Fettling a Suzuki TS 400

Sunday a week ago the Manawatu Classic Motorcycle Club had their September club meeting and run. It couldn't have been a more perfect day with lots of sunshine and a great turnout with nineteen bikes on the run. After the meeting and following a cup of tea and biscuit we all headed out behind our leader for the run Clive on his trusty Honda CB400. Following behind him was a wide variety of bikes ranging in age from the fifties through to more contemporary times. At the back we had John on his BMW 6/600 as the sweeper making sure no one got left behind. In between were a wide variety of machines from the east and the west. Out for its first run with the club was Graham with his latest 'hybrid' machines. Still not sure what to call it. Is it a Horton or is it a Narley? Also out for its first spin was Sir Al on his recently acquired Suzuki TS400B and a friend of Graham T on his Yamaha Virago.
Clive led us out through Hiwinui and through to Colyton and out around the back of Feilding. This then took us onto Makino road and around to Pryces Line for our first stop and natter in the lovely sunshine. We then headed carried on along Mingaroa Road to Ngaio. It was here that we thought Sir Al was wanting to stop and have a look at the lovely daffodil display at Mt Lees Reserve. Little did we realise that the only reserve he was concerned about was the reserve on his fuel tap! Solutions were sought and John was sent off to acquire a petrol. In the meantime Dave found a coffee cup on the side of the road and filled it with petrol from his Tiger and the bets were on as to how far the TS would go? Would it make it to Feilding? The timing for Johns arrival with the petrol was perfect with the TS gasping for fuel on outskirts to Feilding just as John came into view.
With a thirsty bike quickly replenished we made our way to Murrays Bar in town to replenish the now thirsty people. A good feed washed down with a few ales and accompanied by yarn or two was a fitting end to a great ride.

PS.  A float in the carb with a hole in it was found to be the cause of the excessive fuel consumption with Sir Als TS. He reckons it is now the 'poster bike' for fuel economy! We shall see!