yamasarus
XS650 Addict
- Messages
- 158
- Reaction score
- 7
- Points
- 18
I looked for an XS1 to restore for about 5 years. I finally found one that I could afford in Florida (I live in NC). It had a 75 front end, wheels, and tank, but the numbers matched and were correct for an XS1. It was also a later production number so I avoided the needle bearing on the piston pin. I started finding the parts I would need and spent about a year doing that.
Many parts I already had , like the NOS instruments. The first step after disassembly was to send the fenders, rims, rear fender bracket, handlebar and bracket, and chain-guard to the chrome plater. All body parts were stripped and readied for paint. The frame was blasted, etch primed and painted with single stage black. All other paint is House of Kolor Kandy or white with plenty of clear. I have never cared much for the original green so I went two coats darker on the Kandy to get what you see here. Every component was freshened up or replaced. Most of the nuts and bolts were replaced with polished stainless. The engine was also disassembled and freshened up as necessary. Upgrades like tapered neck bearings and fresh swing arm bushings were also done. A reproduction exhaust system from Mikes XS was used. The correct taillight, correct K70s, chrome spokes, oring chain, and lots of polishing aluminum were also added. It's as close to a "new" XS1 as I could make it. All work, to include paint, polish, tin-zinc plating, and lacing was done by me. The only thing I send out is chrome work. I really enjoyed this restoration as an XS1 was my first "big bike"back in the day. I am retired and the whole job took 8 weeks. Fun stuff!
Many parts I already had , like the NOS instruments. The first step after disassembly was to send the fenders, rims, rear fender bracket, handlebar and bracket, and chain-guard to the chrome plater. All body parts were stripped and readied for paint. The frame was blasted, etch primed and painted with single stage black. All other paint is House of Kolor Kandy or white with plenty of clear. I have never cared much for the original green so I went two coats darker on the Kandy to get what you see here. Every component was freshened up or replaced. Most of the nuts and bolts were replaced with polished stainless. The engine was also disassembled and freshened up as necessary. Upgrades like tapered neck bearings and fresh swing arm bushings were also done. A reproduction exhaust system from Mikes XS was used. The correct taillight, correct K70s, chrome spokes, oring chain, and lots of polishing aluminum were also added. It's as close to a "new" XS1 as I could make it. All work, to include paint, polish, tin-zinc plating, and lacing was done by me. The only thing I send out is chrome work. I really enjoyed this restoration as an XS1 was my first "big bike"back in the day. I am retired and the whole job took 8 weeks. Fun stuff!
I see another in the background in one of the pics. Where do you live?
