Can you make any money selling bikes locally?

[azbill]

I have heard that Roland (SpookyTooth) is closing

 

[Skyliner70cc]

From about late 2003/early 2004 to 2008 or so, I usually sold 4 bikes a month. I knew the economy was in recession when they stopped buying them in late 08. I did very well and averaged 300-400 dollar profit on each single speed bike. I sold my single speed bikes for $650.00. It almost wasn't worth it because I spent 12 hours on average per build. Each engine got full treatment with no stock studs or bolts used.

My current two rides are bikes that never sold. Both still have their original sticker price on front forks for what I paid for them new. I can't even sell these bikes at cost and take a lost for the many hours I have in labor.

It was good while it lasted and I have no complaints.

I do miss the bushing engines from kingsmotorbikes.com. Their bushing HT engines were extremely powerful. With a 44 tooth sprocket they could climb some incredibly steep hills that I still can't do today with a PK80, tuned pipe, and shifter kit. I added a tuned pipe and tuned it on one of my bikes this past week and tried to conquer the same hill I used to climb with ease in past with a bushing HT engine...no luck, I had to help pedal at the 1/2 way point. I never had a bushing fail when I used castor oil in my mix. Unfortunately, I did see lots of bushing engines fail when customers returned them for "warranty" work for failing to use the same oil in their fuel.

 

[WhizBangAndy]

If Spooky Tooth is going to close that should be a clear indication that trying to make any $$ is impossible.

 

[Al.Fisherman]

If one wants to sell these bikes, my suggestion is to build one, either with ALL new parts, or using a used frame like I have. Put a sign on it "FOR SALE" and sell as used (liability issues) . I get numerous inquiries about our bikes. Made both from used frames. When people ask about buying one, I tell them either of our bikes are for sale.... $350.00... still haven't had any sales. Almost afraid to sell.. we have absolutely ZERO problems out of our bikes and maintenance is really none, just a look/walk around like a pre flight on a airplane, and we are gone....gone....gone

1. 80cc engine
2. All hardware updated
3. Boost bottle
4. Single handle double brake
5. Updated plug and wire
6. Milled head
7. PERFECT fit engine mounting to the frame.
8. 2 NEW tires and tubes
9. Oh! and my clutch roller mod, although designed by another member.

 

[Fletch]

If one wants to sell these bikes, my suggestion is to build one, either with ALL new parts, or using a used frame like I have. Put a sign on it "FOR SALE" and sell as used (liability issues) . I get numerous inquiries about our bikes. Made both from used frames. When people ask about buying one, I tell them either of our bikes are for sale.... $350.00... still haven't had any sales. Almost afraid to sell.. we have absolutely ZERO problems out of our bikes and maintenance is really none, just a look/walk around like a pre flight on a airplane, and we are gone....gone....gone

1. 80cc engine
2. All hardware updated
3. Boost bottle
4. Single handle double brake
5. Updated plug and wire
6. Milled head
7. PERFECT fit engine mounting to the frame.
8. 2 NEW tires and tubes
9. Oh! and my clutch roller mod, although designed by another member.

Al,

With those specs how would you stand to make any profit? Can I ask where you get your engines and how much? I know a used bike can be cheap, but even so I can't figure how that adds up? With all the work involved what would you guess that would come out to $/hr? Are you one of the main vendors?

 

[hurricane]

Al most likely has a bike junkyard close by or just has access to a lot of free or cheaply priced parts. U can still purchase kits for under $150 per kit , add a free bike and if you choose the right frame it will only take about 1 hour or less to assemble a motor kit . Its easy to understand why and how Al can make a profit at $350 per build and most likely he does it in his spare time so his labor costs are minimal at best . Its just fun for him to do as a hobby,Im sure it is not his main income.

 

[Al.Fisherman]

Al,

With those specs how would you stand to make any profit? Can I ask where you get your engines and how much? I know a used bike can be cheap, but even so I can't figure how that adds up? With all the work involved what would you guess that would come out to $/hr? Are you one of the main vendors?

You need to read over the post. Even at that price, which you can't understand how I can do it, still no one has bought one. First I wouldn't build a bike with those specs and sell it for $350.00. It's just a price I put on the bike I have at the moment, so I could build another one. We started out thinking about building them... a plane Jane would go for $350.00...no frills

Bike frame....Free.. people have them and want them cleared out of there garage...get on Craigslist.com We pick up all that is offered no matter the size. Get what we want and scrap the rest. I was at the county dump, on my way out I saw a guy with the exact cruiser I have...it's sister. Pulled it off his truck for free. We have since stooped as for some reason, most likely due to the economy they don't sell.

Engine.. WAS getting them to the door for about $125.00 to $140.00 (last year before price increase...e-Bay). A $350 (New bike $50.00-$100.00 more) build only gets updated hardware (I wouldn't build one without upgraded hardware), everything else would be extra. I buy all thread by the meter. Keep both 6mm and 8mm on hand along with lock nuts.

I built this bike for a friend, started with a NEW $100.00 bike from WalMart...has everything less the dual brake handle (coaster brake only). Have less then $300.00 in it.

He added a springer front ($50.00) and later sold it for $650.00...boy was I mad. I didn't charge him a cent, he wanted one so bad, and there he goes selling it and making that profit. Won't happen again. I don't mind doing things for others for free but I'll be put out with them making money on fruits of my labor.

I'm retired, so making a big profit isn't what I started out doing. Just a hobby as my bike is a toy. I figured the hourly rate of $20.00 wasn't bad (hard to get more in today's economy). Although I won't pick up a wrench to work on a automobile for less then $50.00 a hour. Depending on the bike frame, I take my time and a cruiser takes about 10 hours to do up right. BS on this 2 hour c..r..a..p.

MY actual cost.......
1. 80cc engine $125.00
2. All hardware updated 6mm all thread $2.50 meter/8mm $3.00 meter
3. Boost bottle ... Scrap PVC fittings $3.00 home made
4. Single handle double brake $17.00 inc shipping
5. Updated plug and wire Free...old wires I have Plug ??? $3.00
6. Milled head...free I do myself
7. PERFECT fit engine mounting to the frame. Made custom free
8. 2 NEW tires and tubes These were $40.00-$50.00
9. Oh! and my clutch roller mod, although designed by another member. I sell for $17.00

I have less then $200 in parts (my cost) on my current cruiser. $350 is a steal. Parts add 30% plus labor. So I have no problem building a $350.00 plane Jane, no extras except hardware mod.

Next I want a jackshaft kit. I just hate to put a $200.00 kit on a $200.00 bike.

 

[hurricane]

BS on this 2 hour c..r..a..p.

My very first build took me less than two hours to put it together on a cheap roadmaster, so it is possible. Now i tend to take more time as I enjoy the entire process more than before plus i know what details to pay attention too. Only mod was my muffler bracket I made

Next I want a jackshaft kit. I just hate to put a $200.00 kit on a $200.00 bike.

same here,I just cant see where it would pay off ya know

 

[WhizBangAndy]

The 2 I sold went for $250 each..

1 49 and 1 80 Grubee HT both on store bought bikes.

 

[spad4me]

I have had lots of offers as long as I maintain the bikes for free.
NO WAY.

They are high maintenance items.


One guy who stole one of my bicycles ( YES STOLE!!) .
Bad mouthed me when he put straight Gasoline , no oil in the tank and seized the engine.
He wants me to fix the stolen engine???
He lives four houses down from me.
He stops by every few weeks . He is lucky I haven't kicked his heiny
Some want to make payments NO way. I would be required to maintain the bicycle under a warranty. NO way.