What's she worth? Yamaha RD 250

[iranana]

Hello everyone, I've got a Yamaha RD money pit here and I'm just wondering what it's *actually* worth. It's a 250E, 1978 and I bought it in somewhat shabby condition, but entirely original with matching frame and engine numbers. The only things that aren't genuine Yamaha are one indicator lens and the bars aren't stock. I've spent a fair bit in parts for it (around $1.5k...) but there comes a point where the question has to be asked: is it worth it? I just got a pair of original exhausts with good chrome from the UK, which I told myself would be the last big splurge, but ya know how it goes. I bought it for just over $2k, and after spending $500 odd to get it re-vinned I suppose I've spent something close to $4k. I have receipts for everything I've spent on it. I don't see these bikes around much (I've only ever seen one other one the road, it was a blue 350) and I've seen a couple go for ridiculous prices on TradeMe, but those are the ones that have been fully restored. The 400s seem to sell for more than the 250s for obvious reasons (I really do wish I had a 400). To give a short overview of what work I've done...

New top end (pistons were garbage/had cracked skirts), second oversize (but I didn't re-bore it, was still in spec according to the machine shop, not much w).
Lots of new paint, rebuilt the gauges, brakes and carbs (genuine Mikuni parts, stock jetting), cleaned everything up, put new bushings in the swing arm.
New clutch plates.
New heads (original ones had cracked fins).
The list goes on, replaced all of the old rubber, new seat cover etc...

Frame has yet to be painted and the side cover/oil tank and tail fairing would benefit from new paint and new decals. She runs very well, pulls hard, smokes wonderfully and starts first or second kick. So what do you all reckon she's worth? I don't want to go overboard and spend money that I won't get back when it comes time to sell. Just thought I'd ask so I can keep it in perspective (not that I really plan on selling her any time soon, she's my daily commuter). Pics to come at some point. Cheers :niceone:

[HenryDorsetCase]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/classic-vintage/auction-647512719.htm

this might give you an idea. Guy's been trying to sell it at that all winter. I've had a FPO at $4250 on it. note its a 250 with 350 barrells i.e. non original.

Depending on cosmetic condition etc I would put yours sight unseen between $3 and $4k: but its really hard to say. Have a look at the turdme expired listings that might give you some idea too.

[iranana]

Yeah I've seen that sitting there, wouldn't mind a 350 top end myself haha. I think it's time to put a plug on the money leak for this project... I want to at least get what I've forked out for it when it comes time to sell. I think I'm getting close to the point where I won't get back any more that I spend. Seems to be that original RDs with matching engine/frame numbers are little more sought after, but eh. Honestly, mine looks to be a bit shabbier than that as far as paint work goes. Some previous owner painted the fuel tank a *slightly* off white colour and stuck the decals on crooked too (no clear coat on them at least)... as I said, would really benefit from a re-paint. Might do it myself before I sell it if it's be worth it.

[HenryDorsetCase]

I have never ever made money a bike. I have made some stupid moves, sold stuff I shouldnt have, or at the wrong time or because I needed the money or whatever.

I have kind of made peace with that to be fair. Bikes are my hobby, my hobby costs me money and thats the way it is.

Your experience with a resto or even just "getting something back on the road" is par for the course though. I know of guys that have spent TONS of money on doing up old bikes that are worth maybe half what they have in them. Doesnt matter unless you go to sell it.

With the old jappers the parts seem to be available (my experience is oldish Hondas) but if you want one that looks and rides like brand new, or better than in some cases, then you either need to just get used to paying out, do it all yourself and be really good at everything, or buy one that someone else has already done that to.

And if your motivation is money, doing up old bikes is a hard way to make it.... unless its a Vincent or something, I dunno. Even the economics of that seem skewy to me (the last Vincent basket case I saw on turdme was $27500 and it was like four boxes of bits and some rusty pipes. "All there" though.

good luck with it.

Now I need someone to pay me $15k for my 09 Street Triple....

[Akzle]

ill give ya five buck and a bag of chips

[tigertim20]

forget what its resale value is, especially if you are riding it regularly.

a better question is how much do you value the happiness you get from owning, riding and tinkering with it? = your budget for spending on it.

[iranana]

Yeah those are fair points, I'm not trying to make money off it, but I don't want to lose out too much, because it's only a 250 and I probably won't be sticking with it forever. But damn do I love fixing it up and blasting around on it, so at the end of the day it's worth every cent. I'm actually thinking of doing a 350 top end conversion, because chances are I'd stick with her longer if there was more power to be had...

