OK Nate...I think you lit a fire under my arse. This morning after posting the last response, I put some oil in the tank, hooked up the IV unit, added some fuel, connected the battery and gave her the boot.
Started on about the fifth kick...not bad for a temperature of 8 degrees and the ignition timing just at the initial setting. Engine sounds 'right'...good strong exhaust note and a nice smooth idle...even better after I adjusted the carbs and got the timing light on it and dialed it in. Ran the gearbox through its paces and tested the charging system....all good! The sun was even out today, so I decided it was about time to get some colour on the side covers and tank...sporting a nice metallic shade of deep green. Click the link to see the crappy video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mLOdBChrLc&feature=youtu.be