So, lend me your ears and I'll tell you a story,

[Dons4]

02207 miles recorded, looks like the original Bridgestone tyres as delivered.
Turns out I’m the first!
As a retired Rolls Royce antique restoration engineer, completely understand the importance of original, to say that you must understand my love for these bikes happened a long long time ago in a far of distance blah blah.
But seriously folks, I have owned and worked on four new from factory bikes.
First thing get rid of those tires, then the ho hum of constant chain adjustments, oil changes and ride it like you stole it.
This bike had factory endless chain, but it was in very poor condition.
Apart from aftermarket front tun signals?
and an ign switch with electronic replacing points to which I heartily agree , the bike seems genuine.
I have decided to just clean everything and put it back together, oh yes, fuel tank, ( nasty rusty) I have obtained what I think is a nice one inside.
Word is , the bike was used to collect mail from the mailbox, it has crash bars a rack and bags from a century ago, “ my time”
I said all that to say all this, there are some flashings on spark plug holes in the cylinders, and looks like the clean up guy on the intake ports was on piecework used an Adz or something of that nature.
Should I clean it up or leave it alone?? Only original once.
Maybe someone bored enough to read this can advise, love to ride one again, but should I be riding this one????

My question to you,
Thanks
Donald

 

[Old_Crow]

I used to own a hot rod and restoration shop back before I "retired". My choice (probably made obvious by the thread I currently have running in this same forum) would be to bring her back to life as an original if she's not too far gone at this point. Not against some tasteful mods (modern tires, phone mount, nice hand grips). Not even against performance mods to the engine if you have to open it up anyway.

 

[Dons4]

I decided to just clean reassemble, fit correct front turn signals, new chain and sprockets, clean up intake runners, valve job and some new pistons,( original pistons have some scuffing on sides, probably from years of low revs, useable but why?) I shall keep any original parts removed.
Foot rests never scrapped, handgrips and gear lever rubbers show no sign of wear, looks like chain adjustments are factory set.
Just so few miles,
Thanks for your input,
Donald