Ron

Here is one of my saddles (WD/L freeing up the pivot bolt) I have at least four others just like it on other RE models. All with a flat 'D' plate.Ron

Just spoke to Terry and his daughter is back in the office so hopefully she'll find your email. If they don't get back to you, PM me with your email address and parts required. Ron

I'll give him a call later. He's a bit hopeless with emails. Ron

Well done that man! The broad 'D' shaped plate on the nose is definitely a Royal Enfield thing, but I've never seen one curled up!....... should be flat I'm sure! Ron

Gas I don't think any of your last comments apply. I'm sure to safeguard MVT members it's just a case of get a licence anyway as there is no fee involved. I expect the tour leaders would not want the embarrassment of answering questions if they had got it wrong. Especially regarding the different border rules that might apply after Brexit, which is likely before next June. As a private individual traveling to Normandy next year, I'm quite happy to ignore the whole thing, but if I was in charge of a large tour I might want to be doubly sure. I wonder why they saw fit to exempt France, Belgium and Germany and not also the Netherlands for instance?? The older than 50 historic vehicle doesn't come into play in other countries???

Yes I agree about the countries exempted and although I'm not going with the MVT tour, I have been speaking to the MVT organizer about it. It's the gobbledygook that's confusing. For instance, it states that all licences that haven't been used within 24 months are automatically deleted from their files, so if you think you have one already. ...You probably haven't? . It also states that the licence should be presented to a UK Border Force (If requested). How do they know you are not moving on to Belgium or Holland etc. once you leave these shore? It makes me think (Like the MVT)........Best get one anyway.

The side check springs are really nothing to do with the fork blades. In fact I think the first CO didn't have those springs. But the C forks are bolted together at the friction disc spindle (see pic) whereas the CO forks are brazed together. However, again I don't know off the top of my head when the change in fork blade design took place? I'll PM some M20 pictures and my phone number. Ron

I see more friction parts on the workmate👍 Ron

I'm back from my 14 hour road trip to collect Tim's Chief, and I also managed to pick up a WM20 project on the way home.......If anyone is looking for such a bike? You've made a good start there with the frame. The forks in the pictures look like CO, but you said you have some C forks? Ron

Did you notice how Jan just got in a little dig about my RAF CO😃😃😃 I'm just off at Sparrows fart with my mate Tim to buy him an Indian military Chief in west Wales. Should take all day😕 Ron

I'm fairly sure that Jan's report is not on line, but he'll probably respond soon and send it to you on request. Khaki would have been the service colour at the time of production and I can't see any point in depicting it as a rebuilt machine in Service Brown. In 1944 the new Service colour was British Olive Drab to comply with the incoming US vehicle colour. However I don't know how important it would have been to repaint a WD/C as by this time they would have been way down the line of any machines destined for front line or overseas commitment. Ron

I don't know, but since the bike in the factory picture doesn't have an oil filter, I guess it's prior to yours. There might be something in Jan's report, but I haven't had time to study it yet.... Or maybe he knows off the top of his head. I'll send him a nudge. Ron

PS. Mid war would probably have been Service Brown, which would have commenced from some point around 1942. Ron.

Yes I have a pitch at Netley. Plot B8 top of field facing the trees. Jan and all the usual guys will visit me. Ron

PS. Another point to consider, is that the pre pannier equipped bikes have the rear brake arm in the 'up' position and a vertical field stand. Ron

Quite a late one (oil filter on the engine and short center stand). The factory pictures show some later ones with pillion and panniers fitted, which are soooo handy! It would still have had a ribbed front guard with no number plate. Still a bit early for Service Brown I think, so I guess Khaki Green. Ron

Yes it is good to discuss these things. I've had my Jeep and my original 'Ford' manual for well over 30 years now. I guess there must surely be repro manuals out there, But for those who haven't got one, here are the relevant pages from mine. If you set the timing at TDC you would then have to ADVANCE it by turning the dizzy.👍 Ron

Err! The ignition timing should be set on No 1 cylinder with the flywheel mark IGN in the center of the hole and points just braking...... In the days of very poor 68 octane fuel you are advised to retard the ignition to the TC (Top Center) mark. Which doesn't apply these days. Ron

Yes Duke, I've realized from other posts that although the G3L plates are thinner than G3's, the thickness was made up with strips where needed. I have both bikes in my collection but the stripdowns were so long ago that I've forgotten such details. Ron

Got it👍 Ron

Yes Arnaud is with his young son at the campsite in Normandy where many of us stay during the D Day commemorations. PS I can't think what the blanking plug is that you refer to.....No doubt the penny will drop as soon as I 'submit reply' Ron

You can see in this factory picture, the aluminium wrap around ties on the front and rear frame tubes. Ron

I just Had a text from Arnaud, he's on holiday in Normandy this week. Ron

Richard the levers are about 4 3/4" long... Also a shot of my Airmaze filter with one of Arnaud's repro name plates on. My James ML has the almost identical 'Coopers' maze filter which originally had the makers details embossed into the end cap. I simply sanded the embossed lettering down and fitted one of Arnaud's name plates to make it 'Airmaze' 😈 Ron

Can a G3L mag platform be squeezed over the thicker G3 plates? I've never tried it but seem to remember that the mag platform is tight on the plates?? Ron