All,
I just picked up the above bike, saving it from the backyard hack.
Here's the condition: original tires (no I won't be riding on them), so new they still have little a sticker on the sidewall, absolutely no rust in the tank, little sticker on the right mirror, chrome in some areas so bright I thought the photos (CL post) were fakes. No wear on any rubber part, very minimal scoring on disk brakes, probably could be polished flat/new. The rubber parts feel soft like factory new, bike was obviously stored indoors all this time.
This bike was stored for 25 years (last tags, 1983). PO who picked it up from the source said he got it to run, but rough, and so pulled carbs apart, then couldn't get it to start again. Electric turn-over sounds normal. (I've owned this same year bike, sounds correct). Has '79 NY state sticker on left fork leg, has NY state dealer key fob.
Based on what I can tell, it was run the 2700mi, then stored, not even washed, so there are some spots where chrome has pitting, and a few small bubbles on the front fender. Worst fault: rusted muffler down at header joint, definitely needs expert repair or replace.
Overall a 9 out of 10.
OK so the question: what to do with it?
I have no problem storing it untouched another 10~15 years, however I admit my storage location is not the best (not humidity controlled, but in dry Calif).
I am reluctant to get it road-worthy (tires, brakes, carbs), if the gaskets, seals etc will begin to fail under use.
After review, it appears clean enough to make showroom-display ready, that is, maybe a Honda dealer or collector would be interested?
Or, I could sell via ebay once I find an exhaust.
I absolutely love this bike, greatest memories from 1000's of miles on the unit I owned 'back then - but I just don't want to ruin any value this example may have by adding miles to it. If I sell it, I'll get a daily rider '76. It's just that I didn't realize how clean this was until I got it home, the plan was to run it as a classic in rally's etc., now I'm not so sure. In the mean time, I'm going to try and find the family of the original owner, and try to get the story.
