had the big end bearings done, the ones taken out were showing signs of burning so looks like i just got away with it, had the crank worked on and new piston rings and new bearings for a total cost of £210 :)
sometimes it's a damn good idea to have a mate in a garage :)
had the exhaust raised up a bit and looks sweeeeet now, will post some pics up tomz if i can get a play with dad's new digital camera hehe