At the motorcycle MoT station, BoB Clarke was waiting to check the bike over - and to my relief Little Willie started first time! After checking the wheels - feeling for play in the bearings and spokes - my D7 went on the rolling road to test the brakes. After all that rain? Would they work? In a word - yes, passed! Bob checked the lights, horn, wheel alignment, shockers,swinging arm, etc etc, then all fasteners for tightness.
We chatted for quite a while about his BSA collection - mainly trials bikes he's built - but I did notice a nice little Triumph he'd built as well. It was good to be able to have a 'mardle' with a like-minded enthusiast and also have Little Willie checked over by someone who knows what to look out for.
"Will anything need doing for next year?" I asked him.
"No," he replied, " you've got a pretty sound Bantam there!" Music to my ears!
And so, dear friends, my love affair with Wilhelmina (Little Willie), which first started 21 years ago, looks good for a few more years I hope! (Another 21 would be good!)
"I heard that!" said Little Willie. "Dun't yew think yew'll be too old in the tooth by then?"
"Old bikers never die!" I replied. "They just bugger orf!"
As usual, Little Willie had the last retort: "I dun't want my footpegs bent - so dew yew tearke care, tergether!"