| First off, do not let anyone fool you, this is not a quick, easy job! I have about 140 hours into the frame, swingarm and foot controls. These are estimates, but I figure 100 hours on the frame, 30 on the swingarm and 10 on the foot controls. Remember this was the first time doing this. I learned a ton and could probably do this again in about 80 hours total. I did the foot controls the first. I ground off the seams and re-shaped the brake lever pad. Next was the swingarm. This was a big learning experience for me. I also got scared. The swingarm on the '98/99 ZX-9R is constructed from extruded aluminum. This process leaves grooves on the sides of the swingarm. These require more work to get the swingarm smooth. Smooth = Beautiful!! I also learned, the hard way, about buff burns. This happens when you are using a buffing wheel with buffing compound and over heat an area by staying in one spot for too long. This requires you to go back to sandpaper to sand out the burn mark. Then this past winter I did the frame. I have done alot of research and talked to alot of people. I am not trying to brag, but I think my research has paid off. |
