Mmm, any good?

[Johnny4428]

Thanks very much Ian. I did wonder about exhausts. Much appreciated.

[Oddjob]

Wasn't someone producing 350 exhausts and the first run was really badly welded on the seams? I remember seeing pics of the welding. For some reason I'm thinking Roy Hall.

[Orcade-Ian]

I think you are right Ken,
It was poor welding and fit.  Roy certainly has or had a 350.  That one is a bit dear really as by the time you have shovelled money down its throat trying to make a minter, you would be well past its value.  Still could make a reasonable, useable and quite rare classic just tidied up though and still think the 350 is a nicer bike than my 400 - especially as I get older, which I would like to carry on doing!

Ian

[Bryanj]

Biggest difference is 350 only has 5 gears whilst 400 has 6 and you have to keep stirring the 400 to keep up momentum so not sure about 350

[Orcade-Ian]

Exactly Bryan,
The 5 speed box is better for me - I think the 6 speed was little more than a marketing gimmick at the time, to go with the slightly more rear mounted footrests and low bars.  The higher bars are very comfortable.  In top gear the speedo and rev counter are 'interchangeable' - 5000 rpm is 50mph.

I would part with my 400 before the 350,
Ian

[Orcade-Ian]

Correction to my earlier comment - the side stand position is correct. It appeared too far forward from my memories but I have been out on the 550F1 a lot recently which IS much further back.
Ian

[TrickyMicky]

Oops, typo!!!  Should have read "that could be heard all the way across the Pentland Firth".   Ancient fingers being operated by a scrambled brain.. Mike.

That makes more sense.😜
Impressed with your knowledge on the Pentland Firth though when you are so far away.

For my sins, until I retired 11 years ago I used to be a tour coach driver. Visited Orkney a couple of times, marvellous. Would have loved to have been on a bike!!

[Orcade-Ian]

Yes, the Italian Chapel is stunning and difficult to imagine the level of skill and dedication they put into it.
I hope you weren't 'sued' to be a coach driver  (caught that before you edited it!)

Anyway, there's nothing stopping you from coming here on a bike - would be great for us to turn the tables and give you a guided tour of toy cupboards instead of 'stones and bones'

Ian

[Johnny4428]

Ah, the plot thickens Micky! Quite a nice road to go across the Churchill barriers to Burwick which is as far south as you can go. Just about as far as you could go without getting wet Ian!