6-12-11 6 hrs. Got the bike running and took it for a ride!!! Oiled and installed the air filters, installed points and plugs, adjusted the timing, troubleshot the the wiring (coil not plugged in all the way). wired in the handlebar switches, reinstalled the headlight, installed front fender, filled engine with oil, adjusted the chain, torqued bolts through out. Cleaned gas tank varnish with a gallon of carb cleaner I bought from NAPA, rebuilt the petcock including new seals, installed new gas lines, mixed three gallons of gas, installed new gas cap and keys.

Bike Started 3rd kick!! and ran great. Now time for fine tuning carbs and final touches after which comes the nice paint job

6-11 5hrs installed reeds, manifold and boost bottle using new parts I bought off of USA 2stroke forum. I decided not to use the boysen reeds due to the design. Install carbs and new fuel lines, clean filters.

6-5-11 2hrs - Installed the tail light. I assembled the rear fender, taillight assembly and lens then installed on the bike. I also installed the seat and tank just to see what it looked like. Really starting to look like a bike, Hopefully in about two weeks it will be running!

6-5-11 3hrs Worked on the seat. The foam was dry rotted so I had it repaired locally by a person who does boat upholstery. That piece came out good; they steamed the foam, removed the dry rot, and added a small thin soft layer of foam($20). I bought a new seat cover from HVC. Went installing I used small self tapping screws and fasteners to hold the cover in place because the small original clamps were weak or rusty. Over all the seat looked really good until I put on the safety strap. The strap caused the seat foam to compress and therefore made the seat look wrinkly. To correct the issue I will probably need to purchase new seat foam, seat pan and another cover (about $400). Because of the cost I am going to wait until I can find another seat. While not perfect, the seat is a big improvement over what I had...

6-11 4hrs. Completed the front and rear brake systems. Installed new SS brake lines and pads along with the rebuilt calipers and master cylinders. What worked really well was a vacuum brake system bleeder kit I bought from harbor freight for $45. I t made bleeding the brake systems a snap. The new SS brake lines are smaller in diameter. I had to find new rubber keepers (mounting clamps) at the hardware store. Installed the ground on the coil, left and right handlebar controls and new (original style hand grips). Also installed the rear view mirrors

6-1-11 4hrs Started on carbs. disasembled carbs and reed cages, and cleaned. All looked great. Hit a snag wen I went to install new boisen reeds. For some reason the new reeds are much smaller than the originals, but they do fit with the provied adaptor. Will email boisen to ask for input.

6-1-11 8hrs Primed and painted pipes. Installed on the bike. all went well except for the rear mounts. Some frame modifications will need to be done to accepted the rear brackets. Fixed the clutch issue, basically it was the incorrect installation of the clutch mechanism on the left hand side of the bike (that's what happens when you get a bike in pieces); all is well and the clutch has much adjustment left in in. What was a big help was a rd400f parts manual I bought off eBay from a company in Australia ($30). The graphics and the related part descriptions really aided in correctly assembling the clutch mechanism.
Also fixed the kick starter by taking apart and reinstalling.
I continued assembling the rear brake system. After much conversation on the USA 2 stroke forum, I received good guidance to buy a brake vacuum bleeder kit, which I did from harbor freight ($40). I will try it this weekend.