Bike is back together and rolling around like thunder. I’ll confirm that it was the thrust washer (or lack thereof) that was giving me those issues with first gear clunking. Not having it there was enough to give it slop and allow it to knick some other gear that it’s not intended to, I guess. The golden rule: make sure these engine parts are accounted for and also be sure to tighten down everything. Luckily, there was no great damage to my shift forks, only some scuff marks. Measured the dogs and for straightness and all seemed within spec. Shifting now with the thrust washer in place sandwiching that top gear makes it all smooth-smooth-smooth. Funny that I’m still kinda cautious getting into 1st gear - real 1st gear trauma.
Other than some light tweaking around, air fuel mix screw adjustments, and a carb synch, I’m pretty pleased with the bike for the moment. Maybe soon I’ll paint the tank and get the seat upholstered.
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