I recently picked up a 1988 red Concours with low miles from a COG member in Colorado. I actually looked at these bikes and test rode a couple when they were new back in 1986 and 1987. At that time, I had a cool 1979 Kawasaki KZ650SR that I bought new. I went on several long trips on that 650 and almost traded it in on a Concours. Life conspired against me and I never bought the C-10 (until now). It's been 20 years since I've rode a motorcycle.
Okay, enough of all that sappy remembrance stuff.
The "new" old bike is in dire need of a rear tire. The previous owner told me about the tires right off the bat. I decided to do the 17" Mean Streak wheel conversion as my first mod, so I could get a decent tire. Not only is the selection better, but you can run a wider tire and get better brakes out of the deal too.
I found an undamaged wheel on eBay. The description said the clearcoat was flaking off and it looked really dirty in the photos. There was a tire mounted on the rim, but I didn't pay much attention to it because I assumed it was some funky wore out thing. Turned out the tire is nice and has about 3/4 of the tread left (Bridgestone Exedra Max 170/60ZR17). The wheel cleaned up better than expected. I still need to polish some more and buff it.
I bought a low mileage Mean Streak caliper and bracket (stay). Another score, it's in near perfect condition. However, the rear brake rotor that arrived was not the right part. Not even close. I hate having to hassle with returns and now it'll be another week longer of not being able to ride.
Well, that's my story and I'm sticking to it. Stay tuned for more adventures working and riding on this 30 year old beautiful beast.
The previous owner had a few things done, like the J box rebuilt and the petcock replaced. It has handlebar risers, throttle lock, backrest, spin on oil filter adapter, two windshields (stock and rifle), tank bra, forks protectors, a cover, a service manual, and a bunch of other stuff I'm forgetting.
Okay, enough of all that sappy remembrance stuff.
The "new" old bike is in dire need of a rear tire. The previous owner told me about the tires right off the bat. I decided to do the 17" Mean Streak wheel conversion as my first mod, so I could get a decent tire. Not only is the selection better, but you can run a wider tire and get better brakes out of the deal too.
I found an undamaged wheel on eBay. The description said the clearcoat was flaking off and it looked really dirty in the photos. There was a tire mounted on the rim, but I didn't pay much attention to it because I assumed it was some funky wore out thing. Turned out the tire is nice and has about 3/4 of the tread left (Bridgestone Exedra Max 170/60ZR17). The wheel cleaned up better than expected. I still need to polish some more and buff it.
I bought a low mileage Mean Streak caliper and bracket (stay). Another score, it's in near perfect condition. However, the rear brake rotor that arrived was not the right part. Not even close. I hate having to hassle with returns and now it'll be another week longer of not being able to ride.
Well, that's my story and I'm sticking to it. Stay tuned for more adventures working and riding on this 30 year old beautiful beast.
The previous owner had a few things done, like the J box rebuilt and the petcock replaced. It has handlebar risers, throttle lock, backrest, spin on oil filter adapter, two windshields (stock and rifle), tank bra, forks protectors, a cover, a service manual, and a bunch of other stuff I'm forgetting.