It was indeed a big "if." This entire last stretch of the project has been so frustrating and exhausting and discouraging. For every one step forward, I need to take three or four leaps back, then sprain my ankle on the way back forward.
Got the gaskets on, not too much of a hassle. Installed the exhaust. Realized I had measured the location for the O2 gauge without a center stand on.
If the bung clears, it'll be extremely close to the center stand when it's deployed. Then I realized I didn't install my oil filter. Went to install it and my Yoshimura-style exhaust has to be removed to mount the filter housing. Frustrating end to an already long day at work then in the garage. Was too tired to continue working so I left the chain for Saturday morning before my dad came out to help me with the wiring.
Despite being super tired and exhausted, I couldn't fall asleep til after 4am.
Woke up at around 1030 and didn't get out to the garage til about 11 and my dad was already out there. He had the harness all sprawled out and was marking each end of the wire so we knew what was what.
I got started mounting mounting the chain. Turns out the swingarm brace had been mounted too far left and the chain was riding against it. That shouldn't have been an issue because it was supposed to be exactly the same as the one my friend had built, and his fit perfectly. So off the chain came.
After fighting to get the harness in the right position in the headlight bucket, we discovered that we should've put the harness on the bike first, then into the bucket. Had to remove the top tree to get it in position.
It then dawned on me that I never bought aftermarket turn signals, tail light, handlebar controls, and we didn't fabricate a battery tray. So now we're stuck trying to mount stock turn signals without fork ears, rear turn signals and a tail light with no rear loop, and a battery that doesn't fit with the swingarm brace. Which he was checking the rear lightning wires for continuity, I think we discovered that the engine has some serious grounding issues. I have to confirm with him but if it is, it's likely the powdercoating. I know I ground down to bare metal at all the engine mounts (where the long bolts go all the way through), but not the triangle mounting brackets at the front and the black bracket where the clutch cable mounts. I don't know much about grounding but should I do any more grinding? What about a grounding strap?
I took a break from the wiring to focus on the front brake. A long time ago I bought shiny new stainless brake lines from Slingshot Cycle. I'm finally mounting them. I fought with the loose caliper to remove the bottom hard line. I fought with the loose brake junction to remove the brake lines from both sides. Turns out that's pretty hard when you can't hold it well. Anyway, I go to mount the brake junction to the bike. Doesn't fit because powdercoat is too thick and the bolt hole has powdercoat in it. Just my luck. 10 minutes of grinding and finishing later, I have the junction mounted. The hard line and bottom hose go on easily. The top hose, which was supposed to be a short hose for clubman/clip ons, felt too long? I don't know, but I had to fight with it for an hour to get it mounted between the guide thingies and also snaked through the wiring harness.
By this time it was already closing in on 10 hours in the garage and we were tired.
Today I had to work, but my dad went out and did some work in the garage. He cut a slot out of the swingarm brace for the chain. He mounted the front and rear turn signs. For the fronts he drilled holes into the side of the headlight bucket. They're still a little flimsy but will be braced some more later on. The rears were put the the holes in the frame where the brace is on the back. The tail light was mounted on a piece of steel stock and bolted to the brace in the back. It's ugly but it works. I don't think they're wired up yet, but at least they're on. That's the hard part.
Again, I wish I didn't have to rush this. If I wasn't leaving I would've ordered new lights and controls and fabricated a battery tray and probably remounted the seat and taking a loss on the "work" I paid for the first time.
I know I've said it before but I really hate having to rush this last part. Once I get settled in my new location I'll have the time to do it over right, but maybe not have the funds because that's how life works
I'm trying my best to extend my stay an extra week (I'm supposed to be leaving at the end of this week) so that I'll have a bit more leeway and at least one full weekend to get everything tightened up. That and I still have to pack and get my van shipped.
Reminding myself now to check the fork oil because one leaked out several years ago and I know I'm going to forget with everything going on. Oh and I need a petcock rebuild kit because the gaskets were flat and hard as a board.
Anyway, here's another progress picture. Still doesn't look like much has changed but it's nearly there. In the morning I'm going to get the cables routed, plugs in, then put some oil to check for leaks. If all is well then I'll fill it completely and prime it. I'll also be sure to check timing, valve adjustment, cam chain, and whatever other periodic maintenance stuff before I even think about firing the engine. That probably won't be til this weekend but I'm staying optimistic.
