History of parts availiabilty 88/99

Very interesting, Robert and what a waste! Makes no sense but at least we have the Club to make good the shortfall?

Slightly off topic, but in the 1970s I had a friend who worked at Lucas in Cuckoo Lane, Birmingham. They depot was closing down and they were instructed to put all "obsolete" spares in a skip - and threatened with the sack if the took any home. Obsolete stuff included all the things which are now unobtainable including magneto parts, PRS8 switches etc etc......

Of course my friend had deep pockets so a number of us were able to refurbish our aged machines.

The "Old clunkers" were only unreliable due to lack of service. The general attitude, in the 50?s, and 60?s, was to ride a bike until it was clapped out, then swap it. My ?54 Dominator is still running on the original crank, and con rods, plus most of the original parts. Unreliable? The engine was stripped, when I bought it in early ?98, it did not even need new bearings (although these were replaced anyway).