classic motorcycle forum

Just want to say thanks again for all advice on starting my bike. She is ticking over nicely. I would like some advice about a few other things. I have a gallon of GP50 and a gallon of XXL40, would either of these be suitable for an oil change? Should i use a different oil for summer/winter riding? What should i use in the gearbox? What is the correct battery to use as the present Jap one is too tall and i cant get the lid on the battery box to fit properly? What spark plug should i be using, it has an NGK B6HS at the moment. Finaly, the kickstart does not return to the upright position and when the bike is ticking over it gradually lowers itself. Is this just the return spring or something more serious?
Desperatly seeking advice....PHIL
 

This might sound like a daft question to those who know, but here i go.. I've just acquired a 1948 Norton ES2 500cc. I have absolutely no idea how to start it. The gentleman i bought it off had only had it 6 months and said he had only managed to start it once and ridden it around the block. It's not run now for over 5 months. I've never had an old single before and therefore never come across a manual advance/retard lever or a decompression lever. I don't want to attempt to start it if there's a possibility of doing any damage by moving levers this way and that. Can anyone help me please. Many Thanks..PHIL