So, I've been persuaded by you lovely people to plan a decent classic tour next year.

My one issue with my Ajay 18S is the silencing, or lack of. Unlike my lovely M33 the Ajay is raucous enough to give you a bad right ear after a long morning riding.

This is because of the pattern silencer and downpipe. I understand the original downpipe was capped at the end and 40 or so holes drilled in its sides where it was inside the silencer. A similar tube was inside the outlet of the silencer. My bike has a sort of tubular grill, like a small diameter mesh, tube within the silencer but the downpipe is just open.

I have room on the part of the downpipe inserted into the silencer to cap it and drill the necessary holes in the side. But, it is chromed and I wonder about the health effect of welding a chrome pipe. My cap would be on the inside of the pipe but the heat would obviously affect the chrome on the outside. Not a problem looks wise as it's inside the silencer but health wise I'm cautious.

My other idea is the usual: stuff some Lidl stainless pot scourers in the hollow inside the silencer.

Any welding advice much appreciated - or other silencing ideas too!!