The Honda CM400 was the real start of the bike building obsession for me. I picked up two of these in a very abused state for $550, along with boxes of parts and no real idea of I was getting into. No pressure, just freedom to do something different, especially since at the time no one gave them a thought. Here's where I learned the essentials of complete teardown/rebuild and electrical work. As I sketched, cut into and reconfigured I formed a few thoughts that have stuck with me, like:

1. Your work has to WORK, it can’t blow up or otherwise fail (not a lot of second chances at highway speed).

2. If you care about the work, it's ok to be obsessive. It's how you practice your craft.

3. Don't try to make something for everyone. If you do, you usually end up moving no one. Not everyone will fall in love with what you do, but what you build should move you first and the right person in the end.

The buyer of the Scarab drove up from Illinois with his wife, on sight he was geeked: it was just what he wanted.