New 1978 Strada owner
Posted: 28 Jan 2022 16:28
Hi all, here in Seattle, WA I am the proud new owner of this machine. I'm a younger guy, and rarely am I the first to show up with money to purchase, but this time i lucked out! And it appears i really lucked out...All original from what i can tell. 19,000 miles. Even the original foam under tank pad is there and in decent shape.
The bike was non-running when i purchased but was stored very well. With some fresh gas and a little tinkering, she fired right up. Some initial observations: 1) hard starting, but it still has original spark plugs and i'm still getting a handle on how she likes to be started, 2) the clutch engages very slowly and seems to stick- i'm thinking a thorough cleaning of the clutch will fix this (hopefully no oil leak), 3) front master cylinder is frozen open, so that'll be getting a rebuild, 4) I have the flywheel puller coming from the UK, so will change the belt and fluids and check the valve clearances shortly.
All in all, what a wonderful piece of well preserved italian engineering! Charm in spades. I'll be sure to post with any questions/updates as i recommission.
Pictures in this link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/5GqFGx1PjAxG2UZH9
The bike was non-running when i purchased but was stored very well. With some fresh gas and a little tinkering, she fired right up. Some initial observations: 1) hard starting, but it still has original spark plugs and i'm still getting a handle on how she likes to be started, 2) the clutch engages very slowly and seems to stick- i'm thinking a thorough cleaning of the clutch will fix this (hopefully no oil leak), 3) front master cylinder is frozen open, so that'll be getting a rebuild, 4) I have the flywheel puller coming from the UK, so will change the belt and fluids and check the valve clearances shortly.
All in all, what a wonderful piece of well preserved italian engineering! Charm in spades. I'll be sure to post with any questions/updates as i recommission.
Pictures in this link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/5GqFGx1PjAxG2UZH9