My TS250C finally runs

Spurred on by Speedy and his wonderful TS185ER restoration I had a go at getting my old nail of a TS250C running today. Last time I saw it do this was in 2002. I chucked a fiver's worth of fuel in the tank and gave the kickstart a prod and it did nothing, gave it another and it fired up - just two kicks to start it after 8 years, I'm impressed. It smokes like an early morning picket line, but runs and rides ok and settles to a steady tickover. Next job is get a new battery, make sure everything works and then take it for an MOT.

A video entitled TS250C running is here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/78131584@N00/4941404325/

and here are some photos:

[Speedy]

FANTASTIC!!!!!!

See what you mean, it's VERY clean and original!!

Well done mate, Glad I spurred you on a bit!!

Thanks. Not bad for a freebie, is it?

[Speedy]

Sounds sweet too!!

There's a slight noise coming from the small end bearing but they all did that after a couple of thousand miles anyway, so not at all concerned about it. My main concern is the oil pump, it looks like it's running flat out judging by the amount of smoke when it's fully warmed up. I think one of the small jobs needing doing is adjusting that to a reasonable level.

I'm selling the number plate if anyone knows a family called Yeo who'd like a tidy plate for their car - £450

[Speedy]

I'd keep the plate......6V.........6V electrics!?

You got it for free????? You Lucky, lucky......

Yeah I suppose I am. Mate of mine has a Royal Enfield cafe racer that he needed to rehome because he needed the space to build a woodworking shop. I took it in and have garaged it for 18 months so far, and the TS was payment. I didn't ask for it, he offered and refused to hear otherwise. I think he just wanted the TS out of the way as well. I have two single garages so finding a home for the Enfield wasn't a problem at all, but it may be here for a few years knowing him.

I'm not sentimental about the plate, I don't care what the number is tbh. I have a personal plate for my next car, but only because it spells Lozzo when spaced right (or wrong, depending if you're a copper or not)

That looks in cracking condition, well worth it even if you had to pay a decent sum for it never mind freebie.

It's not quite as good as it appears, it has aged but not terribly badly. The photos do it some favours, cos when you get close you can see where it's started to look a bit scruffy in places.

What did surprise me is the absolute lack of corrosion on the wheel rims, they are like new. Also, and I can just about remember this being right for the model, the spokes are black not zinc plated, so that makes restoring the wheels a damn sight easier if I ever need to.

If I ever did decide to restore it properly, I reckon I could make it look like new for about 350 quid maximum.