So the story is this:
I saw it advertised on FB Marketplace. I live on Vancouver Island it it was on the mainland so not a quick trip, basically four hours each way including an 1.5 hr ferry crossing.
I messaged the seller and got some details.
The bike was one of a trio of bikes owned by the seller's lifelong friend, riding buddy and co-worker. He also had a 2006 Triumph Bonneville and a 1987 BMW R80/7. The seller's friend had a stroke about five years ago and sadly he passed away about six weeks back. So the seller was helping the widow out by selling the bikes and all his riding gear.
I gave him the asking price of $450 for the bike and paid $300 for the new tank. It also came with two other tanks, the original which has some scratches and primer but no other damage and a brown tank which has some surface rust but is pristine inside.
I went over last Sunday and picked it up. Had a lovely visit with the widow, Nancy. Her husband was a real motorcycle nut. Originally from England he was a regular at the Ace Cafe apparently and hung out with some of the famous riders/builders who used to congregate there.
I feel quite fortunate to have bought the bike, to have learned some of it's history. They bought it new in Edmonton in 1980, rode it all over and then gave it to their daughter who also rode it a fair bit. Cosmetically it has surface rust on the front fender, mirrors and grab rails. I'll get those re-plated I think. The seat is perfect with no rips or tears in the cover. And of course the new tank is icing on the cake.
This is a pic from Nancy when they bought it brand new back in Edmonton.
Riding it is very different from our ST. Not a lot of jam under 4K rpm but it pulls hard to the 10K redline. The front brake leave a lot to be desired. It is very flickable and is a joy on our windy backroads.
