Original 250 mile k1

So I was cleaning this original bike and just doing a 50 year Service. The bike is clean - it's not seen much use . Question is - the wire loom exiting the frame grommet is hard now and does not cover the 5 wires - it's cracked and exposing the wires . So it's a survivor and all I wanted to do was clean and not start taking away from its value .
Do you remove and replace the grommet and install a newer more pliable sheath cover OR do you leave it alone -
This bike will be sold - I would suspect a collector should have it so I don't want to devalue it .

I would leave it alone. I dont think it should have much affect on value unless the insulation on the wiring has rubbed off, which is doubtful.

Thanks for the reply "tripod" - no the wireing is in excellent shape beneath the hardened from time sheathing . just asking how untouched these survivors should be presented . its an easy to remove the exit plug and install a new sheath and plug . the sheath would have to be incorrect due to getting the wiring with the ends intact . All i needed was how far to improve the bike

It IS possible to pull all of the wires thru a right sized piece of new sheathing...believe it or not. You just start pulling them thru, one or 2 at a time, starting with the biggest/hardest, ones. They'll all go.
But I would agree that it's probably not necessary for you to do that before you sell it. Let the proud new owner do the nitpicking, to their own satisfaction. Things that are a little bit questionable...just because of age...are expected, and might actually help to show the true condition of a bike that's as you describe (pics would be great)
If you start trying to fluff it up for resale, folks will notice...then you'll have to explain why it was necessary.

Its 50 years old. Its ok if it shows a little. Anyone can replace parts. But the original parts...50 years ON the bike, can't be duplicated.
If anything...old hardened plastic and rubber will support the story of a 250 mile 50 year old bike...which only YOU has seen. (hint hint)

Would like to see alot of detailed pics of this bike including the VIN and engine numbers. Would make great reference pics too.

Thanks guys - 1 for the replies and I know pictures are very important . I'm an older sort and no cell phone here guys so pictures are a little more time consuming than usual bit I will - like I said yes its real and yes it will provide a good solid view of a stock unmolested 72 Candy Yellow. Right now I'm cleaning it - and it is winter - February- there is snow to Moove around and animals to feed and full time work schedule so please be patient and I will forward them but first a thorough clean is necasary and the odd question as you see above .
I pulled both front and rear wheels to clean well and going to just lightly grease the axle shafts and reinstall . So far plating on exposed bolts and nuts has exposed normal aging of plating other than bright on the axle shafts . Rims and hubs are very nice other than an odd line of slight wear of possibly tall grass or a twig that slightly wore a line on the circumference of the rim - easilly compounded . Tires and rubber are very pliable as well as the plug wire - I usually find the coil wire stiff and brittle but I suspect the heat from the cyl and head obviously have not had those heat cycles .
This was owned by an older fella - and was used to get him to a fishing spot and it looks to me his last ride was a mucky day as it still had splatters of mud up around the swing arm pivot and lower fender as well as some mud up around the front sprocket . So just let me carefully clean this bike and I will spend some time posting up what you seek - pictures .

Cool. Thanks

So I snapped a couple shots of this low mile example and the rear tire has not seen much action at all and obviously very fresh - I had some new tires installed on a ruby red I'm working beside and there is not much differance but I did not pay attention to font or such between the 2 new and original so I can't comment .
The side badging still has the Mylar or plastic coating still not removed from it but I did tug on it a touch .
The area under the seat where the seat rubber snubs meet the frame rest - show no wear or very little .
On the rim - original paint has had some compound rubbed on it and clean up very nice , the plating is darker and stained a bit but won't be removing to replace or installing new from CHP - some of the nut side of bolts may have been dichromate or is it chromate - can't recollect but the gold hue is present on the threaded end of the bolt but not certain but it's faint .someone far more knowledgeable on these may know better .
I removed the shifter side cover to clean grease and mud from the area properly . Case halves are nice and the carb casting has a nice hue to the carb body and again the carb intake from head has a nice gold hue . I have not even tried to start this bike but I had to start cleaning it to what it really was like - I was only using it to help with cable placement on another 72 that had to be painted , I'm glad I had not started it because the air filter element although present and oiled was needing replaced . So slowly massaging this piece back -
Oh and notice the high low left switch wire sheathing - brittle - and exposing the wires just like the harness sheathing coming out of the frame to headlight .
So guys take a look and fill me in on what you see and fill me in if you can on the wheel bolts - where they a clear or did they have a gold hue , and how about the intake throat - gold as well ?

The wheel bolts were zinc plated. I have actually found a few that were painted over and had overspray on the tube stems. From the pics I've seen, I would DEFINITELY leave this bike as is. A true collector will pay you premium dollar for this bike. Thank God someone took the "leaker" battery out of this bike a long time ago. DO NOT run the lights on this while running it without a battery. It will quickly burn the headlight out and probably the high beam indicator.

Is the tool kit still in it??? If so, big plus. Getting that original foam filter outta there was a real good idea. The carb should still have a slight zinc coating on it. Do not soak it in carb cleaner or it will take it off.

Are the fuel lines still in good shape?

