Reasonable offer on a 70s Eldorado?

[Toecutter]

I've been a rebuilder of old Hondas for a very long time, and I got that market down pat.

However, I've come across an Eldorado... needs top end work, electrical is solid, bike is original and all looks good.

I have no idea what a reasonable offer is on it, though.

I'll happily sell my beloved SOHC CB750 and a few other of my bikes for this one, but I want to know at least what I am getting into.

[Shorty]

I guess it depends on a couple things. Are you gonna keep the bike or flip it? I'd be more willing to spend $ on a keeper. (If I kept bikes more than a couple years , that is ) Also, is it a drum or disk brake model? Painted fenders or chrome? The disk brake and police variants bring more money. Loop frame prices have been going up, unless you find an unadvised seller. Prices are also higher on either coastal area. I've bought non runners from  $100 to $1000 (really rough 74 LAPD )  in the last 20 years.  Some west coast restoration people have been making a play to inflate prices on restored Loop bikes, with some success. I know, pretty vague answer, but really, it "depends". As you know, prices on those 750 Hondas are not going down, either.....

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

 

And it's Eldorado.

[oldbike54]

And it's Eldorado.

 Fixed it for you Mr M , don't want to upset a loop Guru this early on a Thursday 

 Dusty

[LeRoy]

When you say it needs top end work that opens a few possibilities, not all of them good. One of the biggest expenses you should plan for is replacement of the chrome-plated cylinder bores with either Gilardoni piston and cylinder sets or other materials/processes. The original chrome bores are likely to fail at some point (or have already begun to fail) and the results can be very expensive. It may be that the top end work the bike needs is just that kind of repair. Budget $700-$1000 for the work unless you can verify that it has already been done.

As you've heard, loop-frame Guzzi models are pretty sought after these days, especially anything that is in decent condition -- and as you might expect, the more original the better. Here are a few other thoughts which reflect some of what's already been stated:

All other things being equal, the 1974 model with a single disc front brake and the 1973 1/2-ish model with the four leading shoe front drum brake command the most money compared to earlier models with the twin leading shoe front drum brake. They stop better too.

Similarly, police versions (most recognizable by the polished aluminum dash with a single large speedometer and an array of indicator lights and switches) often go for a bit more than civilian models (which feature a matching size speedo and tach).

It's always a nice bonus when the fuel tank, with its chrome panels, is in very good condition.

Sheet metal parts in original paint (and the original chrome fenders on some models) are another big bonus.

My recent experience suggests that you would be very lucky to get a complete Eldorado in respectable cosmetic condition for under $2000, even if it's a non-runner. On the other hand, paying more than $3500 for a non-runner, especially if it needs cylinders, might be the first misstep in a restoration/resurrection process that can burn through thousands more.

[Perazzimx14]

In addition to the price budget an additional 2 or 3K not accounting cosmetics to get it road worthy.  Another 1.5 to 2K if the motor ends up needing a total rebuild. Electricals even if good/usable I'd spend the $300 and get a new complete harness from Mr. Bender. After all your dealing with 40+ year old wiring. I did this on my 72 Eldo and electrical worries or chasing phantom was/are non existent. Easily the best money I spent on my project and cheap at twice the price.

Then you can get into universal joint rebuilds another $300 and on and on.  Do it because you want to and love working on things. If you are doing it to flip for a profit plan on being 1000's upside down when all said and done.

To the offer of the bike.: In the dollar and cents world sometimes, well actually most of the time free is too much. But only you can decide what it is worth.

I've revived a 1972 Eldo, 1975 850T and a 1976 T3 and have them all listed with no action. Several people who are in the know when it come to reviving bikes have stated my prices are more than fair but still nothing.

[Toecutter]

Thanks all.

No need to worry about educating me on the cost of rebuilding old bikes... I've pissed away more money than I care to count on old Hondas. I do it because I like it. If I wanted a better return on my money, I'd play the slots.   

[JoeW]

I'm chiming late here but, if you're looking for a bike to fix up and ride an original paint Eldo would be nice. While restoring them runs into big money, you can get one on the road for considerably less. Basically, unless it's been done, all 70s Eldorados need top end work. I'm sure you've seen links talking about flaking chrome bores. The real issue is, how long has it been sitting, and was it run long with chrome in the oil. A running 74 Eldo 10k original miles with chrome bores just sold locally for over 6500.00. Paint and chrome was nice, rebuilt carbs, tires and battery were new. It happened to be a dual drum brake model too. If the one you're looking at is clean enough and your mechanically capable of rebuilding an engine, I would think it would be worth between 2500.00 and 5000.00.

[nbags]

purchase a total basket for 1000 most parts were there ,tank painted over seat missing and i seriously though i stole bike,by the way there was no title.i think a complete bike with title is worth a quarter

[Gliderjohn]

Timing is everything. I don't care for loop frames but this pictured Eldo sold about 20 months ago at auction in Kansas for $950. It was a bit retro but in very good mechanical shape with near new tires. Quite ready to jump on and head out on a road trip.

GliderJohn

[JoeW]

Timing is everything. I don't care for loop frames but this pictured Eldo sold about 20 months ago at auction in Kansas for $950. It was a bit retro but in very good mechanical shape with near new tires. Quite ready to jump on and head out on a road trip.

GliderJohn

Guzzis don't do well in auctions.