The Eagle has landed!

[Orcade-Ian]

Well folks,
The Shiny Orange 550 F1 I bought from JamesH is now safely in my garage.  I am absolutely delighted with it - better than expected and a great basis for a very useable and presentable classic.  No doubt I will be asking for advice and help as the project hopefully progresses. Unbelievably, the original virtually untouched tool kit and bag are still in the seat compartment.  A couple of things I am looking for, firstly an original or copy owners handbook that goes in the other seat compartment.  Secondly, probably more difficult than trying to get an audience with the Pope - yes, an original (even one that's repairable) silencer!

Ian

[Sesman]

Congratulations, Ian.

[Nurse Julie]

Enjoy Ian.

[Oddjob]

Exhaust, only if you're extremely lucky or know someone who's got one stored in a loft somewhere. Rarer than rocking horse poo.

[K2-K6]

Sounds like you're going to be busy during winter Ian, certainly nice bikes those 550.

See what you mean about exhaust though, one here https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/255815793760 apparently, but at very significant cost 

[Orcade-Ian]

Exhaust is fine, just the silencer is aftermarket.  There is a full genuine system on fleabay for £2995 - eek!  Wouldn't dare to even ride the bike with that system on!

Ian

[Johnny4428]

Good news Ian. I’ll be up to view at some stage.

[Orcade-Ian]

Hi Johnny,
Kettle's on! 

Ian

[Laverdaroo]

NIce one Ian, enjoy

[Orcade-Ian]

Hi Roo,
Really chuffed to get the bike home - will make a very useable bike and I have all Winter to fettle it for Spring. Sincere thanks to James! 🍷 It's amazing how colours change from pics to reality.  I was convinced that the seat had been replaced or recovered in black but it's the correct dark brown - another result!  Plus the presence of a full tool kit - went to bed happy!

Ian

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Looking forwards to some new pictures - from what I remember it was a well tidy bike.

[Orcade-Ian]

Hi Ted,
Yes, a relatively unmolested example rapidly approaching 50 years old (came from Warminster PA in the US) I don't think James would have started with anything less!  I will post some pics but there's some Orkney weather about just now and I would like to have natural light - assuming we get some!

Ian

[Oddjob]

First a new exhaust system, now he wants natural light in Orkney, Jesus Ian you're asking for a bit much these days 

[Rozabikes Tim]

First a new exhaust system, now he wants natural light in Orkney, Jesus Ian you're asking for a bit much these days 

[Johnny4428]

Hi Johnny,
Kettle's on! 

Ian

👍👍👍