In the pictures below you will see that I have had the exhausts nickel plated and then set about them with a gas torch to give that GP welded look. I have added a bit of colour to other areas apart from just the welds to try and loose some of the brightness of the nickel. Over time the nickel will dull a little so that it is not so reflective, which is the finish that I would prefer.

The weld lines can clearly be seen on the expansion chambers. I think that this effect adds to the overall look of the pipes. I have seen many exhausts for two strokes that are chromed and they seem to look too clinical and clean.

Of course I like to keep my bikes clean, but it is not that sort of clean that I mean. I think some texture or disruption to flowing bright surfaces, especially when they are as visually effective as expansion chambers, gives the eye something different and interesting to look at.

There will be those of you who totally disagree with me. Well that is the nature of building your own bike, you can do it exactly how you want it. Anyway, if we all liked the same things wouldn't life be boring! We would all be chasing the same woman for one thing, she'd be worn out, emotionally, physically and mechanically!

Things have moved on a bit now. I have painted the wheels and put some yellow rim tape on to match the yellow of the seat unit and tank.

I have fitted a wavy rear disc and am currently trying to source some for the front, but they tend to be extremely expensive.

The radiator and some of the hoses are in place. I purchased some Samco hoses from Nigel Kimber to give that little bit of contrast, I used stainless fasteners to clamp the hoses.

I have also made the necessary changes to the wiring loom to accept the single front headlight and the Aprilia rear lights.

At this stage I am starting to connect the oil tank pipe to the autolube pump and the water expansion tank pipe to the radiator cap.

It is strange how these last little things take up so much time, making sure that everything is tight, trying not to forget anything and making sure you do things in the correct order, otherwise it means taking some stuff off to get back to what you have forgotten. All good fun though and it is great to see the bike taking on its final shape and colour.