Tings like this make my damn skin crawl. Really?! Why do you want to know anything about the bike if it's going to be parted out? It's an Explorer III, built on the Spaceliner platform. Spaceliners themselves have a much higher demand for parts since there are more of them out there that aren't complete. This one has a different rack, tank dash/control panel, headlight, and rear fender. This isn't a springer model, either. This bike might bring $100 as is, might do $150 parted out. You'll do a whole lot of extra work for a measly $50.
I understand where you're coming from.... Really?! (LOL
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I was asking about the bike because this is a forum dedicated to classic/antique bikes, and I couldn't find anything about this model specifically, while doing the basic searches online. I figured why not ask people in the know. I was attempting to attain knowledge for the owner's benefit, and to satisfy my own curiosity. As I stated in my above reply to krateman, this is not my bike. It is my understanding from the owner, that he attempted to sell the bike as a whole (more than once) but, ran in to countless snags doing so. He isn't a bike enthusiast, therefore the true value of the bike isn't of the utmost importance. Thus, parting it out serves several purposes.
1) It offers up much needed parts to other's, who have 'incomplete' bikes and have been hunting for elusive and/or better than average or 'unique' parts.
2) It puts money in the non-bike enthusiasts pocket. (How much 'more' remains to be seen and may not even be the point.)
3) It may be less of a headache for the owner to part & ship, than it obviously has been, to sell it in it's entirety.
4) It saves him time hauling the bike (or parts) around to swap meets that he doesn't even want to go to.
Personally, I did benefit from him deciding to part the bike out. He'll probably never know how much doing that, helped me.
Truthfully, I also don't mind one bit if my post generates other outside interest for the owner, with the end goal of selling off remaining parts for him. That is the name of the game. Someone needs this and someone has that. Hopefully the two meet in the middle. I hope he lists his offerings right here in the "Sell" forum for other cabers.
Look, I know how much some people abhor 'donor' bikes situations. But seriously, many of the bikes that people take such pride in right here, are the recipients of 'donors.' As long as it's done honestly, I really don't see the harm in it. Like I said, in a perfect world perhaps keeping such a rarity would be the best option. Last time I checked, we don't live in a perfect world. It's unfortunate but, it's true.
Regards,
~Mo~
P.S.
I think I may have an all natural cream or ointment for the skin crawly issue that you're having. If you're interested that is. LOL.
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