- Joined
- Aug 24, 2016
- Messages
- 36
I get so frustrated with people. When I see an advertisement suggesting a total nut and bolt restoration, I expect it to be correct. I'm no rivet counter but would not expect to find oriental copies nor Republic of India Gas tanks. Flanged wheels, as eye appealing as they are, are not expected on a "restored" Norton motorcycle. Yes, I know their are exceptions.
Same goes for Automobiles. Dont you just love the ad that says;
All original, new paint, new interior, new glass, seats, tires and shocks. New motor and tranny with LSD. Really? I understand things wear out and rubber perishes but still.
Last fall, I purchased a 1973 Interstate, "Restored to the highest of standards" read the ad. "Immaculate condition"."Essentially a new motorcycle".
The Interstate was in Colorado and I live in NY so I went with the sellers word and photos. When it arrived, the bike was everything that the photos showed - shiny, polished, .... a real "looker".
That said, closer inspection gave me serious concern.
"Highest of standards" and "immaculate" do not seem accurate in my estimation.
When a bike is represented as being restored to the highest of standards, it shouldn't have missing parts, Asian copies, or obviously used parts on it.
For example:
I was more than surprised to find no side stand as the advertisement did not mention its absence. The center stand bangs against the frame and has dented the LH muffler. The fork lock had no keys and was so loose in the triple tree it almost fell out!
The bike would not run without full choke prompting me to open up the Amals. I found a #3 slide on the right and a #3.5 on the left,105 needle jets and 200 mains. Stock 850's call for 106 needles and 260 mains with matching 3.5 slides.
The rear mount on the oil tank had broken off and the battery had movement due to its smaller size. The speedometer needle swings wildly. Either the drive unit, cable, or the meter itself will require repair or replacement. The tachometer is working. Silver paint is bubbling on the side of the head! The bike has a Roadster rear gas tank mount instead of the Interstate mount. As a result, the gas tank rubs against the frame.
The gas tank appears to be an India made after-market replica. The paint shows many chips leaving me to wonder how long ago it was painted. The red coating inside concerns me as I have no idea what it is or how resilient it will be. Missing also, are the thick and thin rubbers that distance the tank from the top of the frame tube.
Seat to frame rubbers are missing. The rear fender is used and scratched.The tail light lens was cracked and repaired with glue! Emgo copies of the turn signals are on the bike. Lucas is available.
Original tanks are out there too. ....I know, I have bought them! Lucas lenses are available! I question why so little effort was made to accurately finish this restoration. To represent this restoration as one of the "highest of standards" with missing, Asian, and used parts is simply wrong and inaccurate.
My greatest concerns are details I cannot readily see or evaluate. Although the engine and transmission were rebuilt, I have no way to verify what was (or was not) done.
Most of the items are being fixed but this situation is disappointing to me.
I bought this bike with the belief that work had been done to the highest standard.......I cannot possibly agree.
Sorry to rant on and on but Damn, I am upset about this!
Anytime I ever sold a bike, (without exception) the first person to look... bought!
I guess its me.
Same goes for Automobiles. Dont you just love the ad that says;
All original, new paint, new interior, new glass, seats, tires and shocks. New motor and tranny with LSD. Really? I understand things wear out and rubber perishes but still.
Last fall, I purchased a 1973 Interstate, "Restored to the highest of standards" read the ad. "Immaculate condition"."Essentially a new motorcycle".
The Interstate was in Colorado and I live in NY so I went with the sellers word and photos. When it arrived, the bike was everything that the photos showed - shiny, polished, .... a real "looker".
That said, closer inspection gave me serious concern.
"Highest of standards" and "immaculate" do not seem accurate in my estimation.
When a bike is represented as being restored to the highest of standards, it shouldn't have missing parts, Asian copies, or obviously used parts on it.
For example:
I was more than surprised to find no side stand as the advertisement did not mention its absence. The center stand bangs against the frame and has dented the LH muffler. The fork lock had no keys and was so loose in the triple tree it almost fell out!
The bike would not run without full choke prompting me to open up the Amals. I found a #3 slide on the right and a #3.5 on the left,105 needle jets and 200 mains. Stock 850's call for 106 needles and 260 mains with matching 3.5 slides.
The rear mount on the oil tank had broken off and the battery had movement due to its smaller size. The speedometer needle swings wildly. Either the drive unit, cable, or the meter itself will require repair or replacement. The tachometer is working. Silver paint is bubbling on the side of the head! The bike has a Roadster rear gas tank mount instead of the Interstate mount. As a result, the gas tank rubs against the frame.
The gas tank appears to be an India made after-market replica. The paint shows many chips leaving me to wonder how long ago it was painted. The red coating inside concerns me as I have no idea what it is or how resilient it will be. Missing also, are the thick and thin rubbers that distance the tank from the top of the frame tube.
Seat to frame rubbers are missing. The rear fender is used and scratched.The tail light lens was cracked and repaired with glue! Emgo copies of the turn signals are on the bike. Lucas is available.
Original tanks are out there too. ....I know, I have bought them! Lucas lenses are available! I question why so little effort was made to accurately finish this restoration. To represent this restoration as one of the "highest of standards" with missing, Asian, and used parts is simply wrong and inaccurate.
My greatest concerns are details I cannot readily see or evaluate. Although the engine and transmission were rebuilt, I have no way to verify what was (or was not) done.
Most of the items are being fixed but this situation is disappointing to me.
I bought this bike with the belief that work had been done to the highest standard.......I cannot possibly agree.
Sorry to rant on and on but Damn, I am upset about this!
Anytime I ever sold a bike, (without exception) the first person to look... bought!
I guess its me.