I had the older XS2 and the starter lever was fitted to a decompressor which opened the right hand exhaust valve and that always worked well though after I bored it out I used to kick it as I operated the electric start just to give it a bit of help.
Making progress on the second build. I’ve just built a set of wheels using BSA/Triumph conical hubs, alloy rims, which will be fitted with TKC80 tyres. Bodywork fitted today, once it’s on its wheels the engine will be going in then all the small fiddly bits I enjoy doing will be next.
Btw,funnily enough I've been watching re-runs of the Bangers and Cash television series on the Yesterday channel and they have had a Metisse in front of the auction stand in lots of the episodes,same colour as your first one.Can't make out the engine though.
Took both Metisse’s to the Llandovery Bike Festival this weekend, chuffed this afternoon,the black one won an award, Best in Show (British) ,I know it’s not strictly speaking completely British ,but everything bar the engine is, so that was enough for the judges.