As with all my bikes, it's not long before I undress it ad see what it's made of. I don''t want to be first looking at the outside mechanicals by the side of the road if that should ever happen. (it hasn't yet in over 45 years of riding)
With the tank off, my first job I notice will be to lengthen both the fuel lines by just 30mm, so as in future the replacing of the tank will be just a few minutes job.
I removed the filter which is the original OEM type and found it to be only mildly dirty so after a good wash in petrol I dried it thoroughly and gave the outside of it a light spray of sticky chain oil to help aid the cleaning of air.
This air box has the smaller snorkel so I thought I should experiment by removing it and fashioned an ' awning' over the top edge in thin sheet metal, to help prevent water from entering. I thought this mod may not be helpful in breathing at higher revs, but as it was out of the bike and in my hands, I thought 'well give it a go' it's easy to reverse if needed. Well it was needed, the bike was sick and didn't want to pull at all. So back to standard again.
When next I'm at the electrical shop I'll buy a can of special electrical spray and give all the multipin plugs a healthy spray as they don't look to be long term reliable. They all show the begining of corrosion and I don't need electrical problems. Speaking of the bike's electrics, the battery died on the second day I owned it and lucky for me it was in the garage at the time and I had a spare battery in hand that fitted. Luck
The only other two things I want to alter,are the screen which is rubbish, and the seat which places me too far forward, up against the tank. This makes the sitting position too cramped. I think I will buy a seat from the French company "top Sellerie" who make a wonderful line of seats to fit dozens of models from all manufactures. Oh I do like the standing position. I have some 25mm (1 inch) bar risers which should make it all just about perfect.
All for now.
Cheers
Southern Cross