I finally found the broken part!

So those who have been following me recently would know that I have stripped my bike right down to the bearings - and that’s exactly what was damaged. In the following photos you will see what I mean, but for now let us bask in the moment knowing that someone on CarThrottle is actually working on engines and not just posting memes.

On the left we have a connecting rod in good condition. On the right we have the burnt-looking connecting rod that has a similar appearance to a burnt-titanium exhaust tip.
As you may have guessed, the dark connecting-rod is burnt and will need to be replaced (unless Eduardo reckons otherwise).

Those of you who are eagle-eyed might notice what appears to be a crack. Nope, it’s just a hair.

Here is the culprit - the conrod bearings. Side-by-side you can see that the ones on the left are worn out and are a lot thinner.

Another angle shows that there is copper-coloured metal inside. It is damaged and has been flattened out.

The crankshaft has minor scoring. This will buff out with some light sanding. Notice on the left where piston 4 connects and how it doesn’t have the vertical lines (see below also).

Just 1 more week of waiting before I get the replacement bearing, however I might have to send off the head to get shimmed because a piece of the previous head-gasket got stuck and I scratched the head trying to remove it.