Description
This bike was imported back from California in early 2023. Since buying it, it is now registered in the UK. It has matching numbers and is almost entirely original with the main exception being I had a Pazon ignition installed. I still have the original contact breakers. A sign of how original it is, is that it still has the original chain oiler ... which works but is slightly messy. It has a Hi-Rider Sissy bar - quite rare - but it is a Fastback bike ... not a Hi-Rider.
Mechanically and electrically the bike is very good with the exception that tick over is erratic. It has the original carbs and maybe these need balancing or perhaps overhauling or replacing.
It runs beautifully.
I wanted to keep the bike as original as possible so it has the patina of a 50 year old bike. There are patches of rust ... I would say cosmetic and the decals have faded. However, it will polish up well. In line with this ... the clocks are not pristine ... one is slightly burred and the other has a cracked glass ... but they work fine.
The bike has had over £7K worth of work done at Andover Norton to make sure it is mechanically sound. There are two invoices available to show if needed. It even featured in their Source Magazine back in 2023 when they had finished their work.
On the last works, they did do a little welding on the tail section - itemized in the works receipt. I haven't classified this as major structural work - I think it was more precautionary.
It starts on first kick after tickling. The jury is still out on if the choke has much effect!
Although I love the bike, I haven't got the time to enjoy it properly or indeed look after it as I should. So it would be great to pass it on to somebody who will cherish it. I bought it because I was just too young in the 1970s to own one and it has been a late mid crisis wish to own one. On top of this, I have had pleasure in restoring a great looking non runner, back to running. So, I have had my fun and lots of pleasure .. but time moves on an I will have to make do with my modern Bonneville!
