Suzuki 2-stroke values?

[The1970's]

Found a guy that has a GT750, GT550, GT500, GT380, AE100, R5, GS1000 and many more in all states of disassembly/parts. I'm going to take a look this weekend and what I really had my eye on was his GT750. It's mostly there, from the pictures he's sent me I see it's missing the exhaust, front and rear fenders and the gauges are cracked. Beyond that it's all there. No paint left on anything so it's a total restoration project. He said he has some various parts for it lying around including a spare parts engine.

My question is what is the value of such a bike? I know the GT750 brings big money restored but I can't find any projects for sale to compare. He's asking $600, worth it or no? i figure a restoratiom will cost around $2000.

00202_azoKHZerZRR_600x450.jpg

Any comments on the values of the other bikes are welcome, all are for sale.

[B.C.G.S.]

Looks like it was fished out of a lake, some where. PASS

[jabcb]

$2k won’t go very far on that project. Some of the guys on the Suzuki 2 Stroke forum might be interested in something that bad because they like a good challenge.
But the all in cost will be a lot less if you start with a GT750 that’s much better.

[The1970's]

Just to be clear I'm not trying to make money on it. I've always wanted to own a GT750 so as long as I can keep within reason on cost vs value I'm up for the challenge. I'm more or less looking for a reasonable estimate for restoration costs (not including labor) and re-sale value for a maybe 8 or 9 out of 10 restoration.

Edit: The more I look at this one the more I don't really like the condition. I'm still going to meet the guy and check out all the bikes he has. Maybe I'll find something else instead

[rphillips]

In this list I see an R5, is this an RE5 rotary? I don't know a thing about the rotary engines, but are the RE5's considered a 2 stroke, a 4 stroke, or something else? If you want a project, go for it, but I wouldn't expect to get the full cost back out when finished. If you just want a nice Water Buffalo, find one already complete, Just my opinion.

[B.C.G.S.]

The only way to make money on a restoration is if you are being paid to do it.

[The1970's]

In this list I see an R5, is this an RE5 rotary? I don't know a thing about the rotary engines, but are the RE5's considered a 2 stroke, a 4 stroke, or something else? If you want a project, go for it, but I wouldn't expect to get the full cost back out when finished. If you just want a nice Water Buffalo, find one already complete, Just my opinion.

Nope, I wrote that poorly. It is a Yamaha R5, the predecessor to the RD250's and 350's. I think the RE5 is considered a rotary, and I would place that closer to a 2-stroke than a 4-stroke. Like I mentioned above I'm going to ride down this weekend and check out what he has. I'm don't have high expectations of finding a gem but who knows maybe I'll find something in a little better shape. They guy mentioned he has over 40 classic japanese bikes

[Big T]

My friend The Collector has a rule that the bike has to be at least 90% complete and running.
Because he has found that is the least expensive way to get the bike you want, plus you can ride it.
He's bought/sold 50-60 bikes in the last few years, plus he's a cheap bastard

[The1970's]

My friend The Collector has a rule that the bike has to be at least 90% complete and running.
Because he has found that is the least expensive way to get the bike you want, plus you can ride it.
He's bought/sold 50-60 bikes in the last few years, plus he's a cheap bastard

That's a pretty good rule, I've gotten lucky on a few that weren't running and have also been burned on a CB350F that was running, but started smoking after putting some miles on it. You never truly know until you spend some time with it.

Supposedly this GT750 was running when it was taken apart. We all know how that could go

[Nessism]

That GT750 is in BAD shape. No way I'd pay $600 for it.

[RichDesmond]

Here's something at the other end of the condition spectrum.

https://stillwater.craigslist.org/mcy/d/1975-suzuki/6582681311.html

I have no idea what nice example of these go for typically, but this one certainly looks top shelf.

[red1100]

Hi,Rich here known as red1100 reading about your assumed restoration costs.Ive been doing high point car restorations for decades and now (@ 67yrs) am starting to do motorcycles. Definitely not as difficult or as many heavy parts on a motorcycle.My own M.O. is to thoroughly triage through disassembly a car,put together my best estimate, then add 50%. At the end I find out my numbers are very close. Curious about the GT 750 your talking about. I did a light cosmetic only for a friends 74 750 and just the chrome bill was 1300. Without touching anything else.Id like to see how yours comes out.

[dorkburger]

I wonder how the Titans comare money wise to the GTs, particularly the 750.

There was a Candy Lavender barn find 72 GT 750 for sale locally listed at 5k. Unrestored, but complete.
It's no longer on CL.

[red1100]

Are you buying one to keep and ride or resell?

[dorkburger]

Neither, just dreaming at the moment.

At some point I hope to own an old Suzuki smoker though.