Lots of progress has been made:

Handed bike over for 16k service, valve clearances were all within tolerance (although some quite close). Also fitted were a new cam chain tensioner (much quieter on the overrun now), new plugs (number 3 coil cap was around 10mm higher than the others, the plug looked awful) and new chain and sprockets. Coolant was flushed and renewd too, oil change is not due for another 6 months. Bike now runs very quietly and very smoothly, most satisfying.

The paint shop completed their work:



so I set to and stripped the bike, fitting the tank first to make sure that it re-started:




Here's the bike out in the world:





Things to note:
- genuine Honda touring screen sourced and fitted - much better for my particular body size, smoother and quieter wind flow
- front mudguard extension colour coded and fitted

 

That paint looks real good! Would love to see a few pics with the sun hitting it!

 

I need a little help please:

I bought an Akrapovic can with the necessary extras and immediately removed the massive sticker:



I then sanded the silencer and link pipe before hitting them with the coarse wheel and soap:



Not absolutely perfect but pretty good. Seeing as they are no longer available it will have to do. When it came to fitting I realised that there is no centre stand stop. I leave the bike on the centre stand while at home so I don't want to lose it. My question is: was there an Akrapovic link pipe that featured a stand stop? If not, is there a clamp on extra? If not then I'll have to be making something.....

 

I have no input re: the center stand but will say that is a nice polish job! The positive side of not having the stand is that you save some weight!

 

I've thought about this - would anyone, especially UK based, have a Honda F4 or F4i exhaust they would sell? Condition doesn't matter, I'm after cutting the centre stand stay off and welding it to my link pipe.....