Help needed locally

[Spaggy]

My cousin has agreed to buy a '93 900SS from a guy in Plymouth on the basis that it is a runner, taxed and MOTd. Problem is it won't now start, and my cousin lives in Shoreham, Sussex, so it's not exactly round the corner. What I'd like to know is if anyone living near Plymouth is able to go and have a quick look to see if it's anything serious or a quick fix. There's also a slim chance that a branch member knows the seller (Barry Watts) and the bike, so may be able to give an opinion on it. I can give the contact details of both my Cousin and the seller to anyone who can help.
I'll put this out on the email list too and appeal for help there. I'm away over this weekend, so I'd need to hear from anyone by about lunchtime Friday if possible. Get me on 01889 804564.
Cheers

[Mr R]

Hi Spaggy,
I've got your e-mail and I'm on the case, I'll ring the owner tonight and try to arrange a time to look at the bike.

edit- I've left a message on his machine, Ness thinks the bikes down somewhere near Looe, as that's not a Plymouth phone number??
If that's the case it could be a trip to the coast for the family this weekend...
Bugger!
That'll cost me ice creams and possibly fish 'n' chips, lets hope the sun's shining.

edit #2- the chap has rang back and we're off to look at it tomorrow afternoon.

There won't be any drink needed from your cousin mate, what goes around comes around and you've earnt more than enough points for your family over the years.

Steve R

[Spaggy]

Brilliant. Thanks a bunch mate.
I hope you enjoy the fish and chips and that Ness and the rest of the family enjoy their day at the seaside.
Will catch up later.
Cheers

[Mr R]

Hi Spaggy,
I've been out and done what you've asked and...
The bikes a real good un tell your cousin Mark to break Barry's arm off to get it, as he won't find a better one IMHO.
It's running as sweet as a nut, it's totally immaculate, (I'd give it a 10 out of 10) has just over 7,000 miles on the clock and really has only been owned by two elderly gentleman.

I must thankyou* for putting this task my way, as the owner Barry was one of the nicest old boys I've met in a very loooong time.
He's a life long biker and owns a few real classic bikes and had bought the 900SS as a last hurrah before his failing health forced him to lay it up, (the sporting riding position was too much for him) he still rides his old R80 Boxer twin with his much younger wife on the back, who's also past retirement age!

*For me it's always a pleasure to help out a club member/a duty in fact, that's what club life is all about IMO!
But today was made very special for Ness and I when we met Barry and his wife, who've extended an offer for us to pop in anytime that we're over their way.
I'll definately be taking them up on this offer!
Their home is 1/2 a mile from the sea on a hill top with a fantastic veiw, you can see the Eddistone Lighthouse (14 miles out to sea) in the daylight from the village, fantastic in the summer but I'm not too sure I'd like to live there in the depths of winter.

Steve R

[Spaggy]

Thanks huge much Steve. You're a star.
I'll pass your message on to Mark forthwith. Sorry about the contact number cock-up but it's the only number I had and now appears to be out of date. When I get home tonight I'll be able to get the right info, but as he has your number too he may well be in touch before me.
Anyway, glad you enjoyed the foray, and I hope the girls had a good day out at the seaside too.
Be in touch via email later.

[Spaggy]

Hi Steve.
Mark did the right thing and bought the bike. Just got to wait for the MOT and tax to be organised then he can collect it.
Thanks again, we owe you a pint.

[Mr R]

Spaggy,
That's good news did Mark also get the spares that Barry had?
The bikes fitted with a Corbin seat (which costs around £300 at least) and is much more comfortable than the OEM seat, but Barry has the original, a set of side panels and some spare but slightly tatty cans.
The old boy had done a professional job in storing the bike, when he realised that his health was letting him down, (he only rode the bike for around 20 miles) letting the air out of the tyres and raising the bike off of the ground etc, but the tyres although looking good will probably need changing as they'll be quite old now.
As I've said the bike's in almost showroom condition, in fact Mark has as good as stolen the bike at the price!

Steve R