Grand expectations

I'd still say it was ok for its age. shame the original pictures tell one tale and yours tell another. question is, is the price right?

So, firstly I just want to say what a lovely bike it is.  But it is a reminder that no matter what you see in a video and pictures, you should still go and check vehicles out and make your own decision.....to avoid any disappointment and problems. For most, this is common sense I suppose.

It's worth remembering that despite the mileage (which I have no doubt is correct) this machine is 44 years old.....not 4 years old.  I messaged the seller before taking the journey and specifically asked 'does it run and if possible can I have a little ride?'' to which he replied yes. s

Got there and the fuel smelt bad - but tank inside was pristine as was the beautiful gold flecked black paint - probably only about a year old but it smelt off.  Tyre walls were cracked to high heaven but the original Yoko's so probably no surprise. He switches the taps on and they are both p*ssing over the engine like a sieve....literally non stop. So a ride was totally out of the question. The guy seemed totally obsessed with the low miles and thought it should be in a museum.  My own thought to that?  It's not a one off Vincent but of course needs to be treated with respect and sympathy. It needs to fly again. If I go ahead and buy it I would sort out the cosmetics and other issues in a heart beat.....it deserves to come to me....but at 3k sterling still unlikely in this fettle.  I see it at 2.5k sterling max at the minute.  Maybe you disagree.  Let me know if you do.  Aside from the front brake master cylinder, it all appeared very genuine. 

I'd have no desire in flipping this one. The re-chroming costs over here are silly. To get it where I want it (I could sort the alloy and other issues myself so that is not a worry) would probably stand me another $1800 at least.  You can't see it in the images, but all the chrome needs to be re-done, it would do my nut as it is I guess as it has lived near the coast all its life, that has not helped it.  These bikes are nothing without top chrome.  

I think there are two types of buyers for that bike one who will restore it to its former glory the other would just keep it showing it’s age/patina. Neither are right or wrong but they are only original once they always say.
I recently picked up its little brother it’s a sweet little thing but I’m not sure what I’ll do with it yet.

Regret not riding the one I bought on impulse and not liking because it was a Custom Special.It’s what BSA/Triumph should have copied or bought engines from Yamaha to bung in their frames😁 I look forward to seeing Carls little XS250

Not a problem when you have such good friends with hidden talents 😊