restoration
".....I have a number of classic Triumphs and if I go to a show and see a classic with downpipes like mirrors then I assume its never ridden and only used as a large ornament. The sort of bike owned by someone who would polish the petrol if he could....." I find that idea a little starnge. having been brought up riding what are now termed 'classic bikes', They had a clean appearance when they left the showrooms; then after afew miles/days they had rust & corrosion appearing, oil stains, paint and chrome defects etc. I am not exagerating. It was not until years later when motorcycles had become 'exhibits' that I first saw a bike that had been 'fettled' to shine as the manufacturers had never imagined possible.
Of course I did not know anyone who had a car and a motorbike so most bikes, like mine, were in daily use and there was just about time for cleaning- but polishing, what an idea!
Of course that did not apply to Army bikes; They always looked the same - everything khaki green, even spilling over onto the tyres and handlebar grips;