Found this nice '78 and now the resurrection begins...

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tomk1960
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Found this nice '78 and now the resurrection begins...

#1

Post by tomk1960 »

Over a week ago, I heard about a naked '78 for sale nearby. I spoke to the seller a couple of times who claimed that it was in beautiful, nearly perfect condition with low miles on it. I asked for pictures and never got any, so I was skeptical of the condition. Today I had some extra time to take a ride and check it out, take pics, etc. Here it is:

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If the odometer is reading correctly, then this is indeed a low mileage bike. While the seller's description wasn't quite accurate, the bike is in nice shape. Bodywork, although not perfect, is very nice for the age. A good cleaning and waxing will make it look pretty nice for an original paint job.

I love this color and have been in the process of slowly restoring a '78 with a much higher mileage motor and bodywork that will need repainting. This naked GL has pretty much everything intact and looks like it never got dressed - wiring isn't hacked into and no missing turn signals. Both side covers are in great shape with no cracks or broken tabs. The chrome on the rear fender and brake light mount is immaculate:

Image
So here are the pros and cons:

Pros - Low mileage, nice paint, good seat, nice rear fender, clean frame, monroe air shocks, (is this a pro?) nice seat, owner's manual, nearly complete tool kit in cloth pouch.

Cons - Right exhaust is rotted at the muffler joint, left chrome ffler tip is bent to the left, chrome muffler guards are damaged, broken clutch cable, carbs need cleaning, fuel tank condition unknown, rear brakes drag, belts will need to be replaced, fork seals leaking, missing tool tray, needs battery, tires cracked form early dry rot, small dent in front fender. Finally, not sure if the engine turns over since the battery was dead and the clutch cable was busted. (unable to turn over by hand) I assume that it's probably ok and would confirm before making an offer.

I have virtually everything that this bike needs and in many cases, I've already powder coated many of the parts such as the swingarm, calipers, battery box, etc.

Asking price is $1700 firm which I think is too much for a non-running bike that needs work to be back on the road. I'm thinking that for $1000-$1200 it would be a good buy. Considering what it will cost to have my present bodywork professionally repainted with the correct decals, this bike would defray much of that cost. I could get it in good running shape and then put the other one back together and sell it as a running, restorable bike.

I need another bike like I need a hole in the head, but this one is at a great starting point. Thoughts and opinions?
Last edited by tomk1960 on Sun Mar 11, 2018 8:03 pm, edited 4 times in total.
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Re: Found this nice '78 today...

#2

Post by Rat »

If you can buy that bike for 1200 ...... go get it ......

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Re: Found this nice '78 today...

#3

Post by tomk1960 »

I spoke with the seller tonight and went down the list of repairs that the bike will need. He still thinks it will run after sitting for 10 years, so no sense in arguing. I offered him $1100 and he didn't react badly. Said he'd think about it but he would really like a little more. I don't think too many people are knocking his door down wanting it, so maybe I'll hear back from him in a few days.

This would make a very nice daily rider. We'll see how it pans out soon...
Last edited by tomk1960 on Sun Mar 11, 2018 8:04 pm, edited 1 time in total.
1986 VFR750F Interceptor
1983 Honda CB1100F Super Sport - Red 1123 Resto-Mod
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Re: Found this nice '78 today...

#4

Post by robin1731 »

Rear brake rotor looks pretty worn.

Put it on the side stand and drop it in to gear. Then turn the engine over with the rear wheel. Take the plugs out and that will be easier.
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Re: Found this nice '78 today...

#5

Post by rcmatt007 »

sad that people let things sit... easily it needs, carbs, brakes tires etc.
-Rodger-
all it takes for evil to prosper is the want of a few good men to do nothing-Edmund Burke
The question is not how much time do you have, it is what you do with the time that you have Gandalf
"One of the greatest dignities of humankind is that each successive generation is invested in the welfare of each new generation." Fred Rodgers
"it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert" ancient saying
78 constantly modified/customized since 1978, BOTM June 2015 de-evolving this very moment viewtopic.php?f=30&t=65511
76 Ltd "cookies bike" ALMOST DONE
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Re: Found this nice '78 today...

