Done and dusted

Well here it is at last, on the road and being used after years in pieces in a shed. After the initial euphoria has worn off, here are some riding impressions - it's old, slow and vibes a bit. What on earth was I expecting?! Still it's way cool and above all it's FUN.

Started by taking it easy because of the new piston and re-bored cylinder and changed the oil after a couple of hundred miles. Picked up the pace a bit after that and started getting pinking/pinging issues. Reckon the extra point of compression, free-flowing K&N and the Micron exhaust need a drop more juice so have gone up a couple of sizes on the main jet which has almost cured the problem. Will probably raise the needle a notch too, and see if it's better still.

The more I ride it the more I realise it's a tough old thing and thrives on revs, wheelies and being generally chucked about. Ace.

Fitted the tank at the weekend to see what it's going to look like. Still got the wiring to do, but I managed to work out the gap for the contact breaker and set the static timing.

Really looking good!

Nearly there! Have painted the tank and rear mudguard, painted the shocks, had the springs powdercoated and the spring collars re-chromed and rebuilt them. Control cables are nearly all fitted and the wiring is starting to come together. Have decided on the 1976 appearance (not 1977 which is the actual year of the bike) and applied the vinyl graphics - I know it's a nerdy point and the purists may disagree, but it's my bike and I like the '76 look. I'm not trying to pass it off as something it's not. Just need to spray the tank with clear, petrol-resistant laquer and finish the wiring. I can't wait!