Slowly but surely

Dave, I have indeed 'slogged' through your Pheonix thread, and only wish you had even more detail. I am woefully ignorant, e.g. still trying to figure out what a swingarm is, I go to the garage and check after seeing your picture - yes now I remember what a triple tree (aka tree) is. Have not touched a bike since 1988. Do you have any general advice, other than reading all I can, which will take the next few months? Do you know how to deal with bent forks, handlebars, and the part of the frame where the front wheel yoke or tree goes thru (do not know what it is called, not labeled in my Haynes)?
Thanks, Bob