I've been offered a SR500 "Streetfighter"

Yep. It's sat outside a motorcycle cafe, has some horrible stickers down the side advertising the place as well. The owner has a number of bikes, and can't afford to pay registration on each of them. Every morning he wheels it out into the blistering sun and there it sits.

I'm thinking of heading out there today with a digital camera. I've got no idea about the engine mods - the owner isn't a big SR person and knows it has been 'worked over'. The lights are slightly dodgy and it probably needs a total re-wiring in my books. (No worries, my best mate is an auto-electrician!)

It has what look like Carbon fibre ram tubes on the front and rear brakes. The muffler is custom done, burns your leg at stop lights if you're not careful and heats up your buttocks. It also rates at around 115Db at 2500 RPM. Stopped and went quite well in it's day.

Does he want too much, in your opinion?

(And I've got first dibs!)

That works out to around $4500 US. I think that's a bit much for the condition, and unknown engine mods. If the elements have really been after her, then there's a bit of cleanup and perhaps even some resurfacing (powder coat, chrome, polish, etc.). Even if you plan on leaving it rough, and even roughening it up a bit more... still think it's too much $. Just my humble opinion.

Hi Marlon
I saw that outside the Road Warriors cafe also. Worst case its a good excuse to ride up the old pacific hwy for a look.

My concern is if he cant tell whats done to it, how dies he justify the price ie his sales pitch sucks.
If I'm going for $5500, I'll be telling you so much about it that it looks like I slept with that bike, and you'll think, "d**n, I feel bad for taking that bike from him at that price"

Try and get some engine history. If someone put that much love into it, there has to be knowledge of its construction.

Worst case, you have a sweet 400 to keep you occupied.