Thank you so much for the kind words. Yes, I'm still learning and I've decided to disassemble in stages. I'll leave the sub-assemblies together and work on them over a shorter time span. This helps with remembering how it all goes back together!! So many parts and I'll be repairing and restoring almost every single one.

Thanks Chris!! My restoration will be more about functionality and cosmetics. I'm so happy I found your channel - I have some top-end work to do (piston/rings/valves, etc.), and I'll be using your expertise as guidance to get me through. Thanks!!

@@KensWorldRestorations I'll be more than happy to help!

Yeah, I figured as much but it’s good to hear from someone with experience on this bike. I’ll try having an insert pressed in first since I have thread taps. Looks like you’re well ahead of me on the resto!! Send me some pics via email if you get some time. What kind of blasting did you do on the engine parts? I’ve got a home made soda blaster for small jobs but I think I’ll be taking the frame and swing arm to a pro for vapour blasting.

@@KensWorldRestorations I used Soda and vapour blasting on many of the smaller engine covers and components, but for the actual top and bottom cases I stripped the paint off by hand with paint stripper, just so I knew there was no blasting crap I’d missed. The frame I cleaned by hand with an alloy cleaner, and it came up like new, they are clear anodised and I was worried about the finish being damaged by any sort of blasting, might pay to be a bit careful with that. The steel frame rails I sand blasted, primed and painted with 2 pack silver, powder coating is a bit thick, and it would have to be removed where they butt up against the frame so they wouldn’t loosen up over time. I’ll email some pics of where I’m at at the moment, but it’s mostly been parts collecting and small components so far😀.

@@uhtred7860 Thanks...never even thought about the anodizing...I was considering a 2K satin or flat clear after cleaning. I'll look into all my options and decide. Thanks.

@@KensWorldRestorations I don’t know if you have a product in Canada called Cerakote, but they do a very good clear coating that is very durable, I’ve used it on alloy fork lowers and it replicates the factory finish very well. I would give your frame a good clean, (if you haven’t already) you might be surprised how well it comes up. I have heard of guys painting them as well, but you can never get that factory finish.

@@uhtred7860 I won't be painting it - my goal is to make it as close to factory as I can with an emphasis on longevity. I have access to Cerakote products but I was pretty happy with my Virago and the clear I used on some of those aluminum parts. I'm not in a rush so I'll be considering a lot of options. As for the subframe and the other painted steel parts, I'll probably go back to painting them too, just with a better quality paint. My gas tank is next - I have two actually - the original one has holes in it and I found a 2 part fuel-resistant epoxy out of California and some very fine glass mat (almost feels like silk). I'll be working on that when I get home in a couple weeks. Good luck on your progress with the engine.

Yeah!!! When I get home, I'll be working with a local shop to get all the aluminum vapor blasted back to a fresh new state. I am really wanting to get at this one and get it finished so I can ride it!!!

@@KensWorldRestorations I don't blame ya! I'd love to pop some wheelies on a piece of history like this one!

@@yarekk Maybe I'll take this one down to SOCAL and stop in and see ya!!!