I took my 76 off the road yesterday so i have to walk everywhere i want to go, or take the wife's cage, i just got sick of the oil being dumped on my left boot, she runs like a pig under 2000-2500 rpm, feels like she is running out of fuel. the front left fork blew its seal long ago probably from stone chips on the fork tube, she bottoms out often and at rest without me on her the forks are half way down.
On tearing her down i found all the spark plugs loose, not even seated, this is what happens when you are called away to have lunch or some other chore that is more important than what you are doing.
I have what appears to be a perfect pair of used fork tubes that i kept for such an occasion, i will be fitting them, also i will be extending the spacer in the tube to crush the spring another 15mm, which is as far as i can go, the next move is to put new stronger aftermarket springs in her but without an income it will have to wait until i am back at work, which reminds me; the neuro-surgeon wants to go back into my brain case for the third time to get more biopsies of the "Brown Rubbery Mass", this will delay my return to work further so i am compelled to just do what i can with what i have at hand.
It seems that the front crankshaft seal is the culprit for my oily boot, just have to think hard on how to get the old one out without gouging the engine case or scratching the crankshaft as this would start another leak immediately.
I have pulled the carbs out and will go through them with a fine tooth comb, there must be a blockage somewhere or the float level too low or something else i missed last time they were out.
My 88 is just sitting there in bits awaiting parts to turn up in the mail, its been over two months since i paid for them on e-bay.
Happy and safe riding to everyone, Peter
i would never have thought of that until after messing things up 
