2007 M695 engine repair/rebuild advice

[OrangeDragon]

My trusty local dealer service team informed me that my gear box lay shaft (149.1.034.1A) is out of specification.   Prior to this I did notice was going through chains much quicker.  The bike has over 153k miles so I guess this wear and tear comes with the territory or perhaps I was not adjusting the chain enough or making it too tight which created the issue.  I can still ride the bike but it will only get worse.

I am considering the following:

1. Buying a used M695 and transferring all my parts over but there are no current listings on craigslist.
2. Buying a used M695 engine and swapping it out. I found a salvage option with 20k miles on it but it seems option 1 is easier.  And the engine is a stand alone so I have no clue how it performs.
3. Finding a local shop in Los Angeles, CA that rebuilds engines.  I am in no rush for this project and if I found someone I would like to be a part of the rebuild to learn about the process. I watch youtube videos on people doing rebuilding engines and it fascinates me.

Thanks for your help.

[stopintime]

I recommend option 3.

The satisfaction of learning is in itself worth quite a lot. The major reason to rebuild is that it will then be better than new - blueprinted, not just "within spec". In the long run this is cost effective. Add a mild tune while you're in there (port & polish + Dyno work).

[ducpainter]

I agree with Lars, even if you don't go with any tuning. A used engine can turn out to be false economy. It happened to me.

Spend the extra the first time around.

[koko64]

I recommend option 3.

The satisfaction of learning is in itself worth quite a lot. The major reason to rebuild is that it will then be better than new - blueprinted, not just "within spec". In the long run this is cost effective. Add a mild tune while you're in there (port & polish + Dyno work).

Could be an exciting project with motor hop ups.