If you strip it then you will be faced with filler and the welds. It's one reason to leave it as it is. Second reason is that you'll devalue it quite a lot. Don't know if that is important to you. I can think of other reasons to leave it as it is but then it's your bike after all.
I shall make the effort then. I'll be in touch about travel arrangments Steve. Might jump on at Long Buckby.