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A quick update on this. The bike has slowly been progressing over the winter, and is just waiting the final few finishing touches. It is fully built, with all the parts detailed in earlier posts plus some new ones. I managed to locate a NOS set of Suntour Superbe Pro non aero levers and a NOS Suntour Sprint 9000 headset (fully sealed and JIS fitment). Both fit and suit the pre '87 build perfectly. Having found these parts also mean that I now have got the full '87 Suntour group I was hoping to get. The bike is now a Shimano free zone (ahem, brake pads).
I discovered Sapim BAT nipples for this wheel build too. These adapter nipples locate far better in the old Araya rims than the DT ones I used on the first pair of wheels.
I've also fitted a polished Pletscher twin centre stand, a pair of Nitto 80 cages, and some mildly etravogant Compass Rat Trap Pass amberwall tires. These are 2.3" so slightly narrower than the Supermotos, but look better, and give a bit more clearance. The GB mud guards took some fettling but are on and clear ok. I'd like to get a rear leather mud flap to match the front. GB only make one type, so i need to find some leather and make one. As I had to re-tape the bars to fit the new levers I've now fitted some Brooks black leather stuff. Not the easiest wrap, but happy enough eith the result. This now badly clashes with the Rolls saddle so am on the hunt for a nice condition retro black leather unit, a Turbo or similar.
The GB mud guards and Compass tires have totally altered the look of the bike, it looks like a classic tourer now as opposed to a monstercross frankenbike. I like it though. Pics to follow, hopefully when I have the saddle it badly needs.
I'm also pretty close to finishing the full original rebuild of my dad's '86 bike. I have one shifter left to disassemble and polish, then just cable it all up. Will hopefully be able to finish and photograph both together.

80k route over Salisbury plain yesterday on the straggler, just under half on gravel.

What model is this? Looks good. Is it holding up ok?

This looks good, and better proportioned than the Courier imo. Have you given up on that now?

How many builds have seen this groupset also? Pretty much any old frame will look good with this lot and those wheels.

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You've omitted the best part of this bike - its a Beast of the East!!

I had an identical one to this in 2005 but snapped it at the wishbone. I rode it as a trials bike saying that, this looks immaculate.

Good luck with sale. If I has spare cash I would buy it for posterity.

Looking for a good Suntour 1" JIS fit headset. Superbe would be nice. NOS or VVGC is a must.

Anyone?

Oh?

Very nice indeed

This is going to look ace. Subbed.

Not pictured, also picked up some 60mm Gilles Berthoud stainless long fenders to try and squeeze on. Should suit it nicely, provided if they fit over the Super Motos.

Also thinking of trying to make it an all Japanese, period correct Suntour based, Shimano free bike now. Headset shouldn't be too tricky to change, a Tange unit would suit and likely be better than an original Mori, but I'll need some other nice non-aero brake levers. Preferably Suntour, but I'll see what I can find. I've seen a couple of pairs of Superbe levers but they are all aero.

Irrespective, the entire build will now consist of 1987 or earlier parts (except tires), which I hadn't quite intended but is cool. I do have the original Panaracer Ibex tires from this to tick that box, but don't plan on using them. What are the chances that I'd be allowed to ride the Eroica on this?!

Original parts from the Courier that I've cleaned up. Chain and freewheel were amazing under the caked on muck given they are the 31 year old originals! I hadn't appreciated the BB was an MF branded one until I cleaned it up either. The tiny paw print is a nice touch. Quality and condition seem good so no obvious reason to swap it out. I think it is probably a rebranded Sakae unit anyway so new bearings should make it spin well. Cranks and cantis came up well too.

New, used parts (where NOS is just to difficult to source. How many decent XC 26.4mm seatposts are left?)

Also found some decent XC-IIs for semi 'sensible money' having said I was happy with the M730 XT ones.

Getting near to being ready to rebuild the master Courier (again). Amassed and cleaned up the following so far: just need to finish polishing rims, hubs and rebuild the wheels.

NOS derailleurs :-)

Not surprised the tires are so heavy. Once moving they will bludgeon their way down the tow path nicely.

Are you trying to fit an ISO crown race on a JIS fork? These Couriers are odd in having ISO head tubes and JIS forks, instead of being aligned. Tripped me up also when I was looking for a replacement for mine. I take it you have the other necessary tools? Drop me a pm of not.

I still doubt they'd clear the tire tbh. Was trying to find something campag to tie in better with the rest of the group. Can't find any silver campag cantis.

Looks ace.
Any possible way you'd have clearance for these?

Wheels look great. When does the build start?

Ps agree yours is an '87 also. The paw print pantograph is the giveaway.

Should be fine. I stretch all three of mine to fit my bike stand, that has a 130mm fixed axle to secure the frame.

Really like the rim choice for this, not familiar with these. What hubs are you building onto?

Also what cantis are you getting? These might actually be the hardest it of the build to match up with everything else you've spec'd. It's going to look ace.

I'm just round the corner from the Castle, it is almost my local. I do venture out to SP sometimes but usually road routes. Where are you based?

fuck it, photo I want to add wont attach.

Here are some current pics, with the new '87 frameset but before the full revamp I just talked about:

Totally missed this build having not been on here for ages, looks great. Full campag is an interesting choice, are you sure you have the space in the rear to fit 11S? My Couriers are all 126 OLN. Great to see another Courier build anyway, we'll have to meet up when its done.