Not sure where to start here lads. Been sent this photo of a buried bike, which hasn’t moved for at least 20yrs and likely won’t move for many years yet I’d say. So I’m playing the long game. But I’d still like to start the research as much as I can. Any guidance would be much appreciated.

Also I might be able to get hold of the registration number but definitely won’t be able to get the VIN

thank you all

 

Vin is under the carb - c was built in Canada - same bike as an a - it looks complete as i can see - the bring almost 25 thousand in the states but it would need to look showroom for that -

tires - battery — clean fuel tank and oil tank - sonic clean carb - we would convert it to electronic trigger ignition as its available and they work well - drain all the oil and fresh plugs - see what happens

Fuel on - choke on full - 1/4 throttle - retard the distributor only from full advance thickness of your pinkie - give it 2 kicks

choke up and down one click only - throttle same place as well as the distributor - turn the key on - give it a good strong kick - with the electronic ignition trigger it should fire up - if not give it 3 more kicks - then let it sit 5 min and start over

 

No VIN as in frame number on these. They used the engine number in those days. As JZ said above, its on crankcase left side below the carb.

Looks like a good find. Few non standard bits for a military model, eg rubber footboard inserts and clutch pedal pads, chrome cats eye surrounds on the dash and chrome fork spring top nuts etc but that;s no big deal.

True original military trim is pretty rare. Most were "civilianized" over the years to make them look like a WL. That was the fashion back then. I did one myself. Was in original military paint unmolested when I got it in 1972. Got busy and welded skirts on the fenders and painted it bright blue, lifted the headlight up and put a beehive taillight on the rear fender etc. It was a great old bike, and still is. I get all kinds of today's 'experts" telling me it is a WL not a WLA though.

The one civilian mod that is worth doing on a military model though is to machine 7/64" off the cylinder heads to bump the compression up from 5:1 to 6:1. Makes them go quite a bit better, which they need.

Keep us posted on how you go with this old girl. Looks like a good one.

 

Good morning fellas

thank you so much for the replies and the heads up for what to look out for and areas to possibly adjust.

When the day comes that I’m able to get my hands on it I will be sure to update this thread and let you know what the score is.

🤜🏻🤛🏻

 

Good luck trying to pry that one loose

 

I would guess she was restored then left to sit for unknown reasons. Speedometer is aftermarket, probably lots of other bits as well.

Picture of the VIN will tell us more, good luck.