Originally Posted by wrk101

Most Japanese bikes from the 1970s were lower end. There are exceptions of course. Myata made a full product line, including a lot of low end stuff. The earlier the bike, the more likely it is going to be low end. Stem shifters are a clue.

If you want a touring bike, you need to raise your budget and focus on the myriad of nice touring bikes, from Japan and elsewhere, most of which were made in the 1980s. Pretty easy to spot cantilever brakes, triple crankset, often bar end shifters, braze ons for racks and fenders, long cage RD, etc.

Lots of knowledgeable buyers in Charlotte. The fact it has been for sale for 11 days is a C L U E.

The specifications for most bikes changed dramatically throughout the 1980s, usually for the better.