T. E. Lawrence Correspondence – Page 103

To G. Brough 13 Birmingham St. Southampton. 16. VII. 34 Dear G.B. I am sorry for being so slow - but now I can say that all this week is booked, with a boat to finish and a journey to London for a conference. The earliest I can hope to reach you is next week, on Wednesday or Thursday or Friday, about the 25th. Isn't it? Let me know if there is any hitch in this, please. I hope the new effort is a real success. G. VII still goes magnificently, despite small points that call for attention.... and as I have always said, G. VIII will be - a very good bike indeed to surpass him! Yours ever T E Shaw G. VII stands now at 25,000. Needs - new head race, new leads, new control wires, rev-line back brake, new . speedometer drive, new windscreen, and there is a gas leak from the union nut, between exhaust-pipe and exhaust-port of rear cylinder. I imagine the pipe-flange has burnt or cracked away. Engine needs decarbonising, and runs now by preference on Ethyl. Somebody will have to adjust that primary chain soon! Changes of rear plug stand at 86 to date. I carry five spares, and never have to clean them more than once a week. .