I have a Yamaha RX50 that has been garage kept since 1984. It has 220 miles on it. The owner had removed the tank, which has a little bit of rust bubbling through the paint on top. Inside of the tank is very clean. There's a little but of rusting on the front rim, and it 'll need a new rear tire. Otherwise this bike is in really fine shape. The brake rotor doesn't even look like it was used. I've discovered it's "somewhat" rare, as only 2000 were produced. It was never sold in the US - only raffled off at Yamaha dealerships.
So here's the problem: I cafe bikes like Tom Brady wins championships - all the time.
I think this little gem needs to stay the way it is, and want to sell it to someone who appreciates it for what it is. Or it'd be perfect for teaching your kid how to ride. It's extremely light.
I've seen these go for as much as $1,500. I'd be happy to get $900 for it.
I'll give it a week or two, otherwise out comes the angle grinder and on goes the standard "cafe" kit: The Chinese seat, the Chinese tank, the clip ons and the fork gaiters, and maybe I'll finish it off by drilling out the rotor.
Of course it'll need 13 inch eBay air shocks to raise the rear and make the tank bottom horizontal, and I'd have to chop the frame to get the seat in the same line as the tank. All of the cutting...such a shame. Please help me save this cool little bike from my evil ways. (edited)
