I worked for a while in a Harley dealership, bike of choice for the gangs. There were so many bags of $20 bills going through there, that the boss was on Police intelligence files as a gang associate.
You win👍.
We can't pay in large sums of cash either. It has to be reported to Police if it's over a certain amount. Too much money laundering and drug money around.
I'd treat the rust and paint it. I very much doubt a coating or two of paint will cause an imbalance in rotational forces on such a small radius. If it did, just strip the paint off.
Funny you should mention that. Back in the days before helmet mounted bike intercoms we had to use handheld mics at way more than 110 kmh steering one handed when on a job or in a chase.
Our highways are nothing like your highways, probably more like your country back roads. Not the best for fuel economy.
I am a bit ashamed to be honest.