Now now.... :P

thanks for all the posts chaps.

in answer to the "rev counter" question, yes it does. that's exactly what it was doing, but only when it was on and off the cylinder. up and down by around 500rpm - (can't remember exactly without going out into the frost with my dressing gown on)

Could be as easy as battery terminals then, I'd first try removing terminals and cleaning them up with some sandpaper and refit...

ahh - come to think of it, i did have the battery off a few days beforehand and i also remember that it was a bit sluggish when i started it that evening.

thanks for that - i hope that's all it is! i'll repost and update in the next day or 2 when i've had the chance to clean 'em up

:D