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But... I've run into a niggling little problem that may become quite a set back. I was going to give it a post rebuild wash so I decided to put the spark plugs in just a couple of turns to stop any water getting in. I forgot that the thread had always been a bit dodgy on the left side. As I started to wind it in I went to put the socket on but it wouldn't fit past the timing cover, it was always snug but I'm sure it used to go on. Anyway, by no I'd remembered it was dodgy so I took it out and tried again. No luck. I've had few go's and carefully picked out a few thread shards. I've been very careful not to drop any shards down the hole but it's real mess and I'm not sure how to proceed. I'm looking for advice!

And one more photo. I'm battling a bit since Tapatalk has crapped out...

Looks like a 12mm back tap tool is now on my shopping list!

Upholstery looks much better in black.
Coming on great.
like the tire hugger, you don't see them much on projects but it wil help to keep your bike clean and protected.

Eric

I'm all done in my garage. I need to get a WOF and Rego before I can break it in, she's booked in for Tuesday so that's when I'll start her up for the first time since the piston replacement. Here's a few photos from this avo.

Very nice bike. Definitely one of a kind. I particulary liked how you did the side covers.
Love the paint
Well done !

That turned out fantastically tasteful!

Today was first start and break in day. It takes a while for a first start eh? I flattened my battery but hooked up my jumper cables from my truck, that got her cranking over! So she started and ran pretty nicely. I got it to idle nicely after warm up and took her for a blast on the motorway alternating between hard acceleration & deceleration.
so that was the good. The not so good... my carbs leaked like a bastard and the gas messed up my so called engine enamel - pretty disappointing. I'll touch it up though. So the carbs were leaking in 2 places, first I had stripped out a thread on one of the float bowl screws, I thought maybe it would be ok but it wasn't, so I got a longer screw and nut, that fixed that. But it didn't stop the leak... the 'T' between the 2 carbs was also leaking badly, I ordered a new 'T' and O rings. I split the carbs tonight and pulled out the 'T' the O rings are definitely worn, I'll stop by the LBS tomorrow to see if he has some so I don't have to wait 2 weeks. Then I'll be able to get my WOF & Rego sorted and get on with the break in!

Nice job.
She looks great!

Looks neat well done. Unlike some others I have to admit the raw brown seat gives it character.

I got a couple of O-rings from the guys at the LBS and some fuel hose and some tie wire. O-rings did the trick, got a new fuel line in and all wired on the filter etc. So leaky carb problem solved. Got the WOF & rego done so I could really get on with the break in. Then, yesterday I noticed that pesky oil leak was back. I new the head bolt in the top had a partially stripped out thread & I couldn't get it torqued down enough to stop the leak. I went & saw my mate Steve who gave me a tapping tool. I'd already measured the hole & figured out it was 60mm deep but the bolt was only 45mm. So I tapped it down the last 10mm or so and cut a piece of 6mm 316 stainless steel threaded rod to 70mm and threaded it in. Then applied a bit of gasket goo for good measure then added the copper washer & another flat washer then a nut & another lock nut. I managed to get it torqued down pretty tight and hey presto it worked! No more oil stain on my shoes! Then I took her for a half hour break in blast this evening. It is running better than ever, starts easy, needs choke only for a few seconds then settles into a nice steady idle while it warms up. I'm still not 100% sure that the smokeyness is gone but I think it's getting better as it wears in - I sure hope so!
Here's a couple of money shots for y'all

Phew, my thread came back. Thanks Admin...