Thought you all might want to see some of the stuff I've managed to muddle thru since this list has been instrumental in getting it done.  I picked up the bike for $800 back in October.  It was essentially a work in progress.  The PO had bobbed it some, made it a rigid frame, installed a Jardine muffler and new bars- then laid it down, denting the tank and scratching her up in a few places.  With some pieces from this list and ebay, wisdom from the discussions on this list and some serious elbow work and a steep learning curve, I've managed to get a decent commuter.  I humbly submit the links to pictures for your perusal and, hopefully, suggestions.  Thanks everyone for the excellent resource this community is.

http://www.bikepics.com/members/moondog42/

Let's see if I can remember what all happened here:

• installed shocks
• purchased and installed front turn signals
• fixed dent in tank
• fabricated side tins from some sheet metal
• bobbed rear fender
• painted tank, fenders and side tins (Rustoleum enamel and a spraygun)
• tore down carb, cleaned (thanks Savage Wahine!) and:
• put Lancer's jet set in (thanks Lancer!)
• 1/3 white spacer mod
• removed air box, slid battery box back and installed Lancer's new cone style air filter
• installed Auto Zone air filter for breather
• installed Auto Zone mini inline fuel filter
• did the seat raise mod
• added side plate holder/brake light
• new rubber on rear
• changed the oil and spark plug

All the changes netted me about 10% in power increase at TE and noticeable increase in torque in getting there.  I'm thinking about trying to add a custom fabricated bag to one side so I can lose the backpack, and I need to work on the paint job some more, but for now I'm enjoying this Georgia spring!

Great job man! Especially if you are a real mechanical beginner or novice. I really think having personally tightened every nut and bolt, and knowing the workings of your machine is a very important step in the development of becoming a competent motorcyclist. Besides, in a case like yours you get to add personal touches and have the satisfaction of having done so much of it yourself! I've been a DIY guy all my life, so you get respect points from me. Hope you enjoy your riding!

Good job.  Have plans to do a lot of that work myself ... just taking baby steps.

Looks great!  Super clean.

Hey I mounted that same license plate.  Really like it.  Why do you have two brake lights?  How did you mount it on the lower shock?  I used some angle iron/shelving braket to mount it on my lower shock bolt.  The mounting bracket the license plate came with was so thick I could not get the lower shock bolt back on.  Did you use an extender?

Jonny