Following Admin John's ride, change the oil and wash out the oil tank.. (just use something cheap first up, 20/50 or so). 1960 oil was probably detergent free and the new stuff will loosen plenty of crap.

Glad you and your family are Ok David. A close friend was able to save his rural home and sheds in the Samson flats fires here a few years back. Fire on 3 fronts. The fire was of course only the start, with rebuilding, insurance and the realisation that with a change of wind.. I think it was a life ...

I'd use it as an opportunity to get the whole lot fixed properly. Grind down the shoddy welds and redo if necessary and have the crack fixed at the same time.

Thanks David and Charles. Paul, I'm not sure.
I expect most will be around 65%, but understand that many factory bikes may be closer to 60%. Lower with a heavy piston.
My VH (before balancing) was terrible at 60mph, with high frequency vibration, but I wasn't clever enough to check what that % was.

Hi Wade, this is an Australian maker. https://vintagesteelfenders.com/mudguards .More expensive, but well made.
There is a list of Ariel patterns on the home page.

He does have sheds full. I don't think Eric is that keen on selling though.

Hi Wade, I'm with Nev. I can see that the quality is poor, and take your point - but you can rework steel.
At the end of the day, it's your bike and money.

I'm after 'hands on' information about balance factors for 500 singles.
If you have had your crank balanced to a particular % number, could you give a 'seat of the pants' estimation of where it starts to vibrate?
My VH is 67%, has a 24T primary, is smooth until about 90kph (55mph).

$50,000 AUD for a square four. Need to stop writing and start polishing.

There is a letter about this topic somewhere in the library or forum. I found it a couple of months ago and have now lost it..
It says that Hartley suggested 65% for rigid singles and 70 something percent for swinging arm.
If anyone finds it, please let me know.