I picked up three basket case 70's a few months ago. All where non-runners in very bad shape. I have two of them running now with the third soon to follow.
They are an '81, '84 & '85. I want to restore one back to showroom stock, a second is for a Lifan build and the third is just to to ride while I build out the other two. I am trying to decide which year to restore.

Keeping the '73-'74s out of the equation for now.

Is there a difference in value between an ’81, ’84, or ’85 in showroom stock condition? Is any year any better than the others as far as restored value? Or does it not really matter?


Please vote only once and also post up why you chose a certain year.

You need to make this a pole for this.
My votes for the 1985..

OK, I figured ot how to setup a poll, see my first post.

I say do the 81, or 84. I see alot of 85's in great shape and nicer. I think imo the 81 would be the best to restore to stock showroom condition.

Down fall to the 81 is a 3 speed which isn't really desirable, 4 speeds are more desirable then 3 speeds just saying...

I like my 85, like sista said 4 speed is the way ta go.....

I'm picking the 85 because Big Papa is rebuilding mine

I voted for the '84....just 'cause I have one

Voted for the '85 just because it was the last year produced and represents the last of an era. I'm of the opinion that more people probably have memories on an '85 than any other year due to the fact the sport was really catching on right about then. So either you restore a first year bike (not part of the poll) or a last year bike. Everything in between are just normal with nothing special with the exception of the x-mas special of course.

I'm no expert, but I voted for the '78 because the more vintage, the better IMO

Neither, chop it up and go with a crazy design

X2......vintage rocks...

I like the vintage idea too...but I have a feeling any of the ones you restore will be awesome!

I thought you were just curious which one to restore out of your 3. If its out of 78-85 just find a xmas 83 and do it right.

I thought you were just curious which one to restore out of your 3.

You are correct!

Restoring a 73-74 and the blue Xmas special are on top of the list. I put all the other years on the poll to compare the mid to later models.
I see the trend starting though.

Out of my 3 the 73 is getting the full resto job, my 78 has been neatened up and the 79 was the starting point for a suspension build.

I would think the 78on models would be easier to restore as good parts would be easier to find

my answer is 1 of each!!!

PS: add in the blue xmas special and the 73 and 74!