Putting together my first bike

[FlyinRyan]

Hows it goin. I'm new to building bikes, and I originally didn't plan to rip it all down, but I couldn't stand it. So now I get my frame back tomorrow from being sandblasted and painted. I painted my tank and fender, and should have my side panels on wednesday. I'm in the process of painting all the little stuff...kick stand, handlebars, triple tree, side fairing supports, etc. Gonna paint the motor tomorrow. I have the manual, and have looked through it a little bit, but I was wondering what the best order is to put everything back together. I still need to paint my rims and get new tires... should I get new tires first so they don't mess up my rims after painting, or paint first? Any tips and tricks from the pros would be awesome!

By the way this site has been a lifesaver!

Thanks
Ryan

[Fry]

Hey Ryan, it's a fellow Ryan here.

I would definitely have tires installed before painting your rims...I taped my entire tire up with Blue Painters tape and was able to get a good finish.

I am planning on taking my bare frame, once painted and mount It (Frame) to the engine, rather than trying to wrestle the engine into the frame if you get my drift. Again tape up all the possible contact points on the engine so you don't mar the finsih.

[FlyinRyan]

thanks man, funny i was just reading your post about the fairings. sounds like quite the fiasco! do you still have the fairings? i am looking for the piece that connects the tail fairings. that and the gauges are really the only thing i need to complete the bike....besides a whole bunch of time. actually the gauges themselves are pretty decent. just the back of them and the surround is trashed. any ideas?