I will say... swapping motors is a relatively easy task, especially on these Ninjas. My first motor swap was on a Ninja 250 and I was surprised to have it done and running in a matter of a couple of hours. Granted, you have to be mechanically inclined and I don't know if that describes you, but I would think some ninjette members could be found close by to you in Illinois willing to turn a wrench if you have a box of pizza and a couple beers sitting unguarded in the garage. This sounds like a good opportunity for the community to help out