When I bought my first RS, I spent half a day with the seller being shown how to strip it and put it back together. That time was invaluable. I would recommend taking the barrels off to see how it’s running and have a quick check around. The first place to show problems will generally be across the oil holes where they sit on the exhaust bridge. Also run your fingers around the edges of the ports checking for chips in the chrome, as stone damage is a possibility. I’ve had it a few times. Don’t worry too much if you see small pock marks in the chrome. It can happen after a re-plate. I’ve never lost chrome on them and besides, they hold oil, so that’s good!

You can’t just pick up parts if the bike is running a specific fuel. The heads will have been volumed for pump, race or avgas. It would be worth knowing what you have. If you’re lucky, they may be marked. You also really need a power valve checker to set up the exhaust valves, and has been mentioned, a manual is a must.

A 99 bike will have power jet carbs. They move the power further up the rev range, so you’ll have to rev it a little harder a to see full power. Personally, I don’t think you’ll go far wrong revving to 12000-12500 and you’ll only be losing 5hp anyway. You can make that up easily by braking less and carrying more corner speed

The best advice I can give you is to strip the bike every time you use it. You can have the barrels off, pistons out and all back together in a couple of hours. You’d be stupid not to put the time in.

Finally, the swing arm. As you know, it’s a Spondon item. You’ll get no help from them. Everything is hand made and was apparently made to the spec of the original buyer, so if you need anything for it, be prepared to have it made. You really could do with a few sprockets with the bike, otherwise that could be something else you have to have made. There’s nothing on there which is standard NX5.

Keep us posted

Regards

Mark
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If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.