Need ATV Advice

[74-StreetMachine]

   I have a 1987 Kawasaki Tecate that I took in trade for some money owed to me. I don't intend to keep it. I was going to fix a few things on it and sell it, but yesterday someone wants to come and look at it and make me an offer "as is".  There are a few things that need repair. The clutch rod is missing. I figured it broke because the transmission cover had a nickle size hole in it that was repaired with JB Weld. The seat is torn, the side covers and headlight cover are missing, the grips are all sticky and gooey, the ignition switch is broken. I figured I can fix all this stuff for around $120.00. Except for the ignition switch, a replacement is $70. I'll find something else for cheaper.

Someone told me it was worth $1000 as is. I think that's a little high but I don't know much about ATV values.
SO does anyone here know what this is worth As Is or repaired? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Randy

[jb666]

$1k seems quite high for what it is, and what it needs... AS IS? $250. 

[NGC414]

I love those things too bad I wasn't closer I would come out and make you an offer. I don't think 1k is too high, to the right person if is not totally roached. When I was a kid I raced moto cross. It used to be Honda 250r, Suz Quadracers and tecates that we ran. Ahhh the smell of 2 stroke mix. I haven't payed attention to any of the newer 4 wheelers. I always thought the tecate looked the best. This thread sure brings back memories.

[jb666]

Flip through Craigslist, that'll give you a good idea of the kind of $$ you'll get in your area... Around here, you can pick up a quad (decent) that's 10 years old (or newer) for $1500 ready to ride...

[74-StreetMachine]

    JB and NGC, thanks for the replies.
  It had been sitting for a while cause when I took the gas cap off it had that wonderful stale turpentine smell. I added a little gas and after a few minutes of kicking it and a shot of starting fluid it started up and ran just fine. It revs up quick too. My right leg can verify it has plenty of compression. Everything appears to be original.
   I've done a bit of searching the past couple of weeks on the internet and from what can figure, these were only made for two years, '87 and '88. The two strokes were only used for a few years. With a simple gear change they are capable of going 85 MPH. When they were new they were the top of the line in performance.   

  I guess I'll see how much this kid wants to offer me "as is".  I'm still leaning towards fixing it and selling it. Whatever brings me more money.
 
   Another option is parting it out. I was told that would bring me even more money but it's a longer process and I may end up having some parts sitting around for years. A running engine/trans will sell for between $400 and $600.

   I've searched the inernet and craigslist and didn't find many for sale so it's kind of hard to price it.

[NGC414]

I never owned one but I know they are pretty rare, I spent alot of time at the track as a kid and only seen a hadfull of tecates in an ocean of Honda 250Rs and quadracers. Yes, they are capable to be scarry fast with the right setup. The 2 stroke 250s were insanely fast and great race bikes. Through the years I had several banshees, 250Rs and one quadzilla 500. The quadzilla was unreal, I always wanted a tecate but never came across any.
Personally, I think there will always be a strong market for the older 2 stroke quads. They could never come close to that performance potential with any four stroke quad. Don't the old 250Rs still dominate motocross 20 years later?

[wayfast1500]

I know they made it as a trike too.   Around here that's a 1k-1200 dollar machine as is.  I've been in the market a lot for the hondas (250r) the trike 250r as a basket goes for around $600-$800, and a good running complete 250r 4 wheeler is good for $2000 as a quick sale.  The switch is basic usually 2 wires a toggle will work there and if it's the key switch it's again 2 wires their either normal open or normal closed circuit so you can just leave the key switch out completely.  Don't take low ball offers on it it isn't a common atv.