2003-2007 Steel Frame Cookbook

[umberto]

Step 14 - Ride that dude

Okay, now you are ready to ride.  I would suggest riding near the truck, and keeping lots of tools with you.  It will have issues, no matter how hard you try to prevent them.  One thing I would always carry with me are the tools to take the gas tank off.  You will not be able to get to the plug without taking off the tank.  Unless you like to push, I would put a ratchet, sockets, and a pipe puller (for the tank strap), by your extra plugs in your tool pouch.

Now, go out and ride that dude.  Have your buddy film you so we can watch. 

[sandblaster]

Copied 

[zz3gmc]

I havent been on in a while, nice write up! Slowly building another one using a 87 engine and another 04 chassis.

[umberto]

Thank you!  I couldn’t have done it without your help. I keep looking for a cheap 500, because I have an 04 chassis and suspension (from my aluminum frame swap) sitting in my garage as we speak.   

[umberto]

One update from my recent dealings with my conversion.  When I moved my coil to the side of the frame, I left the coil brackets on the frame.  This prevented me from removing the head without taking the engine out of the frame.  Since they were no longer needed, I cut them off and now I am able to remove the head, and possibly the cylinder, without removing the motor from the frame.  The brackets are easy to cut off, and serve no structural purpose.

[skunkworks]

awesome work thanks men.

[umberto]

Thank you sir.  I just hope it helps someone avoid some of the mistakes I made along the way. 

[skunkworks]

i just got an 04 frame with a legit street title.

[umberto]

You'll love it.  Now get a build thread going so we can see your progress.   

[kevinseipp]

After much deliberation, this is the route I will be going with my 88 K5. Engine is already out of the donor bike and in pieces ready for a complete rebuild. Now to choose which 250 to buy for the chassis. Thanks for the great write up (both threads); I will be using them extensively.