R80 ST project,Cape Breton

[John M]

Hi everyone ,Happy New Year .  Picked up this 1984 R80 ST in September. It hadn't been plated in 9 years. I didn't take any before pictures.
Seals, brakes, carbs, top end rebuild, fluids, have all needed attention.
I am moving on to cosmetic renovation now (new colour scheme and general clean-up) Its starting to look good. Hope to have it plated and on the road by early April. A completely different character to my 1986 R65 .   Also including a few Cape Breton picture from this Sept.  
A great place to visit ( especially on motorcycle)

[nhmaf]

The ST is presumably one of the nicest riding airheads you can get - and that one looks beautiful!

Last time I was in Nova Scotia was a teenager - that was several decades ago - I gotta go visit again sometime.

[montmil]

John, it's pretty tough to find a decent R80 these days. Looks like you scored a winner. I really like the spoked wheels. Please keep the photo updates rolling in. I'm drooling already.

Your tour photos are very professional. What do you shoot, camera wise?

[John M]

The bike was an oily mess,with an ugly original greenish silver factory colour (scratched up and rusty). when I picked it up I checked that the engine was free and the starter turned it over with my R65 battery.
I got it running poorly on one cylinder and was enveloped in a smoke cloud as the exhaust collector box warmed up and the oil started to burn off. I turned it off and left her until I returned from Cape Breton and then stripped top end ,bores, pistons and rings looked good so I took heads ,pistons and cylinders to Gord Bush Performance in Toronto who did my R65 heads.   He thought the valves and guides on initial viewing look good enough for re-use , however he called me two days later to let me know that the exhaust valves and guides needed replacement as the valves were warped (new one to me,but I trust him completely)   I look forward to actually riding the bike as I have heard all the good things said about the R80 ST( should be great fun on the gravel roads around our cottage) . I will keep everyone updated with more pictures and a ride report( I hope by late March if weather allows I will get it out for a break-in run  )

[SCJJR65]

I've always wanted to do the Cape Breton ride, and after seeing these lovely pics, am more determined now than ever!  Congrats also for scoring that nice R80ST!     [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

[John M]

Hi Monte, photos were taken with an Olympus XZ-1 which I find is a great travel camera since it is not too large yet has a very good fast lens.
     Best Regards John Muir

[montmil]

... Best Regards John Muir

Is this a pretty cool coincidence or what? Our new forum and R80 owner, JohnM, posts some pro-quality scenic photos. later, we learn his full name is John Muir. Say what!

John Muir -naturalist, writer, conservationist, and founder of the Sierra Club. Look it up.[smiley=beer.gif]

[wilcom]

full name is John Muir. Say what!

He just calls himself John Muir, he's really Ansel Adams

[John M]

Shhhhh......... don't blow my cover. Seriously any suggestions as to how to carry that that honking big camera on the back of the bike would be much appreciated.
               Regards John-----(A.K.A. Ansel)------Muir

[Johnster]

If storing the camera in one of the hard cases is not what you were looking for.
1- some dedicated riding jackets have pretty big pockets (look at some of Firstgear's stuff (My old FG Kilimanjaro could store a DSLR in one of the front pockets if you really had to

2- Tank bag - many different manufacturers and prices - some even give you place to 'lay down on' during longer rides
  A 'hard shell' tank bag might even be more protection if you want.

3- in my younger/foolisher student days, I had a shoulder bag (satchel) that I would wear when commuting - I adjusted the strap so that the bag sat on the rear seat and kept the strap wrapped around me like when I was wearing it walking around.
    I've seen many writings that forbid wearing a satchel or backpack when riding - the fear is that the bag will complicate your body when you have an accident or otherwise leave the motorcycle (strap catches something - motorcycle drags you along, or instead of landing on your back, you land on your backpack, which has a sharp item in it that pierces your skin etc...

4- The old stand by - the bungee net - cheap, easy, mostly reliable.

the camera you mention doesnt look that big ?

-John

[suecanada]

Hi John, good to hear from you!!

I see Monte caught on to your John Muir name like I did. He's a smart one!
Now you have one nice looking machine there in that ST! Ever consider riding to Salem Oregon with one of them next summer to the National BMW rally?

My LS made it to Missouri's BMW National last summer and if I get the spline lube done maybe, just maybe, I'd think about heading west. It may be cooler there although I'd keep on HWY 2 in the north to hope for the best.

I think my camera which was a Canon Powershot probably did break my 6 ribs when I fell in Sask. I have no idea why I thought I'd have it around my neck to take pictures... of what???...waving wheat for 100 miles!

My brother lives in Baddeck Cape Breton and he rides too. Has 3 bikes too. I am often riding to there. Considering going to Nfld.this summer with him if i don't go west. If i do both i'll never be home!

Meet ya John J. and Mike in upper NH as I cruise by enroute?? I have always taken the USA route to New Brunswick. Place to stay in CB! In tent or shop though.

[John M]

Good to hear from you Sue, My niece lives in St John's NFLD. I  hope to ride the rock although it won't happen for a few years . Salem Oregon is very tempting but too far while I'm still working(our busy season). My wife Margie and I rented a house in the Margaree Valley (Cape Breton)
from a member of Canadian Vintage Motorcycle Group for 1 week (only $650) It was an ideal base to travel around the island from.
     Regards John

[Semper Gumby]

Hi John,

Which Hannigan is that on the mono (R65)?

[John M]

Hi Semper, I am not sure which variant of the Hannigan I have . The fairing Was on the bike 4 1/2 years ago when I bought it,at that time it was in the original black gel coat colour. The first winter I painted the fairing to match the other cycle parts and also re-welded the mounting bracket to position the fairing approximately 1" lower and back about
1/4". Perhaps someone else on the forum can I.D. which Hannigan model the fairing is. Here are some before and after photos.

[Semper Gumby]

ooooOooOOOOoooOOogh!  That's nice!

(motorcycle porn)   [smiley=bmw_smiley.gif]