One 1988 and one 1990, in really great shape but not running. Indian Motorcycle dealer in Bremerton WA took them in trade about three years ago, really wanted to get rid of them. Both for $1176 incl tax, title, and license.

 

Holy Smokes! What a snag. Very nice indeed. Congratulations

 

You might kick yourself - I think you know these are both UK spec bikes, it will depend on how they were imported whether you can get them licensed in the USA. Looks like they came over some time in 2019/2020 according to UK DVLA.

On the plus side both now over 25 years so probable you can get them tagged - you'll have to let us know the process. I had to go through a LOT of import paperwork for mine.

 

I had thought of that as I dealt with a Canadian bike some years ago and had all sorts of problems. Honda USA would not issue a compliance certificate even though they are identical bikes, Honda Canada said that Honda USA had to do that, Honda Japan just ignored all communications.

However...the dealership, who my friends have dealt with a lot and who seem very above board, were pretty confident that there would be no problem. The bikes even have MPH speedometers so maybe they were originally shipped to the UK by a service member then shipped back at end of tour. (Bremerton has a very large US Navy base). We shall see.

In the absolute worst case scenario (and this would be horrible to have to do) there are far more than $1000 worth of good parts on the bikes. I don't want to go there, however.

 

Brit bikes do have MPH speedos but watch out for the left dipping headlight

 

Very nice, they both look in great condition.

 

I had the same problem - the only thing that saved me (given my bike was only 15 years old) was I originally imported it from the USA into the UK (grey imports were cheaper!) so it had a Honda USA sticker on the frame.

I don't think country of origin matters for classic vehicles so you might luck out here.

 

Update: Yesterday I put in the new battery in the 1990, added ethanol free gas with some fuel system cleaner, and cranked. Opening each carb drain a bit of smelly green gas came out, and then a bit later, some clean gas. Cranked it over and let it sit. Choke cable was very sticky and wouldn't move more than a half inch or so, so I pulled the handlebar control clamp apart and put some Triflow down the cable. Over the course of working in the garage and yard, I went back every half hour or so and cranked it again. At one point towards the end of the day it actually fired, probably not all cylinders, but chugged through a couple cycles and then died. The choke cable is now working fully as I would work it back and forth when I was cycling the bike. Not sure if the cleaner will eventually be enough to clear the jets but if I can get it to run without taking the carb bank off, so much the better. We shall see.

Edited to correct the fact that I started with the 1990, not the 1988. Typo.

 

I've found type of cleaner makes difference. Use only PEA-based fuel-system cleaners.

 

I've been using Seafoam for years and so that's what I added to this bike. Seems to be working.

Update: Yesterday when I got home from work I pushed the bike out into the driveway and it fired right up. Had to hold the throttle open about 30% and pulled the choke lever about halfway. It ran nicely so long as I held the throttle open but died if I tried to let it idle. Assuming the slow jets are more clogged since they are narrower but she's running and quite nicely. Today I'm going to try to take her for a ride, just have to hope I don't stall out and get stuck somewhere.