Just for interest……….Boycey wrote: I have dated the bike from the engine number and the lucas parts which are all 1954, the V5 has it first registered in 1955 though and it would appear it was an AFS bike in it's early days although it is currently painted black.
It may not be the original engine even if the V5 bears the current engine number. The i.d. of the bike (year, marque) is only and always determined (for ever) by the frame number, regardless of changes to any other parts.
If it still has its original or AFS reg'n number there's a website with much detail about the history of AFS bikes and another with lists of their reg'n numbers although I can't find the links at the mo. (EDIT) Ah, I see Dave's post has crossed with mine where he has given one of the sources.
There are original factory records available for civvy bikes and perhaps AFS bikes which can be obtained by using the club's Dating Service. See here:
http://www.jampot.com/Dating.asp
Nice project!