Can't afford a 'real' FS1E, and wouldn't really fancy paying £8,000 for one that's probably 25% replica bits anyhow, so as nice as this was...
..I decided to turn it into a replica, or something reasonably close. It wasn't done to upset the rivet counters, and wasn't done to please anyone, except me. It's also still clearly not an FS1E so not lost any sleep over it.
Anyhow, new replica 'E' indicators, seat, rear light, number plate bracket and 'E' style handlebars were sourced, then got a new headlight bowl and brackets. Popsicle purple paint was purchased and a mate of a mate made a brilliant job of spraying it. 'E' stripes decals were fitted then lacquered over, then the head light bowl and brackets were done and fitted, the former ended up a bit of a nightmare as I stupidly didn't label the wiring up before removing the head light, a mate came to the rescue and sorted that for me! The last (or latest, I suppose) thing was the Allspeed pipe. wanted a Micron, but very hard to find and big money, but Gibson/Stinkwheel still make the Allspeed, so ordered one and after the lead time of a few weeks (making plus going to chromer's) it's now on and sounds great. Obviously, being an old 2T bike it's a labour of love and things go wrong, so it's having a rough running (suspect dirty fuel or blocked main jet) and a clutch creeping problem being attended to by a local bike shop.
Obviously, there's still things to do: shocks bug me, so will (hopefully) find new replica ones, the tank and panels I'd love to replace with 'E' ones, but stuff paying probably £500 upwards then painting costs. Really wants rear light stays and some other little bits, too. Probably a bit of a 'Marmite' job, but I'm genuinely absolutely made up with how it's come out. All original parts retained, so could go back to standard at any point. Not that I intend to.
Once finished, the AP50 should really be next, though the Honda SS50 and Kawasaki AR50 are crying out to be done.