[the oldstuff]

Just keep it. You will be forever pissed off if you sell it. Get another bike that you don't have to spend money on to ride.

[george formby]

Just keep it. You will be forever pissed off if you sell it. Get another bike that you don't have to spend money on to ride.

:niceone: They ain't making them anymore, it won't de-value if you keep it original & maintained & it's an RD. I have just shelled out best part of $1500 on my G/F's bike for the simple reason I cannot buy anything quite like it in the modern bikes. It trumps all the modern offerings for what we use it for.

In the course of my expenditure I came across a mint "looking" Norton Commando. Bloke payed a lot of money for it bit it ran like a sack of hammers, the front wheel had not been spoked properly, it was oval, engine needed some help, then the clutch spat the dummy etc. His dilemma is like yours, spend & get it right or cut your losses. He spent, will keep the bike, & no doubt add 30% to it's value over the next few years.

Squirrel a bit of money away & do what you can when you can. And stop counting.

Got my eye on two IT 175's & a DT 175 job lot on trade me at the moment. Only thing stopping me going off the deep end is the size of my shed....

[iranana]

:niceone: They ain't making them anymore, it won't de-value if you keep it original & maintained & it's an RD. I have just shelled out best part of $1500 on my G/F's bike for the simple reason I cannot buy anything quite like it in the modern bikes. It trumps all the modern offerings for what we use it for.


I'm with you on this one - there's just something about old bikes. I actually enjoy working on it, which is a contrast to my RG that I hated working on. Those damn flimsy plastic fairings and everything was crammed into the frame so tightly... After putting the new pipes on the RD I'm bent on keeping her, looks beautiful with the new pipes. The next bit o work I'll do is to swap her to a 350 top end when I get the crank rebuilt (and I shall keep the original top end). It could do with a bit more bang. Here the bikes is, and there's also before and after of the pipes... not bad for a pair of 35 year old pipes eh? The old ones were dreadful...

[tigertim20]

thats lovely, looks really tidy!

[eelracing]

She's a beauty right there and I don't blame you for hanging onto it.
I have a mate who is doing up a RD400,he has two engines a C and E,but do you think he want's to let one go?
I reckon theres more of these bikes in spares sitting at the back of sheds than are actually on the road so good on you for doing the right thing.

[iranana]

She's a beauty right there and I don't blame you for hanging onto it.
I have a mate who is doing up a RD400,he has two engines a C and E,but do you think he want's to let one go?
I reckon theres more of these bikes in spares sitting at the back of sheds than are actually on the road so good on you for doing the right thing.

It's sad that many of the classics have been left to rot in sheds and back yards, I've even seen one that was left to sit outside for 20 odd years with no cylinders or heads on it!! Some of them turn up in terrible condition, and all it would have taken is a blanket and some oil to keep em from rotting so badly :( I envy your mate with the spare engines, they're hard to find! And on that note, if he wants to get rid of one at any point for some unknown reason... well, ya know how it goes :laugh: I've only once seen another RD on the roads in Auckland. It was a blue 350, went whizzing past me in Mt. Eden.

[F5 Dave]

I know 2 400s in a lockup, but they will never get sold until he passes & he has a heap more. None particularly good condition but at least inside. Actually as I type I realise I have an early 350ised 250 in my lockup that I saved from a life (death for the other 2 bikes I didn't save) under a (soon to be blown away) tarpolen when a mates relationship broke up & he moved into a place with no garage. Its still here , erm, 6 years on.

[iranana]

Aw man, there are indeed quite a few lurking around in lock ups and garages that haven't seen the road in years! F5 Dave, If you ever hear of/come across RDs that are to be sold or broken down for parts, let me know, as I love working on RDs (they're so simple!) and I always need a project or two to keep me out of trouble. I've settled on keeping this RD a 250. Not worth hacking it apart to try and squeeze some more power out of her, tis the peach of the 250s, anyway.

[Paul in NZ]

Good job. There is NO common sense approach or a valid financial reason when discussing old bikes.

If you like it - enjoy it as it looks like a stonking thing. If you don't like it pass it on now before you spend any more.

[iranana]

Cheers! Took it out for a ride to Huia on Sunday and man it was fun. Keeping it in its 1,500 rpm power band is a hoot, heaps of fun in the corners. After that, I think I'll keep er and just snatch up a bigger RD when/if I get the chance.

[ktm84mxc]

Great work on the RD , as for value it's only worth what some one is prepared to pay.
Know a gentlemen who spent over 10g rebuilding a RD350a he was prepared to replace every nut and bolt with OEM parts even sourced the taillight screws from Japan, he has quite a few 250/350's.