CHECK COMPRESSION!
I know you got a 'feel' for it as being fine, but may as well check it before you buy it.
Needs to be fairly consistent, close in numbers, across all bores, north of 120psi.
If the compression is low that could cause a noteworthy loss of power.
The compression gauge is cheap, you probably already have one.
Is it stock points or electronic ignition? Can you pop off the points cover and check the
points condition?
I bought a Daytona from Colorado at 5000ft, and had to rejet it when it was delivered here to California at sea level due to thin air in that 'mile high' city of Denver.
Since you have talked to both prior owners, ask yourself this:
1) did the PO's PO say, when the bike was 'torn down then rebuilt for a show bike' anything about carb rejet?
2) did either one a them fellers tell you about a carb rejet?
3) and based on those answers -- DO THE TWO PO'S LIVE AT THE SAME ALTITUDE?
I would assess, if in fact they DID rejet, did they rejet at that same altitude?
Because it just seems, as you mentioned or seemed to say that both the PO and the PO's PO were 'hanging around Valley Cycles in the day' that -- both them two dudes ARE AT THE SAME ALTITUDE.
So my point is -- surely they rejetted the carbs for them mods. And it sounds like the PO and the PO's PO both live in that same area?
So the altitude issue may have been done away with by the rejet they did for the mods.
And besides, wouldn't the bike have been set up at the Honda dealer for that higher altitude.
A Honda sold in Denver in the 1970s and jetted during the prep for a sale in Denver would be way too lean here in California at sea level. But the selling shop takes care of that in the prep prior to a sale.
My point is I don't think the altitude issue is an issue AT ALL as a possible explanation of low power, unless the bike was jetted at a much lower or higher altitude, and then somehow relocated to 3334 without a rejet, and from your description it sounds like it's been in that area for a while, if not its entire life.
I would call the PO and PO's PO if needed and clarify the carb work and what altitude it was done at -- knowing it will allow you to say "Okay, the thing is down on power, I know it's not the carbs needing to be rejet for the altitude."
I just don't think altitude is likely an issue, there have been 2 different times this bike's carbs COULD HAVE BEEN set up for that altitude, once by the dealer when new, and once by the PO's PO during his rebuild.
Check compression. I know you said "Lots of compression" above, but you really need to know
from a gauge.
You also said above:
" Did you rev it over 7,000 rpm..??
tach is dead but thats were it picks up the slack (over a stock bike anyways)"
So you have gotten the revs up there, and to quote you,
"I dont like how long it seemed to get up and go".
Sounds dicey. Then again, it's only got a 'mild cam', stock carbs (not flatslides or bigger mm carbs), and the stock airbox, so perhaps the expectation is too high.
The 87 vs 91 octane is not going to boost power *that* much but I would try to eliminate that, too.
Good luck, you still have 2 days before payday, but if it's a weak motor now (and it shouldn't be with them mods unless something's wrong) it will be a weak motor come Monday, and your $1800 may get added on to......
p.s. the fact that the seller told you "Ah, oh, well, um -- let's see -- so it feels a bit sluggish to you -- OH, THAT'S ONLY BECAUSE I'VE GOT 87 IN THERE." Nah, sounds dismissive, sounds like he's trying to minimize it. (okay so I get suspicious sometimes)
Also that 'getting all depressed to see it sold' you got from the PO's PO -- are the PO and the PO's PO good friends, is he trying to help your seller get the deal done? (Tarnation I'm cynical. Or a cautious buyer who's been done that way myself too many times by sellers??? Hmmm......)
G'luck and have fun.
