Well, I'll start with a bit of motivation.

Now, a few lessons learned. I would highly recommend having a notebook near by at all times. If you take a part off, note it. If you are using a digital camera, mark down the picture number and what it is of, and what that picture tells. I would also recommend a lot, like 100, little plastic lunch bags that you can write down what part or group of parts is in there. And do this religiously. Some nuts and bolts, rubber grommets, or other things look the same. Trust me, it'll help. My digital camera was great for keeping track of the work, and referring to how various parts went together, I'm glad I got one, and would recommend it.

Another big thing... You really can do this. I HATE brakes. One of my boxes had written on it "F'ing Brakes" because that's what I thought of 'em. I finally told myself I could get them straightened out, and I did, and learned a lot in the process. You can fix things that you might otherwise send out. Get on one or two of the big mailing lists, and use them. There is great advice there, and some real bike experts. I did things to my bike that I swore I wouldn't. I disassembled and re-assembled my instruments, fixed those pesky brakes, re-did the wiring, and a few other things I was a bit chicken of at first. Ask for some help, and even if you don't get it, unless someone tells you it ain't worth it, you can probably do it.

Here is the freshly powdercoated frame sitting at home. I started hanging a few things off it, and getting it ready for the engine. Next step was to get the engine installed, carbs hooked up, front and rear suspension hung, then off the table and onto two wheels. I was surprised at how little effort it took to get everything together from here, as long as I knew where it all went.

Here is the bike with most of everything hanging off of it. Engine is in, electrics are there, carbs, wheels and suspension, etc... It's just a step by step process to get it here, and to finish it. Keep a careful "to do" list as you are working. Make sure you go back and tighten all of those important bolts and put those three, or was it four cotter pins in the brake system. Then go back and double check everything.

Here is the exhaust system going on. It's tempting to put it on early, wait until everything else is done. It takes a bit of fiddling and the occaisional motivation from a rubber mallet, but it will fit up. I am still nervous about how close the mufler sits from the rear axle bolt. 1/4" is a little close for my liking. Also, the clamps can be real tough getting them on. They do go on, but the tab edges on the exhaust manifold may have to be tapped back a couple of thousandths with a punch. This will help the tabs on the clamp go around the edges of the collector. Also make sure you put the little rubber deal on the back edge of the muffler for the mainstand to rest against.