After looking over several 'big' bikes, I realized that GW's seem to be the best value for a large road eating bike. I love my KLR, but 60+ on any road is more than I want after 30 minutes.
I searched CL and found a 77 for $475 that needed work, but more work than I was up to. Last night a 83 Interstate was posted with 38k miles for $1100. Called him, looked @ it on lunch break, test rode it and told him I would need to investigate what it takes to rebuild the sticking master cyls. I incidentally had 7 $100 bills in my pocket, told him that and he said, give me 8 and its yours. Left him with 1 bill to take it off CL.
There is nothing missing, all locks work, paint is shiny and the only rust spots are the rear grab bar under the back of the seat. A couple of scratches on the hard bags. Seat has no tears and is soft. Pipes and crash bars look great. Motor starts and runs up smooth. Surprised I was @ 60 without getting blasted by wind like my KLR. Now begins the questions on small issues:
1. No air in rear shocks. I suspect air leak/seals. Front had about 15. Nice little honda air gauge in tool box.
2. Combo linked brakes are dragging. Pedal is soft and return is weak. Pull up hard and you and turn the rear tire while on the center stand, but they stick again if you use them. My careful test drive was completed without the rear brake.
3. Not sure how a wing shifts, but this one felt nice and solid and in gear, but was clunkier than my KLR. Fresh oil and some use my be helpful. Clutch could use some exercise I bet.
4. Drive shaft had a tiny bit of 'play', but if I remember other shaft bikes, it is common to have a little smack, similar, but not as distinct as a chain. Again, new oil may help.
5. Previous owner put a spare horn on it that was then taken off and there is only one horn. Where there 2?
6. PO put a toggle switch for the headlight on the fairing, but when you turn off the headlight, the turn signals flash very fast and not very bright. Not too big an issue, since the headlight will always be on.
7. Rear tire was replaced recently as the owner was preparing to ride it. Front looks aged, a new one will go on.
Anyway, as I drove home, I laughed because my wife just left for 3 days of camping with some girls in our church. She will be SHOCKED to see this beast in the garage.
Doing some oil changing tonight. :clapping:
I searched CL and found a 77 for $475 that needed work, but more work than I was up to. Last night a 83 Interstate was posted with 38k miles for $1100. Called him, looked @ it on lunch break, test rode it and told him I would need to investigate what it takes to rebuild the sticking master cyls. I incidentally had 7 $100 bills in my pocket, told him that and he said, give me 8 and its yours. Left him with 1 bill to take it off CL.
There is nothing missing, all locks work, paint is shiny and the only rust spots are the rear grab bar under the back of the seat. A couple of scratches on the hard bags. Seat has no tears and is soft. Pipes and crash bars look great. Motor starts and runs up smooth. Surprised I was @ 60 without getting blasted by wind like my KLR. Now begins the questions on small issues:
1. No air in rear shocks. I suspect air leak/seals. Front had about 15. Nice little honda air gauge in tool box.
2. Combo linked brakes are dragging. Pedal is soft and return is weak. Pull up hard and you and turn the rear tire while on the center stand, but they stick again if you use them. My careful test drive was completed without the rear brake.
3. Not sure how a wing shifts, but this one felt nice and solid and in gear, but was clunkier than my KLR. Fresh oil and some use my be helpful. Clutch could use some exercise I bet.
4. Drive shaft had a tiny bit of 'play', but if I remember other shaft bikes, it is common to have a little smack, similar, but not as distinct as a chain. Again, new oil may help.
5. Previous owner put a spare horn on it that was then taken off and there is only one horn. Where there 2?
6. PO put a toggle switch for the headlight on the fairing, but when you turn off the headlight, the turn signals flash very fast and not very bright. Not too big an issue, since the headlight will always be on.
7. Rear tire was replaced recently as the owner was preparing to ride it. Front looks aged, a new one will go on.
Anyway, as I drove home, I laughed because my wife just left for 3 days of camping with some girls in our church. She will be SHOCKED to see this beast in the garage.
Doing some oil changing tonight. :clapping:
