GearJammer

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Honda...spagenameZWDVW

Not sure if the copy & paste is going to work or not & if linking to eBay isn't cool, CTC, I'll remove the link (if it even works, LOL!)

On a serious note, there's a current auction of a 450 Rebel on eBay. The photos in the auction speak for themselves. This one doesn't look good & I hope that the rider made it thru O.K.

Please stay 110% alert out there.

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"Ridin' Ain't A Hobby, It's A Lifestyle"

1986 450 Rebel

Big_J

It would be my guess there is enough frame out there that it wouldnt be worth trying to rebuild, and I'd bet that the flange studs didnt fare so well either. if the bike went cheap enough, there are some good salvageables left though.

Just hate to aee a 450 like that, there are already to few.

Later

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GearJammer

Agreed....on all counts, CTC.

That bike took quite a hit & the structural integrity of the frame could be very dicey. When looking at the damage to the bike, it really makes me hope that the rider fared much better than the bike did.

As unpleasant as these photos can be, it's a sobering reminder of just how fragile Life can be & reinforces the need to keep our senses as sharp as possible out there.

My personal rule of thumb is to not "obsess" on the possible disasters that we might find ourselves facing on 2 wheels, but to keep it quietly (tho' clearly) in the back of one's mind, respecting the need to ride defensively & trying our best to stay within the limits of our own riding abilities.

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"Ridin' Ain't A Hobby, It's A Lifestyle"

1986 450 Rebel

Chopper Rick

"My personal rule of thumb is to not "obsess" on the possible disasters that we might find ourselves facing on 2 wheels, but to keep it quietly (tho' clearly) in the back of one's mind, respecting the need to ride defensively & trying our best to stay within the limits of our own riding abilities."

Well said Gearjammer.

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Chopper Rick

Here's a honda 450 on ebay that appears to be ready to hit the streets.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Honda...QQcmdZViewItem

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GearJammer

Yep...that Rebel is tempting as I could literally drive to it & save shipping, but it'll probably go for at least $2500.

"Ladies & gentemen...place your bets!" LOL!

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"Ridin' Ain't A Hobby, It's A Lifestyle"

1986 450 Rebel

Chopper Rick

Yep, that's the going rate for one those babys. It's nice to know they still hold there value.

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GearJammer

It'll be interesting to keep watching the prices. I usually check eBay regularly just to window shop & it seems like the stock ones in nice shape are going at around that $2500 mark. Modifieds seem to go for $1000-$1700.

Parts accessability is only going to get worse as time goes on & that may be reflected in the prices that people will be willing to pay.

Sometimes that's a double-edged sword. Limited replacement parts can turn prospective buyers away or because of the limited 2 yr. production run, an immaculate 450 could pull big bucks from a collector...he just might not want to ride it for fear of breaking something that he couldn't replace, LMAO!

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"Ridin' Ain't A Hobby, It's A Lifestyle"

1986 450 Rebel

Chopper Rick

Your absolutely correct there when it comes to trying to find parts for the 450 it's getting hard & hard. I've been trying to find the rear chrome struts for that bike & all i across are the struts for the honda 250 & unforunately they won't fit the 450. I have seen them brand new but i refuse to pay what there asking for them, & for me i like the idea of building a bike inexpensively.

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GearJammer

The gas tanks are just about invisible or beyond repair & had noticed that even places like Bike Bandit have already discontinued some other parts for them. Wouldn't be a bad idea at all to try to buy 'n stash a parts bike for future cannibalizing.

Totally agree with the low-budget building philosophy, Chopper Rick. You can fab some parts to completely eiminate the need to rely on replacement parts that won't be there at whatever point.

On the rear fender struts, would it be cheaper to buy used ones & have them re-chromed or even just black them out ?

A riding Bro of mine was buying a wood stove from this retired couple & saw a pristine 450 Rebel (along with a clean Harley) & neither of these bikes are being ridden. He asked if they were for sale. Answer: Not yet.

Does anyone know the price of the '86/'87 450's when brand new ? Or the 250's '85/'86/'87 ? Just wondering how the average current price of $2500 for the 450's compares.

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"Ridin' Ain't A Hobby, It's A Lifestyle"

1986 450 Rebel