Did you have to change any gaskets from the header pipes into the heads?  I have the V & H and it is rusted to hell... so I bought a wire wheel brush for my drill and some flat black grill paint.  I read the FAQ's on it, but no mention of gaskets etc.

Also, I've put about 750 miles on this '98 GS, so I'm learning still what it's about, ie I have to retension the chain, probably replace the rear tire, etc... is there anything else I should do/check out being that I'm still somewhat unfamiliar with the bike?  ie valve check/adjustment, etc.  I know that the PO had the carbs rebuilt and a fuel filter installed, also he had the oil changed at the end of last season.

Thanks,

Johnny

If in doubt of their condition replace them,you won't have another opportunity after repaint
Checking valve clearances is a good idea 
Here is Kerry's valve adjustment video:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2015554469142545363&q=kerry+valve+adjustment&hl=en

On re-painting the exhaust ... if your headers are really rusted to hell, as mine were, you may have to sandblast. I used a wire brush on an angle grinder (much higher RPM's than a hand drill) and spent like 3 hours getting all the rust off ... cleaned with acetone ... repeated ... re-painted ... and a week later ... RUST!  If there's a lot of rust, I reccomend sandblasting, shouldn't be too expensive, and certainly cheaper than replacing the headers 

Looked awesome for that week though!

-me

I spent a long time with the wire wheele.. dam rust. got fed up and painted em.

is i was smart, i would have sandblasted em, next year i will

gotta love the v+h off a 1989 for 80 cdn.

1 V+H 80$ CDN
1 whire wheele 9.99$ CDN
1 bottle of hi heat sliver paint 1500 7.99$ CDN
1 bottle of rust remover solvent 5.99$ CDN
1 more whire wheele 9.99$ CDN
8 header bolts (4 replacments 4 slightly longer) $$$$Free$$$$ (father whent to take delvery of his new Suzuki c50)

Realizing that u already removed the centre stand to fit the V+H, when U NEED IT to take off the rear wheele: 
                                                   WHAT A IDIOT I AM (Pricless)


dont mess around with bs rust remover ideas, save yourself some time and sandblast.

my 2 CDN Cents.

Thanks guys... anyone know of a good inexpensive tech in the Connecticut area?  I don't feel comfortable enough to do the valves myself(and I definitely don't have the time...)... and I need my rear tire replaced...

thanks,

Johnny

What about the stove polish stuff?  Anyone else use that?

http://www.rutland.com/maintenance_html/72.html

?

Quote from: RVertigo on May 10, 2007, 03:48:46 PM
What about the stove polish stuff?  Anyone else use that?

http://www.rutland.com/maintenance_html/72.html

Not yet!