1985 CR500 value...project bike...

If yiu have some connection with this model, go for it…. The best restores are guys that know what they are getting into….if its “worn” some…. You will be replacing just about everything you touch😂

If is was new in box, it would be worth more!

An 86 locally sold for 6000 US here about 6 months ago. The old man passes away but did a complete tear down to the frame, paint, split cases, all new bearing, suspension everything and she was beautiful. I had an 86 and just couldn't justify it. I bought a 25 Huski 300 TC. It's just a better bike all around, 3hp shy of the CR500 for 2300 more. Would have been cool to race vintage class though.

$5000 would be a good price if the bike only needs a few odds and ends. I see nice ones on FB Marketplace for $8500 and they have been there 9 months. Awesome bikes and a piece of history but sellers think they are gold mines....and they arent.

If it's the bike in the pic you posted AND it runs, it's worth every penny of $5k. Go for it. I try to restore bikes as close to stock as possible. I don't farm out anything, unless I absolutely have to. I could probably make that bike near-perfect for about $2500 (parts/materials). That is with using a lot of OEM Honda parts which will be way more than aftermarket stuff. How much would a near-perfect '85 CR500 go for? Roughly $10k-$12k. If you are going for a rideable bike, then certain parts don't need to be flawless. For example--- the fork boots on a stock '80's CR are held on by special thinner hose clamps that are available. The uppers are $16/each and the lowers are $18/each. Honda boots can be found for $100~ish. So just to get the fork boots looking minty fresh you just dropped $168 lol. Or for a rideable build jump on eBay and get an aftermarket set of boots for $45 and attach them with automotive hose clamps for $5.Both setups will look excellent from a distance, but a closer inspection will show the difference.

For the engine, if it runs, I would get it up to temp, shut it off and do a compression check. If the compression is over 165psi, then take off the head and look at the cylinder. If you still see some cross hatch then there's still some life left in it. If compression is below 150psi after it's warm, you just added $700+ to the build. It will need piston/rings/bore.

UFO makes most of the plastics for the bike, Seat covers can be found on eBay. Most of the swingarm bearings/bushings can be found on AllBalls racing. The front blue rim with the rear gold rim, would drive me nuts lol. 

I say take the plunge and buy it!