Here's the upper steering head bearing race
(I am guessing it's called a race) It's the ring in which the bearing sits. I'm having a helluva time getting it out but in truth it is in good shape so I wonder if there's any need to remove it?

Here's the lower steering head race
(same comment) You can see the little recesses. I tried tapping that edge with a long rod but it too is hard in there. Same idea - it seems to be in good shape.

Here's the triple tree.
I have a suspicion it's bent. The front rim has a deflection where it obviously hit something, hard. The forks are not perfectly aligned when clamped down. It takes a lot of force with some straps to get the forks aligned perfectly, so that's why I suspect the triple. I'm going to take it and the forks and front wheel to a machine shop to have them all checked out for geometry.

Here's the stock airbox.
I noticed that one of the rubber boots isn't properly attached to the carb intake and no doubt that's been a problem for me as the bike has been out in the rain for days on end sometimes with no cover. I am thinking of swapping out for some K&N filters mainly because I like to look of the K&Ns.

July 2005 - Update

I replaced the steering head bearings. They were already tapered roller bearings and I wonder if they had already been replaced - in any event - the existing bearings were dry and had a lot of free play so I am counting on that beiong the problem. None of the local bike shops I took it to over the past year suggested replacing the steering head bearings.

To remove the races I had to cut them with a Dremel... it was a last resort. We tried everything else including drifts, an oval washer, heat, cold, etc.

To pull the new races in I used a threaded rod with washers. Slick!

Also, in asking about aftermarket exhaust, I called Toads and was told to forget it, there was nothing available. The first time I called ProCycle I got the same answer except they suggested a couple of slip on mufflers with welding repairs to the rest of the system. The second time I called ProCycle the helpful guy hooked me up with a new Mac 4->1 system which is now installed. It sure was easy to put it on! Unfortunately the centrestand hits the muffler ver slightly but I will weld a small stop on the stand to keep it clear.

I also painted the tank and side covers a nice bright yellow, using several coats plus a clear coat. It looks pretty nice and I might see what can be done about the fenders too. It all depends on how she handles when I get it back on the road in a week or so.

Almost there!