I've been on this forum for many years. And, likely reading it way too much of it. Here is a summation of complaints and faults that I've gleaned from forum discussions.
The electrical system is awful with connectors that will
not last 30 years. (Unless the bike is stored in a climate controlled environment with low humidity and no airborne contaminants.)
The alternator is weak, there is no cure, and does not allow added accessories or other upgraded electrical components without depleting the battery.
The battery is far too big and requires a new, modern battery (More on this later).
The headlight is too dim.
The entire ignition system is no good.
The seat is too tall for anyone shorter than 6Ft.
The tires are too small for such a larger bike.
The rims are too narrow to accept modern wide tires.
The fenders, chain guard, shocks, and chain are all in the way of installing modern wide tires.
The spokes don't allow the use of modern tubeless tires without adding the enormous weight of an inner tube.
The bike is slow, and clearly not up to modern standards.
The displacement is too small and needs a larger displacement (836 minimum, larger=better). The stock cam is anemic and a cause for major power loss.
The frame is poorly designed, too flexible, and won't allow doing the required engine upgrades without removing the engine from the frame.
The air filter is awful, ugly and must be discarded for something, ...anything... else.
The bike is too heavy, and can't be "flicked".
The terrible carburetors won't automatically adapt to any induction or exhaust "improvements" customizers require to make to this bike.
The front fender is a poor joke, just adds weight and does nothing to improve the already dismal handling.
The head bearings must be upgraded to roller type, before the bike can be safely operated.
The center stand has no purpose other than to add weight.
ALL the original exhaust systems are far too heavy and must be discarded. If you must have one at all, keep it short and loud.
The chain oiler is too messy and must be shut off or defeated.
The engine cases are prone to cracking, and/or hole-ing due to poor chain selection (or maintenance), and lack of an adequate chain guard or case protector in the eventual occurrence of a chain failure.
The handle bars too high to ride effectively with your chest on the tank.
The brakes are awful and hardly stop the bike. The basic design can't be made safe. Modern brakes must be adapted.
The paint fades in the sunlight. Clear coats chip and peel.
Instrument dials deteriorate and look ugly.
All the extraneous chrome is thin and prone to rusting. (Flat black hides this effectively.)
The seat is too tall and fat and does not accommodate a small battery in the desired high CG location.
The turn signal buzzer is a bane to all mankind.
The fuel tap filter never worked right, is exceedingly difficult or impossible to maintain, and a $1 patched in inline fuel filter improves the bike's value by $100, at least.
That's all I can recall right now. I'm sure I missed a great deal more.
However, to counter all these identified weak points... The engine does have a good crankshaft, though. If you use the right oil, and an oil cooler from a forum member, of course.
Oh, and wheel axles. I don't recall anyone calling them "weak points". But, I could have missed that, I suppose.
Once you get all these "weak points" fixed, you'll have a great bike, though!
Cheers,
