I got the fork ears off, but I'm wondering where I can find replacement side reflectors and the chrome ring trim that appears to hold the boots (which disintegrated). See below:
Two more questions, you KO experts:
The bottom triple tree contains some kind of ignition looking thing that I couldn't remove. I got the plastic cover off, but I'm wondering why I can't tap out the ignition thing. Should I leave it in and tell the powdercoater to cover it before painting the bottom tree?
Also, on my last bike, I switched to tapered bearings. Do you think it would be sacrilege to do so on this bike. Keep in mind it will be a rider, not a museum piece.
I just about broke my weak back getting the engine out of the frame. I'm nervous about opening up the engine as I have not done much of that on the two 550s I had. But I would hate to get the bike back together and find that all the gaskets are dried out and leaky....
The 550 that my wife is learning to ride. My daily ride, an ST, is behind it: