"Does seller have an asking price?  Without one, it can be difficult."

2.5k. 

 

This may be a double post. I waited to see if the other would show up. 

thanks Pabdt for the tips. While looking at pitting and wondering what might be aftermarket parts, it’s good to be told to look at the basics. I have wondered what to look for as far as inside tank condition. So a little rust is ok but I’m guessing I should see at least a bit of shiny metal in there (ideally I mean). And I’ve read about different inside tank coatings which sounds like it could be a concern. I’m thinking I want to stay away from one that has been treated but maybe I’m wrong about that. 

Tank linings are a double edge sword… was it done correctly? Covering up pin hole leaks?
And of it fails… a real pain in.. the backside to undo..

If all is as the seller says it is then $2k sounds about right

Thanks for the reply Mpercy. Before posting I was wondering if I would get a response of either “you’re crazy to spend anything on that bike, run” or “your crazy for having not picked that up yet”. lol.

Thanks again, I appreciate the input.

I would be very cautious about paying too much unless seller is willing to simply pour some gas in it and let you ride it.  Especially since it doesn't sound like you have much experience with these bikes? 

If the seller doesn't want to start it for a serious buyer, that's a huge red flag!

I also see I missed the post about the asking price of $2500.  It's probably worth that if it runs and rides good.  If not, even $2000 is too much in my book. 

If it doesn't run, then you could easily spend another $2500 if you have to take it to a shop...  if you can even find a shop near you that will touch it!  Or course if you have mechanical experience and/or a willingness to learn, you would save a lot of money and it could be a cheap fix...  or an expensive one still...  either way if you buy it there are a lot of knowledgeable people here that will try to help you if it needs to be fixed.

I can't do pics on my iPad but think when I saw your pic showing part of the bike, the seat looked collapsed in the middle so probably rusted out underneath at a guess. Tis an early one looking at the square swing arm so not many left. None where I am that's for sure.

Thanks for the further thoughts on this guys. It’s all really helpful. It’s not terribly close by so I haven’t checked it out in person yet. He said it ran before he drained gas for storage and said it will run. “He said” being the operative phrase there, but we’ll see. That square swing arm is so appealing to me.

In my searches I saw a 1969 dt1s. Frozen engine, numbers match, no title. I’m not brave enough to buy it but I believe those are the super rare so I thought I’d mention it in case someone here is. I think he wants $700. Maybe there’s a place to post something like that here, I’ll look around. It’s on Facebook marketplace.