For want of a nail... the kingdom was lost

Well the engine is going together swimmingly. I found the Yamabond #4 in El Paso. Yamabond #4 is required to seal the two engine casings. The new shift forks set in fine and the engine turns smoothly. Everything seems to have gone well... sometimes do to operator error, it went well twice. oops

Things have been on hold for the last week while I wait for eight circlips that hold the pistons on to the rod. I am told that they are kind of important, so I ordered new ones. I have decided not to replace the piston rings. I have heard convincing arguments on either side, and since they seem to be in good condition, I am going to skip the $260 expense and leave the current ones in. 

We pick up the circlips on Saturday and the engine should be complete by Monday evening! Of course that is barring any unforeseen issues. Once it is together, I still have to work on the carbs and timing and see if there are any issues with the electrical etc. But, I am really looking forward to seeing the engine back in the bike.