Done!
I think after having completed these latest projects, I've taken the bike as far as I want to take it. Hopefully these modifications and improvements have helped make a better bike, as well as having resulted in something that's visually appealing.
The new cap will hopefully eliminate the gas leakage that has plagued these tanks, and I think it still retains its period appearance and looks like it belongs. As well, the redesigned chain guard will hopefully last this time around, and it's been adjusted so that it doesn't touch the back of the shock absorber. It's also partially rubber mounted at the rear point, so it should help to absorb the road bumps.
Glad I took a few people's advice on DTT and removed some of the decals (specifically the IOM TT decal on the front fender, the Ace Cafe decal on the tank, and the Castrol decal on the chain guard). I think it looks a lot cleaner without these decals, and I appreciate the recommendation! So the only decals that are left are the crossed flags on the side covers (embellished with the hand-painted ribbon and the '1966'), the Japanese/Union Jack flags on the tip of the front fender, and the Honda Collection Hall decal on the bottom of the front fender. The checkers on the tank and fenders are all hand-painted, and the only other adornments are the period UK dealer badge on the rear fender, and the reproduction UK tax disc on the left side of the bike.
I'm taking out for a shakedown ride today in the 100 degree heat before our road trip to Mid-Ohio on Thursday. The forecast calls for generally sunny skies, with a chance of thunderstorms on Friday. Saturday is the Cafe Racer Magazine Show, and I'll throw my hat in the ring to see how it does. They have categories for British, Japanese, and European/American, but nothing for British/Japanese!
I'll try to post a few shots from the road trip when we're back.....