Buffalo Pics - Expert Critiquing Please

[MikeH1A]

Here are the promised pics of my Buffalo - Waterbus to us down under. So far, I've started her up and was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was, given that she hasn't been run much for a couple of years. I've changed the tranny oil and put new plugs in her. Next step is to change the radiator fluids and clean each of the carbs. After that, I'll take her for a longer ride to get a feel of how she performs.

I bought the bike to restore to her former glory and it seems to me that I have a fairly good starting point. I would deem it a great favour if you guys could now pick her to pieces from the point of what an original "J" model should look like or have on her. this will help me set goals for the resto process.










What I have noticed is: Seems to have a later model seat pan with a 72 cover on it, the handlebars are just WRONG , ? is the headlight correct, ? is the kickstart the correct one, rear footrests seem incorrect, stripes on tank are stck on not painted on...

Thanks for any details/insights, no matter how small.

Mike

[TheMarkedMan]

Can't tell you much about the seat. The handlebars look correct, just angled unnaturally (was the previous owner taller?)..Headlight and kickstart look spot on. Rear footrests are hard to see due to them being down in the pictures....put them up and post a better pic of them plz
I have a 74, and the striping on the tank is indeed decals rather than paint.
Honestly, this bike looks very pristine.....there's not gonna be a lot of work on her from what I can see....
But then again I'm comparing her to my 74 that I basically was given....
Good luck my good man! Keep us posted....and if you want to know anything and everything about these bikes....
check out http://www.oldjapanesebikes.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Ian Sandy is his name...he's a fellow Canadian out west from where mine sits. He published a 'field guide' that outlines what you need to see in the different years. He's restored a number of these bikes, and has been an invaluable source of assistance for me as I got mine from sitting for 27 years to flying down the highway at top speed, lol....
He's your man....
Peace! And again, best of luck!

[oldjapanesebikes]

Thanks for the kind words Nathen I actually consider myself to be a junior member on this board as there is a lot of depth here, and a lot of very knowledgeable people willing and able to share what they know. Several of them contributed (and continue to contribute !) to the Field Guide which is appreciated as it is intended to be a community resource.

Mike - looks very nice ! This link may be of interest to you - if you want originality then you have already identified most of the items you might consider changing at some point. And the fact it runs means you can also choose to just enjoy it !

[Craig380]

@ MikeH1A -- she's gorgeous. My 10 UK pence worth is, ride her and enjoy.

I like to see pristine restored bikes, and it's also nice to see well-loved bikes in great condition that have nice patination and one or two "laughter lines" on them.

[TheMarkedMan]

I actually consider myself to be a junior member on this board as there is a lot of depth here, and a lot of very knowledgeable people willing and able to share what they know.

This is like saying to Angelina Jolie: "You are beautiful!"
To which she replies: "Not really, but you should see my sister!"
lol

[Suzsmokeyallan]

Mike you got a 'good one' and for that you should be happy. Its an early version with the carb spigots in rubber and the right foot peg bolted to the rear brake lever.
Ians site is very useful and its got plenty of info, but I think you wanted a 'sort of list' so heres what I see.

The headlamp should have the flat bottom rim, so it appears the bowl and rim are wrong. If stock is your thing it should have a Koito sealed beam unit as well.
The Kickstarter seems to be a later version as early ones were more upright.
The rear footpegs are not correct and they should hold the pipes on at the mount.
The points cover is a later version
The alternator cover is also a later version
The ring on the ign switch should be chrome
Trip reset knob is missing
The colour on the tank badges is wrong
The gear shifter is a later version.
The seatpan and trim is from a later model.
The end cones and seals for the pipes are missing.
Depending on the market region the rear indicator lenses and side reflectors would be red. In others the lenses would be amber.
I cant see if it has on 'S' mirrors or if all the covers are on all of the hose clamps.

Its been a long road for you in your quest, but it was worth it, you have a very decent J now.

[markj]

Jeeze - all the chrome, especially the pipes lookl to be in really good shape. That's pretty hard to find these days.

[MikeH1A]

Thanks for the positives guys, yes I am happy with my new girl. As Allan mentioned, I have been chasing one of these for some time but pickings are quite slim in our little country (seems to be heaps of 74 models though for some reason). I apreciate all the comments about what's on ..or not on it. You were correct Allan, I was keen to get from you good people a list of things to address, and I appreciate the comments from all of you. I did this same thing with my T500 and it made the resto so much easier as very knowledgeable and experienced eyes pick up details us newer fellas tend to gloss over.

I'm in no hurry to do all the things but having a reference list will allow me to return (as pocket money permits) and cross off things as time goes by. I said I'd allow myself three years to quietly work on her - but my wife doesn't believe me. She thinks that once I start it'll be all go. Hmm ... maybe she does know me quite well after all

Thanks again guys. Coments welcome at anytime.

Mike

[Joiseygirl]

Congrats Mike!

I'm no expert so that disqualifies me for critiquing, but I can tell you she's very pretty.
I love her colors, very close (if not the same) as the Miami Dolfins! Your too far away for me to suggest a ride around the stadium, I'm sure she'd attract lots of attention.

Enjoy!