[rusty2078]

Like any other project, the price and money involved depends on perspective and the willingness to part with it. I would love to go out and buy one of these new (along with a Ducati Monster S2R) but cannot justify dropping the dime at even reduced BMW rates. Especially here in Alberta, where we're lucky to get 4.5 to 5 months of riding season (or if you like the combination of sheet metal screws and knobby tires, you can extend that to 12 months).
Part of the experience for me is learning and rebuilding (had a pretty much new Buell a few years ago and got bored for lack of wrenching, same with the Daytona 650). One of my brothers has a saying "...we've all got our own type of crazy..." which he has actually used in conversation/argument with his wife...another story.
My type of crazy (or stupid, if you will) includes doing projects like this.
For this bike, I am willing to sacrifice the 2.5 Norton Commandos (and when ya think about repair prices, rebuilding an engine properly really isn't a cheap prospect, regardless of make).
To quote Leonard Cohen..."...there ain't no cure for love..."
To quote the movie "Old School"..."love, she's a m#%$@&f*@%^$#er!"
I appreciate all the input and the attempts at trying to steer me in the responsible direction (you can lead a boy to college, but you can't make him think.)