many thx for the kind words. i was out in west haven this morning and just took two pics.
i picked up the bike last july from a student at amhearst. a complete bike but needed some tlc: rear brake frozen open, front brake stuck on, no start, tank painted by brush, carbs gummed, etc. the bike was complete with good chrome everywhere and the fork tubes looked new. the nice oem HM404's and new tires sealed the deal @ $400.
went completely thru the bike over the winter: cleaned every elec connection, new wheel and head bearings, swingarm bushings, caliper piston/seal, cables/gaskets, carb cleaning and stuff. PO had put in a barnette clutch pack, new battery and fuel petcock.
the only niggles i have right now is that the bike hangs and won't return to idle for a few seconds, and the starter only works when the bike is warmed up. a small top end leak is the result of me being too easy on the valve cover caps, new o-rings will be installed in the morning.
my plan was to refresh everything and keep it comfortable (no clip-ons for me) and fast. to that end, i'll be tweaking the front/rear suspension over the summer and adding braided lines.
thx again for the nice comments,
bobp