thanks for the advice everyone. i was told a right angle drill bit might be able to be used without taking the engine off the frame?
and i was also told that so long as i haven't blown a head gasket and no filings are in the oil (and, of course, that the leak isn't TOO bad) i should be ok.. one gentleman told me, and i quote, "It wouldn't be a chopper without an oil leak. Ride it, gauge it, keep an eye on it, and save the project for the winter."
i guess we'll see what happens.