Done the valve clearances. Snapped a bolt off in the engine (even using a torque wrench) and after checking the rest, I noticed several were stretched. Replaced the lot for $13 (just took one bolt in to Specialty Fasteners here in canberra, and asked for 24 of the same). Got it back together sweet last night, and she started fine. Haven't had a chance to take her for a test ride yet tho, to see if it improved the feeling of it bogging down around 13k - 15k rpm. But it starts first time, and far more easily than it did before, and it warms up a lot faster now... So I'm hoping that it's all good. Also have ordered some new sparkplug leads and boots from the UK - just part of a general tune up I'm trying to do. Couldn't find a place here in canberra that does them - although they seem fairly straight forward. Cost me $77 for all four leads and sparkplug boots (incl shipping costs). More than I would've liked to pay, but I'll live. The sparkplug leads are lengths 50cm, 45cm, and two 35cm. Each of those lengths are 3 to 4 cm longer than the ones currently on my bike, but I will trim them as necessary when they come in. The sparkplug boots are 100mm long (straight) with 5 kOhm suppression, and are the screw in type to fit the top of the NGK CR8E plugs (instead of the standard plug in that you get on most cars). There's no connection / fitting for the end of the leads that plug in to the coils - You can just cut the leads and plug them in. There's a metal spike inside the coil that you push the leads onto, and that creates the connection. Anyway, when I get the leads and install them, I'll let people know if I noticed any difference in performance. Leads and Coils do (apparently) deteriate over time, and should be replaced as part of a tune up. Hotter spark = more power... Although I don't know how much difference I'll see atm, as I haven't replaced the coils.
