If it's of any help Ian the cold start device, sort of auto choke thing, warms up as long as the ignition is live so if you leave the ignition on without starting promptly you get a weak mixture, was replaced with a new one a year or so ago as starting was a bugger, seemed to fix it. There is also a throttle position sensor on the carb but no one can tell me what it does, something to do with the spark timing I imagine.

I never had intermittent cutting out, only starting problems but not in the last year. Battery seemed to fix that problem. The plug is new.

My guilt level is rising daily.

Thanks for that info will see what happens next. DO not feel guilty.
Yours Ian Giggal.

ian the coil has to be earthed to the frame where it sits, just in case the tubing is stopping this

Well time for another update. Is it not brilliant when you find the problem. The fault so far as I can ascertain was .... the last bit of the ignition circuit that wires to the coil. I replaced said wires and... Presto all was as it should be. Just a question of replacing the plastic again. By now I should be able to do it in my sleep, but as I was tired I missed two bolts that hold the luggage bucket in place. So that is my allotted task for tomorrow.
I might then get a chance to give it some test.
Looking forward to riding again. My big burger is not taxed so all the more reason to get it (and me) back together.
Yours Ian Giggal.

Not sure that the coil needs to be unearthed. It was running quite nicely on one of my tests with the coil hanging down supported by the HT lead. Still all bolted in and all seems well.
Yours Ian Giggal.

I'm glad you know how to get the plastics on and off, when we meet you must show me, it always completely flumoxed me even using the Haynes.

Well done that man.

Well after three days testing I am now quite confident that the scooter will get me to Portugal. The problem that I have now is time. My doctor has given the all clear regarding a scare. So all o k on that front. I have to help my daughter with her campaign to become a town councillor so cannot setoff before the 8th May. Plenty of more time to test. Today I tried out my blow up cushion and that worked a treat. Hope to be in Portugal sometime in 2nd week of May.
Yours Ian Giggal.

Well done sir, if you can be here on the 15th there may be an ASB event. It's very sedate usually a good lunch and well picked roads.
http://algarveseniorbikers.com/index.html

No sign of Ian or any contact from him as of today, I hope he is ok

Has he set off then ?