TBH Adz, I would have preferred to have left mine with patina, but it hadn't been running for at least 12 years when I bought it and it turned out the motor needed to have some serious attention. Whilst it was all stripped down, I decided to tart it up. Looks nice and shiny, and is used quite a bit, but I do like machines that look like they've seen a bit of action.
I have a 23 year old Kawasaki W650 in well ridden, 'used' condition, and that's the way it'll stay.
Welcome, by the way, you'll find the guys on this Forum to be the 'salt(y) of the Earth'. They're all barmy mind, but that's why this is probably the best old bike forum around. Watch out for Berger though, he puts us all to shame.
![beer *beer*](https://www.a7a10.net/forum/Smileys/default/beerchug.gif)