For it's age, it was a spectacular bike Nev. Actually, they both were. I haven't written much about the VH, but will.
We had to keep up a fairly good pace. With no lights, and required daily 'Fettling' and breakdown time, we were limited in the number of riding hours. We had to average 400km a day to get there. We originally planned around having the ute as a backup vehicle (where the spare chain was going to be Adrie!) and without this, we were really limited in what we could take. Adrie is right. Knowing what spares to take is a real problem.
I bought a thing called an Airhawk seat cover. Unless it was a serious bump, you would never know it was there. They completely take away the vibration, so no numb bum, which seriously extends riding time - and enjoyment. I was a doubter, so bought a cheap second hand one off gumtree, but am now a convert.
By the way Nev, there is a V twin Ariel (king dick motor) coming on your pre 1918 ride next April.