I've been out riding my 87 a good bit this summer as a commuter and a few nice weekend rides when I had the time, and I'm really enjoying the bike. I mean, like, really having fun.
However...
This bike needs a good winter overhaul if I'm going to keep it and make it my ride for the next few years. It was a rescue from a guys garage where it sat for a few years, getting started up and run for a few minutes every month or so.
So far, I think this bike will need the following if I'm going to commit - From Shoodaben I'll need the full carb cleaning with 2 minute jet and overflow tubes installed, either the new torque cam unit or the performance sprocket, Murphs knee savers, new front rotors (got a small warp in one, might as well replace them both), and a fix for a most perplexing intermittent electrical problem - sometimes I turn on the bike and half the instrument cluster, the front headlight, and the rear taillight won't come on (I think that should be it's own post...)
Again, HOWEVER...
I have the 1" risers on my bars, and it has helped my comfort level, but I have worsening arthritis in my lower two disks in my back. I need to sit up straighter. I can't think of a way to do this without needing new lines, cables, etc. At that point we're getting into "Why not just buy a different bike" money. Maybe even "buy a cruiser, you old fart" money.
What do you think? Is there a way to sit up just a little bit straighter without the bike becoming a money pit? On bad back days, I'm riding my SR500 because I can sit up straight, but, to paraphrase the great Dean Wormer, "Tiny, 500cc's, and air-cooled is no way to go through rush-hour, son."