Thanks to everyone for the advice - consensus seems that for UK bikes at least, the best option is to leave it unpainted. That's how it's been for the last 50 years, so that's how it stays.

Here's a silly one - should the words "Square Four" embossed on the timing cover of my MkII be left bare (i.e.aluminium coloured) or painted in the burgundy of the rest of the bike?

Thanks to all who responded - I have now overhauled the seeping tap/joint using Hylotite, a 'snugger' fibre washer and some thread sealant tape - it now seems to petrol-tight, but won't really know until I'm allowed out on it again. Hope that happens by 6th February, as I will have owned the bike 50...

Thanks for the advice! It was a very low-speed tumble exiting a roundabout - caused by the sump-plug loosening, falling out and dumping all the oil right onto the rear wheel...... How I managed to leave it loose I'll never know. So I think it most likely that if anything the stanchions have twisted ...

Is there a simple way to check handlebar/forks/front wheel alignment? I had a spill a while ago and it may have twisted the forks slightly. My schoolday geometry is struggling to suggest a way to check it....

PS - could I use Wellseal? - I have some of that already

Thanks for the extra advice and ideas - I think the seepage is from the pipe joint below the tap, as it only seems to seep when the fuel is turned on - but I'll check again. Will try either Hermetite or Loctite if the seepage is shown to be the tap/pipe joint. If it's the tap body/tank joint causing...

Thanks for the advice- I'll check the locknut situation (though the attached petrol piping/nut assembly is also Drags so should be right) and will also seek out some good old red Hermetite - by whatever name!

MkII Sq4 - I have fitted "BAP" type petrol taps from Drags, but am finding petrol seems to be seeping out through the threads of the nuts that hold the petrol pipe to the tap and/or the tap itself to the adapter in the tank. I have tried using the very thin "PTFE Thread Seal Tape"...

MkII Sq4 - I have fitted "BAP" type petrol taps from Drags, but am finding petrol seems to be seeping out through the threads of the nuts that hold the petrol pipe to the tap and/or the tap itself to the adapter in the tank. I have tried using the very thin "PTFE Thread Seal Tape"...