to embarrass yourself on a scooter. My RX50 was black and gold, a slightly fancier version. I learned to ride it in the huge parking lot where my mother worked. Saturday mornings in the Fall of 1983, I was zipping around the parking lot in Santa Ana, California. No helmet, dreaming of cruising on the real streets when I would earn my real drivers license. Ahh, good times. I think this cost $700 brand new in 1983. As of this writing bidding is up to around $315 for this cute cycle. Good luck!