Hi Bob
Hi Bob. I'm not sure this is the proper place to respond to your email, but here goes. I live near Montgomery, Texas, about 45 miles northwest of Houston. Sounds like your friend and I have a lot in common. I have a James ML (restored) and have wanted to get an Excelsior 125 but, as you know, they are very rare. When I was a kid, my best buddy had one that was chrome plated. I always thought that was the best looking small bike I ever saw.
I also have a 1947 Simplex which runs but is not restored...was best to keep it simple when my grandkids rode it. I have a spare Simplex engine as well.
I have enough Villiers 9D parts to build an engine with lots of parts left over including several crank assemblies, cylinder barrels, various gears, clutch parts, etc. A lot of these parts are rough and need re-work. Villers Services in the UK can rework almost any Villiers part.
I haven't been to Portland but know of it. My age is beginning to be a factor in traveling so it isn't something I'm likely to do.