Changing directions.. part duece

Well, let it be said that I don't finish things I start. Time has gotten away from me, and other bills have come up to push this to the back burner again.

However this time with it on the back burner I've decided to start simplifying life (of sorts). That being said I've had the thought to abandon the project, and that pains me, as I really want to see this completed.

Well, as I've been thinking about it, I think I'm just going to take what parts I have now and see what I can put back together in this project. What that means is, I'm 95% certain the 650 top end bit is out (at least for now anyway, unless the guy comes through and actually ships the parts to complete that bit, which is seaming doubtful). So, the bike will continue to be a simple 550, which I guess I can live with, since I rarely ride with Jodi anymore. Besides that, I already own all the gaskets I need to keep it in it's 550 glory, where doing the 650 top end would require more purchases.

So, that brings the project to:

• Re-building the engine with current stash of parts
  
• New Bearings everywhere: Wheels, steering stem, etc (as these have already been purchased and delivered)
  
• Stainless allen bolts to replace cheap Phillips on the engine (pretty much a must as the Phillips heads are pretty much shot, though I do still have them for refference)
  
• Progressive springs for the rear on unknown shocks
  
• Cleaning all the surface rust and road grime from the bike to make it as "pretty" as possible

After all that is done, if it actually runs I'll make the decision on where to go from there. If it runs and has no issues, I'll probably sell the current ride and put the money into savings for a later purchase, or use it for other bits and pieces that aren't critical (repairing the seat cover, re-chrome the grab bar, etc) but would make it look nicer. I'm also keeping my eye open for a nice looking shaft drive bike which will require less "consumable" parts (chains/sprockets) on a regular basis that I may sell both of the current bikes for to obtain.

Well, that is it for now. I may try to update with pictures of the progress as it is made. Bottom line is I may keep the project on as long as I'm not dumping lots of money into it, just time (when I get it)