Side Covers Marked Electric

When I looked at in January, it looked ok but I didn't examine it carefully. Everything is there. He called me and said I could have it.
 
It is a 1975 XS650B it has not run since 1992 I'm going to go get it on Saturday. It's in my brother's barn.
Hi Mark and welcome,
further to what angus sez, make sure you can register the bike in your name before you sink time and money into it.
 
Both of these threads are pretty much where to start.
The secret is not to get ahead of your self and do things one at a time.
http://www.xs650.com/threads/guide-...checklist-for-the-condition-of-your-find.367/
http://www.xs650.com/threads/bike-wont-start-running-rough.390/

Cleaning or repairing ALL electrical couplings, bullet connectors, Switches and Grounds/Earth is just as important as anything else to make the bike run properly. Any resistance is going to affect the running of other components and this can lead to misdiagnosis, and thinking it is caused by something else.
http://www.xs650.com/threads/wiring-harness-musings.18925/

Although the charging system is important, it does not have to be up to scratch when your in the process of getting it started and cleaning it up. a new battery with a good charger is important.
Use the Tech Menu and the ID thread. http://www.xs650.com/threads/xs650-...workshop-manuals-and-other-information.30569/ In this thread I have linked to a lot of threads for basic upgrades and for the purpose of getting started on a new project such as yours.
 
Based on my research I can get a title. What is the proper wake up procedure?
Hi Mark,
do what Skull sez.
But first, because I've seen SO many "I've spent all this time and money but I can't get a title" posts from US list members, prove your research by following through and getting the title in your hand, eh?
 
What have you done or learned from the information given. Do you have a plan and where are you starting.

Just asking a question without any other input makes me think your just floating around. Yo need to do research as you get answers, that is the only way to learn.
 
DON'T buy carb kits from anyone. Read www.amckayltd.com/carbguide.pdf to learn the steps to tear down, clean, inspect your carbs.
Once you do this then just but the parts you need. Often a tear down and clean is all you need, no new parts.
Mikuni built many variations of these carbs for many bikes. The parts in the kits are a generic blend. a lot of the parts don't work in our application. The jets and needles are often wrong. The gaskets are usually ok.
Buying just the parts you need will be much cheaper than kits.
Leo
 
The engine had been "run" using compressed air when I got there. The electric starter will turn it over. It was stored with oil in the cylinders. I'd like to see if it will run as is. The kits are cheap.
 
Hey Mark, I'm a relative newb here, frequent times daily reader, seldom poster because I have little to give back but after hanging out here for several months I have come to learn that the people who are giving you advice are rock solid and have nothing but "your" best interests in mind. They are trying to save you money and aggravation and I would suggest you follow their advice. If they didn't mean it, they wouldn't say it.

But hey, it's your bike and wallet.
 
I would have but it was too late. I do plan on checking the electrical connections and other items mentioned. The kits mentioned are specific to my year model. I kinda hate to take something apart without seals to reassemble it and wait weeks for those seals but if that is best then I will do that.
 
Ya I get that, waiting for parts sucks, but as mentioned some of the aftermarket kits really suck too, and that then becomes a waste of money. Reread XSLeos post #14. One of the things we learn in putting 40 year old bikes back on the road is patience. Hey you can always take parts off and polish while waiting for a parts order.
 
That was nice that he gave you the bike. They are getting harder to find in decent condition. With a little time and some $ you could have a nice bike. I picked up a Z1900 several years ago that had been sitting since 88 and was dirty as hell. I was surprised how well it cleaned up. Took me three days to get the tank real clean, and I spent nearly two months cleaning every nut and bolt. Everything was removed and inspected including the engine(although the engine was not taken apart just cleaned). Work slowly and get a manual and read everything you can.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_2078.JPG
    IMG_2078.JPG
    251.1 KB · Views: 90
Back
Top