From one of the pics, it looks like someone changed the left side bolt from the intake to the carb or theres a nut on there.

Btw, if you do decide to start this bike, use only pure fuel. Ethanol eventually eats the lines and seals. I would think the originals this thing has will eventually need replaced, even with the pure fuel.

Btw#2, It would be hard for me to sell this bike, but the only reason I would is to sell it to buy two more decent original riders.lol.

Click on the picture to blow it up CJ, they are the correct bolts. It's a optical illusion the back round is giving off. As far as the intake goes, Honda used clear on the intake and the clear turns yellowish from the sun and heat. Leave it alone...

I would give the new owner/serious buyer the option to get it running before selling... I wouldn't start it if I didn't have to.

Thanks for clearing up the wheel hardware coating- sure looks like a gold hue on some of the threaded ends and suspected possibly like I said dichromate vs the clear/ chromate .
The fuel lines are very pliable not hardened like I have found on other stuff I have and won't be removed or touched . So as well is the coil wire - still flexible I suspect from the lack of heat cycles - not sure . The 2 sheathing wire coverings for frame to h/l and high low headlight are brittle and needing replaced but I don't want to devalue it .
I will pay attention when I'm back at the shop to the carb bolts as was mentioned and look closer .
Yes the tool pouch is there and some tools are in there and where set aside before washing . Not sure of completeness yet or correct - when I get to those I will post up a picture and see what you guys that have a good knowledge base educate me on the facts .
So I took some time today and posted some pics and take a look at CHP shipment recieved . Those parts are not intended for this bike - they are for a couple other 72 bikes and I prefer to be using and lending those to friends and use by myself .
Thanks for taking a good look to assist me on this easy clean up - yet time consuming/ enjoyable walk and please comment as you have on what I should not be touching on this to ensure it's authenticity .
I was surprised at the don't start it and suspected I would make sure its running excellent all lights working - running and yes I am aware of the lack of battery and blowinglights . The son did give me a battery that was taken out of the bike a long time ago . I did change the oil and it was as new and thought about removing side cover to clean screen but changed my mind when I saw the oil and suspect I will be ruining a gasket- marking the fasteners and for nothing - everything I have looked at so far shows an honest odometer and well kept inside heated as stated by the son - even the seat foam is nice as well as the cover and shows no signs of wear or bunching/ creasing and a pliable cover still .
So how far do you go - just continue the usual
Cleaning carefully and stop . Like I said a couple cable
cracks but replacements are nice but not exact so leaving alone other than a couple drops of lube . Sheathing is cracked on both those opportunities but a replacement switch is differant and I'm not replacing a harness that is bright and clean with very clean connector covers with factory tags or am I putting the sheathing I recieved aftermarket - it's visibly larger diameter and has extrusion marks - but the original has broke at the grommet and is sharp .

OLD CT said:

Click on the picture to blow it up CJ, they are the correct bolts. It's a optical illusion the back round is giving off. As far as the intake goes, Honda used clear on the intake and the clear turns yellowish from the sun and heat. Leave it alone...

I would give the new owner/serious buyer the option to get it running before selling... I wouldn't start it if I didn't have to.

Click to expand...

Thanks OC, I see it now. I've been needing a new prescription lately.lol

If I was buying this bike, I would just want it dusted, as is, and a list of anything you have done. The original battery should be saved just for a bike show or if it became a museum piece.
There's no real need to check the screen. The service schedule at 600miles isnt due yet anyways.

Here is why I say don't start it, you will have a leak on both sides of the carb. I wouldn't even introduce gas to it. The tiny screws will get stripped as they don't like to come out without a fight. The rubber o ring for the filter screen and the petcock packing on the shifter side. You will ruin the look of the original carb quick! On the other hand, you could ''carefully'' remove it and install a aftermarket carb for the test fire up. That would be less invasive on hardware. Tell me what you think?

Id just leave it as a non runner. Introducing fuel may leave it spilling out of the fuel hose due to a unseen crack, dry petcock gasket or the float being stuck. If i were to pay what its worth, i woukdnt be buying it to go ride around on.

Okay - 72 /K1 known original - Candy Yellow- pay attention to the transparency of the Blue and the background / chrome . It s candy basically - a main ingredient in their popularity still today .
Now Notice Ruby Red . Reproduction - Great piece - NOW -
73 saved a few bucks and So - like stated above - you can immediately view as "$Cheap $ and it was - as far a badging and that little FLECK as you admire the bike . Just showing you a 73 as well in Candy Orange - now that badge may be very nicely reproduced ? - okay hope this helps

A mistake on my part - should be in correct decals -

Tripod said:

Id just leave it as a non runner. Introducing fuel may leave it spilling out of the fuel hose due to a unseen crack, dry petcock gasket or the float being stuck. If i were to pay what its worth, i woukdnt be buying it to go ride around on.

Click to expand...

- okay guys thanks for the advice - goes against all my thinking - right from the recieving the bike all ive wanted to do is start it and ride it . And I am going to let this go - reluctantly - I will probably never find I nicer piece -but i cant use it / lend it - allow a family member an opportunity or friend to sit - ride - you know Sooo