I did top up the battery amongst other things during a fortnight of fiddling so reckon you're spot n...shame I put the seat back on this afternoon!
How is this for typical? After working on carby, brakes, sump, head steady, dynamo chain (all with unexpected dramas), I fired her up and the headlight fell out and broke on the mudguard. To be honest, between the S/R and issues timing my Harley, this did not surprise me at all! I just calmly said.."bloody typical" and got another beer.
I must say though, i took her (S/R) for a spin this afternoon and was blown away by how quick she is. She has a lager carb (389) and I've just changed up to a 107 needle and 320 main but I can't believe this is the the sole cause. I'm hoping I've struck it lucky and whoever had it previously has fitted some goodies inside..I will hold on to this nice thought until the next thing breaks.
Thanks to all for your support and ideas.