Been a bit slow recently, but I have found a decent mechanic who has allowed me to use his workshop and we’ll assemble the engine/ put the puzzle back together there soon (when I have bought some gaskets).
First, it needs a bit of a clean out:
Valves:
More cleaning with petrol (might as well have been kerosene) and fine wire wool.
Pistons this time.
Impressive clean-up work sir. Did you get new fingertips for Xmas?
Thanks mate.
Hehe, they’re getting a bit of a punishing to be honest - traded in my old Mac Powerbook for an electric guitar (cheapie, but goodie ESP Gibson SG copy) and I’m learning on it = building calluses again + the wire wool with the left hand, it’s not going to be a Happy New Year for my them!
Here’s a Photoshop of an idea I had for the colour scheme.
It will be aaaages before I actually get to paint it though.
NB. the finished bike will have an aftermarket speedo in place of the stock clocks and a custom made screen and belly pan (which will have the same colour scheme) - also an engine! 
it seems to need something on the rear flank. maybe a nickname for the bike?
Hello mate, sorry, only just seen this.
I addressed the name thing in a post on my BLOG, but am still not sure - I know, most people have the name before they start the build! 
As to the idea of filling that space, then I would be impelled to fill similar sized black spaces on other areas of the bike - sides of tank, sides of bellypan (when I get it).
But, yea, that area is kind of bare.
Cool project.
I used to have a GSXR400 in this shape. Lovely bikes.
Thanks man.
This on proper hold due to financial constraints and the fact that I really need a garage of some kind to do the work required.
:unsure: :crying:
Painted calipers:
K5 shock:
Cover polishing:
Lump wrapped up because there’s no way I can get it together and have to buy another fucking engine (after all that work!):
Thanks to Dani Bertran of Castillo Motors for spitting his dummy and throwing me out of his workshop - how professional!
Yea, I said it. What!?
Got the subbie-chassis brackets fabbed:
In place (yes, I’ll need to trim the seat):
Bought an Acewell MD52-353 speedo:
Trying to work out the wiring (although I don’t have an engine, so it’ll be ages til I can really test the connections):
(using a connector from a set of stock clocks with the following image to guide me)
Decided to change the headlight - swapped it for a round one from a Yamaha Special.
I’m going to keep the clip ons instead of straight bars because I it would mean buying a whole new set of lines and cables :doze:
Bought a replacement engine from Doc’s Bikes in Somerset - wicked communication, lightning fast delivery and excellently packed.
Instead of painting the exhaust headers, I decided to use some black exhaust wrap. I watched some videos for tips, but found the one by Del - http://youtu.be/BrHLZZRVgT8 - to be the most instructional. I used some cheap lockwire from a local shop and some hose clamps for the ends, which have now been replaced by black steel zip ties.It took a lot of sweat and energy to get it all on, but I think I did a decent job.
I finally opened the box and managed to clean the engine.It had been a while since it was cleaned, but wasn’t actually that dirty.
The first stage was to scrape hard build up off, then I brought it outside
and cleaned it with kerosene and KH7 degreaser (while looking out for police & thieves).
Then I brought it back and finished off the finer parts and cleaned and replaced the pieces I had removed.
After my idea of making headlight brackets didn’t really work out, I decided to buy some. I installed them yesterday, although I think they are the wrong size 
but I made some rubber sleeves and they seem to work okay.I need to drill out the holes for the headlight to give it about 4mm forward clearance because the original headlight mounting points rub on the back of the headlight.
Next up - installing the engine. Hopefully.
Sorry it’s been a while since the last update.
The engine:
…has indeed been installed in the frame and the rest of the bits were added.
The bike was then moved to a large parking garage where it is currently being stored.
One thing I’ve been working on and is about 75% done is the Acewell MD52-353 electronic dash. I just need to work out a problem with the Oil Pressure sensor and get the temperature reading.
The final issues are a coolant leak, checking the front brakes and suspension and correctly adjusting the rear wheel. Then I’ll move on to the legalities of it all (taking it off SORN, MOTing it, insuring etc).
Oh, and a new set of rubber.
All = £s!
Of course, this is only to bring it (basically) back to stock, so it’s hardly a ‘streetfighter’, but I still have plans in that direction and they all rely on buying a set of K&Ns and a jet kit.
This stock version should be ready for my birthday at the end of next month.
Also, here are a couple of vids:
Good to hear from you Garrett 
Mate that has been a labour of love for sure. Fantastic work on getting her back together and i have to say she looks lovely in her natural colour.
Be safe and enjoy the coming summer.
Thanks mate. Hope you’re well (after a year! :/)
Going well so far. Looks like this now:
Now I want to change the rear end, push the headlight closer to the bars/ top yoke etc, and eventually remodel the sub frame/ fairing.
Still not finished, but with the new jet kit it has really woken up and I’m learning to ride properly - sounds fkin wicked as well.
