Andy. Stripped my brand new Feb 2003 749s to a bare frame after riding it for 1 1/2 mile, this was when they had only just been launched and were still quite rare. Nothing wrong with the bike, just that my left leg was in plaster for 12 weeks, gear changes were difficult and I did not want to just sit and look at the bike.

Since then I have done my mates 999s.

Intention on both bikes was to get the frames red and add the additional frame rail.

By no means an expert, but, having done 2 I have some expierence.

If you need any advise please feel free to ask.

There are a couple of tricks that will help the whole job go quicker.

[Edited on 3-2-2006 by Carbon749]

tell me more............like the two bolts that hold the ign switch to get the airbox out?;)

Think that's already on the project plan..... ;)

Good luck Andy. It must be quite tempting to say whilst it's apart I'll just change this and this and this.........

Ooooooh nearly there.........:lol::lol: piccies to follow...

So fairing off then? :P

tell me more............like the two bolts that hold the ign switch to get the airbox out?;) [/quote]

Not sure what you mean about that. You have to remove the plastic shroud from the ignition switch and disconnect the sensor. There then should be the bolts for the ignition barrel. They may be the shear off type and have no bolts heads ... mole grips work well on these.

The whole airbox, throttle cables etc are a b*****d to get off. Sorry, loads of swearing and skinned knuckles.

One top tip would the be the swing arm / engine part. Cut a piece of tube, I used 19mm dia hanging rail, to the right length to sit between the frame rails without locating in the frame. Use the tube to knock out the swing arm pivot, keeps the engine and swing arm as one unit and lets you lift the frame off. You can them wheel the assy' around and remove the chain, rear suspension, swing arm at your leisure.

Takes loads of pic's for the wiring loom as it wraps around the head stock, the location of the loom connectors around the battery and on the frame rails above. Note how the very large loom connector on the left of the frame works ... you can spend ages trying to line it all back up later.

Clearly identify the Neutral switch connector on the loom, looks just like another one (rear brake I think) and you can mix them up.

Take pic's of the clutch hose and were it runs from lever to cylinder.

Front end is kind of obvious, but, locate the locking bolt on the right of the head stock frame tube that locates the head depending upon which head angle you select. Take the retaining circlip out and remove the bolt / washer. Loosen the pinch bolts on the head tube. Remove the top yoke, and the whole front end will lower out. If you slide the left clip on off the fork top you can leave it connected to the clutch line. You can leave the front brakes, lines etc and take it all out as one unit.

[Edited on 3-2-2006 by Carbon749] [/quote]

[Edited on 3-2-2006 by Carbon749]

off to jhp tomorrow................

There's not much to it, it should only cost a few quid to get painted - ------ yeh right!!!! ;)

After listening to other tales of woe on here, make sure the frame number is well masked before it's blasted and powder coated :o