This is a long story, not as gripping as the '30, but longer - Totalled by an insurance co. in California, I got the bits together and sweet-talked Spondon (of UK fame) into repairing and gussetting the frame to HRC specs. I also scored a small crate of HRC goodies from New Zealand (thank you Gary at GP Trading - http://www.gptrading.co.nz ) including swingarm and super-cool electrics.

The only point of interest thus far (other than moving garages twice with this half-assembled mess) was the first, last, and thus far only trial fire'ing of the engine. I checked and double-checked everything before turning the key, no mistakes allowed - it felt like NASA in the garage and almost was. Whirr/click goes the electrics, blink goes the display and PSSSST goes a stream of high-test fuel from an invisible crack in the pressure regulator... aimed smack dab at the kerosene heater five feet away! That was kind of close, but ultimately harmless.

For now I give you photos and commentary of the Spondon-work'ed frame (click 'frame' link on left). Unfortunately no pics of 'before' but suffice to say it was bad, and now is beyond beautiful. Note they only got the damaged frame, and had to use their own jigs for straightening and aligning... When I got it back I was a litle nervous about that. Ha! The engine, rear end, front birdcage, and rear subframe all slotted in with not a single complaint or misalignment. Spondon are the balls.