#6

Post by tomk1960 »

rcmatt007 wrote:sad that people let things sit... easily it needs, carbs, brakes tires etc.
Yes. He bought it 10 years ago in running condition and put it in to storage. Fortunately, it was dry storage and that kept things from rusting.

I offered him $1100 last night and he called today with a counter offer of $1200. I'm inclined to stick with my offer and not go up any more.

It's a nice base to start with, but all of the work needed to get it back on the road will add up quickly, such as tires, brake kits and pads, clutch cable, fork seals, carb cleaning. Gord said to go for it. I might.
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Re: Found this nice '78 today...

#7

Post by Rat »

Anything you but is gonna need that list ...... if you can get a bike REALLY roadworthy for less than 2500 total you've got a fairly good deal .....

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‘14 KLR650 ... not a rat ... yet
‘84 GL1200i ‘R2B6' (Rat to Be 6, the last, adopted by twowings)
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Re: Found this nice '78 today...

#8

Post by desertrefugee »

Plus, as time goes on, it's getting harder and harder to find them in that kind of condition.

Just sayin'...
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Re: Found this nice '78 today...

#9

Post by rcmatt007 »

of course it might just end up as parts of fleabay. Just got a set of 78 faux tank covers for $5
-Rodger-
all it takes for evil to prosper is the want of a few good men to do nothing-Edmund Burke
The question is not how much time do you have, it is what you do with the time that you have Gandalf
"One of the greatest dignities of humankind is that each successive generation is invested in the welfare of each new generation." Fred Rodgers
"it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert" ancient saying
78 constantly modified/customized since 1978, BOTM June 2015 de-evolving this very moment viewtopic.php?f=30&t=65511
76 Ltd "cookies bike" ALMOST DONE
79 project, finished, FOR SALE
'86 1200 (Beth's)(FOR SALE) with motorvation sidecar (sidecar sold) , July 2017 BOTM
'17 HD Road king and 08 HD Heritage softail (Beth's) (FOR SALE). I guess you can say we have MBS
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Re: Found this nice '78 today...

#10

Post by Graham Cracker »

Sounds like you've made a fair offer. It's hard to let one like this go because you don't want it to end up in the bone yard.
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Re: Found this nice '78 today...

#11

Post by duke182 »

You're gonna spend that 100 bucks on something like coffee and cokes anyway.
Lay off for a couple months and go get the bike.
You know you want it.
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tomk1960
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Re: Found this nice '78 today...

#12

Post by tomk1960 »

duke182 wrote:You're gonna spend that 100 bucks on something like coffee and cokes anyway.
Lay off for a couple months and go get the bike.
You know you want it.
You make a good point. There's plenty of coke in the shop fridge and coffee here at work is free. I just need to stay out of Dunkin Donuts on weekends and drink the girlfriend's coffee instead. ;)

Yes, I want it. Low mileage engine, nice bodywork, good chrome, and plenty of spare parts in my stash to make it even nicer. It could be on the road by next spring.
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Re: Found this nice '78 today...

#13

Post by TNTbefree »

That's the way to talk yourself into it.... I mean; That's the spirit!!! Go for it! Plus, think of all the money you will save by staying home and working on the bike instead of taking your girlfriend out. That could add up to thousands and thousands of $$$$ saved. devil1
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Re: Found this nice '78 today...

#14

Post by rcmatt007 »

cheaper than hanging out at the bars, I always say
-Rodger-
all it takes for evil to prosper is the want of a few good men to do nothing-Edmund Burke
The question is not how much time do you have, it is what you do with the time that you have Gandalf
"One of the greatest dignities of humankind is that each successive generation is invested in the welfare of each new generation." Fred Rodgers
"it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert" ancient saying
78 constantly modified/customized since 1978, BOTM June 2015 de-evolving this very moment viewtopic.php?f=30&t=65511
76 Ltd "cookies bike" ALMOST DONE
79 project, finished, FOR SALE
'86 1200 (Beth's)(FOR SALE) with motorvation sidecar (sidecar sold) , July 2017 BOTM
'17 HD Road king and 08 HD Heritage softail (Beth's) (FOR SALE). I guess you can say we have MBS
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Re: Found this nice '78 today...

#15

Post by desertrefugee »

Dang, you guys are making ME want the bike, fer cryin' out loud. And I'm a continent away!
- Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass. It's about learning to ride in the rain.
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