....about the middle of last year. It came up on Gumtree and wasn't far from me but I recognised it as a type I rode for quite a few years in the 80's.... at that time mine also had the 'big' tank, which is not standard for the model, of course. My original RH was damaged in an accident one night in the late 80's on the way home from work. Anyway, I ended up offering the seller a little more than half what he was asking......and to my surprise he took it (with hindsight, I know why).
It's an RH with matching engine and frame numbers, 5N5-000128. Most of it is there, inc carbs, airbox, sidecovers and original 15L tank, but that's probably where the good news ends. It must have been sitting out in the open for some time as the seat base is completely rusted out. The original tank is also full of pin holes near the fuel taps, the fork stanchions are badly rusted, the side covers are cracked......and the list goes on and on......there is no exhaust system and the brake discs are unroadworthy
It's going to take a bit of work, but it is recoverable.
As for me, I'm retired....they made me an offer I couldn't refuse
. I'm a metallurgist.
Oh, and I have to own up to the fact that this is my only XS, but I have 11 other motorcycles of various brands with some in varying states of restoration.
I've been riding a long time, all up over 50 years now. Started on dirt bikes and then onto the road as soon as I could get a licence (and sometimes even before that
)
Steve
