ironmike

At that price--an absolute steal! Someone's gonna do very well, indeed . . .

Just to eliminate one possibility (cable binding), trace your throttle cables and then rotate the forks lock-to-lock; there should be no change in the idle rpms. If there is, look for something binding/pinching/etc. the cables, or miss-adjusted cable slack. If there's no fork movement when your idle fluctuates, it's more likely not a cable problem (but double check to be certain). Otherwise, the fast idle circuit and potential intake air leaks would merit close scrutiny.

Folks who own, or are in the market for an XX tend to be well informed and savvy about the market (which is clearly depressed at the moment). Your pics look good. You're wise to disclose the minor damage, but additional close-up pics thereof would no doubt help, rather than hinder, sale efforts--especially when trying to advertise online. Anyone making the effort to come & see the bike would most certainly want to know more about any damage, minor or otherwise. Best of luck with your sale.

Nomadicdread, if and/or when you exhaust all current leads in your quest for a '99 XX, and assuming you're still interested, PM me.

When I did the HIDs years ago, I faced the same spacer problem. I used plasticized rubber washers for garden hoses I got at a hardware store; they were almost a perfect fit in diameter and about 3/16" thick , but a hair too snug around the new bulb. So I made a diagonal slice (using a razor blade) to one inner side of the washer to allow a degree of expansion; it worked, and the clip snapped snugly into place. The rubber composition of the washer even further isolated any vibration. It was a cheap fix, and it's been fine for about a decade.

I doubt it's the exhaust system, but here's an inside look at the stock cans . . . Yeah, there are numerous baffles and a convoluted gas path, but the press-fits and welds are excellent and robust. https://www.superblackbird.co.uk/blackbird/exhaust.htm

"Exterminate . . . exterminate . . . "

Oh, wow - now I've learned something that on first take I'd have thought was counter-intuitive (blockage, heat, etc.). I'll readily admit I have no experience with XX cats; but now I'm intrigued. Has anyone got a schematic breakdown or diagram for this type (XX) cat/silencer system? Something like the autopsy performed on an OEM can in the link below. . . https://www.superblackbird.co.uk/blackbird/exhaust.htm

I agree that oil leak merits some intense scrutiny . . . Those cans may indicate some degree of cat blockage, hence the heat related discoloration. Periodic use of leaded fuel (maybe older aviation gas?) can screw with the cats, gradually destroying them, all the while impeding flow and seriously increasing trapped heat.

All original? It appears so. If that's the case, there may be some collector interest since it's a '97 ('97 first years, '99 first FI w/ram air, and '03 last year in NA, tend to be the most collectible in NA). I passed this sale info on to some collectors. While the mileage is low (for an XX), if it's over 10K the (collector) interest diminishes appreciably. You should add contact info and consider multiple sale venues.

Maybe I'm mistaken, but I always thought locking fuel caps were more about preventing sabotage (i.e., sugar in the tank) than theft of fuel . . .

The little owner's manual originally came tucked into a recess on the bottom of the OEM seat. They are becoming somewhat rare these days. The Honda shop manuals were available for about $60 (US) through dealerships; but, now they've become a bit scarce as well. As anyone who collects such ephemera knows, condition matters.

There will come a point where your weight loss will seem to plateau, despite maintaining your diet/exercise regimen. Don't worry; that's normal. The clue will be that your strength and stamina continue to steadily enhance, notwithstanding minuscule fluctuations of a scale's needle or digital readout. Hang in there and stick to your routine. Now here's the psychological trick; stay away from the scale, ignore the temptation for routine visits, and only weigh yourself once a month. Record the results on a calendar. The weight loss will be more quantifiable once again, and you will have manifested a commendable level of self-discipline. After all, this entire self-improvement project, a beneficial lifestyle change in pursuit of the best possible health, is reliant on the most basic core value of self-discipline. Good luck!

However you elect to start on this journey, good for you! The real secret lies in perseverance to maintain what amounts to a lifestyle change. Savor the little victories that will come every time you make a decision that bolsters your commitment to the journey, this quest for improved health and longevity. One of the first challenges is getting past the third day of any diet--it's also one of those victories to be savored. A change in diet is half the solution; a change in activity (exercise) is the other--the yin and yang of a healthy lifestyle. Re: exercise, do something, anything, even something simple every day--it really works. In time it becomes second nature; the benefits accumulate like compound interest. Do it for yourself, and those you hold dear, for all will benefit. Best of luck!

Analog dash has a digital LCD time clock as well; but, the draw is minuscule.