Frankenstein

Hey all ...newbie here cant find any original 650 or 750s ...can I fit a 650 on a 550 frane ? Or 454 ? Thanks for any advice

The 650 engine is much bigger than the 550 so it's not a straight bolt-in, probably some cutting and welding, and even then, you'll probably have to remove the motor just to take the valve cover off.

And... I've also noticed the 550's, 650's and 750's are disappearing from local Craigslists. I haven't seen a non-Ltd 550 for sale in over a year. I used to see at least 1 or 2 at all times. A lot of these bikes are being taken in any condition and sent straight to Europe.

loudhvx wrote: A lot of these bikes are being taken in any condition and sent straight to Europe.

I see a lot of Craigslist posts fishing for vintage bikes, but how did your figure out they are going to Europe?
What do you think is driving the demand for these vintage bikes in Europe. I know they've been going back to Japan for years, but I hadn't heard about Europe.

If thats the case then why hasn't my 650 been sold? Been trying to sell it for over a year now, not one call or email not even a scammer.

DOHC wrote: I know they've been going back to Japan for years, but I hadn't heard about Europe.

Not sure about the rest of europe but UK ebay is awash with american imports. There are 5 or 6 compnaies which are importing by the container load almost monthly and they are selling for silly money.

While they have been becoming scarce, the prices have not gone up at all, and may actually be going down from what I've seen.

My buddy went to a local auction to score a few projects. These were mostly parts bikes. They all went for much more than they are worth and my buddy asked the buyer what the deal was... all going to Europe. The buyer didn't even bid on any Triumphs or Nortons. He said there's way too many already over there to make any profit. But I guess old Jap bikes are harder to get there. It seems like he's scraping up all bikes in poorer condition.

Warren3200gt wrote: ... and they are selling for silly money.

Does that mean they are selling for a lot or a little?

2 or 3 times their actual value. It wouldnt be worth doing if they were selling for next to nothing!