As can be seen here, the paintwork is almost complete although I do still have the wheels to complete, probably in yellow. I have used the Yamaha speed blocks but have moved them towards the bottom of the white background leaving more of the white showing at the top than at the bottom. This makes sure that the blocking is not symmetrical top to bottom. I hope that the blocks help tie the tank and seat unit together a little more. You will probably give me your opinion on that!

The barrels and heads are also now back on the bike after being painted with 2 pack black and lacquer. The paint should be OK on the barrels as the water cooling keeps most of the cylinders at a reasonable temperature. 2 pack is quite resistant to heat, as long as it doesn't get over 110/120 degrees. That should not happen for the vast majority of the surfaces, apart from where the exhausts mount, but that can be touched up as and when required.

This was the stage when Nigel Kimber became involved again. It was time for those gorgeous pipes that I mentioned earlier. So the bike went in the back of the van and off to Stoney Stanton I went. I left the bike with Nigel and was told that the pipes would be ready in two to three weeks. Couldn't wait!

These is the only only picture that I have of the bike with the expansion chambers on it at the moment.I will post more when we have a sunny day and I can take her outside to take some more

Pipes by Nigel Kimber at NK Racing

Just thought you might like this as a distraction!