Picture of Carla welding on his bike

Here you go :

Can anyone ever imagine a World Class rider being able to do such a thing, at a race, now.

Of course, I do recognize that it probably never be necessary in this day and age. 

Sure, there's plenty of lovely little TIG units that you can have in even a small Van or Ute now - hell, years ago I was up about 40ft in the air at  the Alcoa Clyde Smelter with a  shoulder carry TIG unit to do a Job ( by f**k That was Scary ) - but I don't think many Riders could / would get into it like Carla. 

 KX500 frames were / are 'delicate' things - no offense meant, for those that adore them - I do too

I still think Yamaha truly effed up by dumping Carla, just as they finally brought out the Water Cooled , Aluminium framed YZM500.

So , he ended up basically 'privateering' in his last year(s?), after being a Full Factory rider. I liked the 'Still Here' he ran on the back of his dacks, while campaigning the Kawasaki, and, giving all and sundry a 'hurry up'. 

And, of course , this : 

He welded an exhaust for me once. 

I think Hakan was my favorite Euro.

Prerequisite to owning a Kawasaki. I think this is what kawasaki meant?  “ kawasaki let the good times roll “. 😎