Getting acquainted...

[KC 120]

I recently purchased a 1980 XS650. I bought it with the intention of purchasing a TC Bros Hard tail. The bike starts well, runs pretty good, but does need some basic maintenance. My question is should I tear it all down and install the hard tail or, remedy misc. items that I may replace or rebuild anyway after the hard tail. The front brake caliper is going to need some new seals, the fork oil and seals should be replaced, and more than likely the clutch and cables need going through as well. My passion lies with starting with the hard tail. Thank you for any input.

 

[Bob Kelly III]

I would get the bike running in tip top form FIRST then put the hard tail on .... then if you run into problems getting it started you already Know it's something you've done... or after you get it going and it doesn't seam to run right you know it's something you've done recently because it was running really good !
this is because things like Charging problems can seam to come out of no where, but if you have already checked the brush length and everything was working great before you know it must be your recent hookup .... it helps to speed things up later to get the bike in tip top running order NOW..... not after the addition of the hard tail.
that's just my opinion, but what I'd do if I were you !
.....
Bob........

 

[KC 120]

I would get the bike running in tip top form FIRST then put the hard tail on .... then if you run into problems getting it started you already Know it's something you've done... or after you get it going and it doesn't seam to run right you know it's something you've done recently because it was running really good !
this is because things like Charging problems can seam to come out of no where, but if you have already checked the brush length and everything was working great before you know it must be your recent hookup .... it helps to speed things up later to get the bike in tip top running order NOW..... not after the addition of the hard tail.
that's just my opinion, but what I'd do if I were you !
.....
Bob........

Thanks Bob. I think I'll do just that. Winter is creeping in on us here in Illinois. It definitely won't be long before it gets cold. It would be a good time to go through it. I just have to overcome the little kid in me!

 

[mrtwowheel]

It just aint that simple. If you are committed to building a hardtail, then send your frame to TC Bros to have it welded on, all of the other changes to the frame can be done later. The big decisions and work will be in the foot controls, exhaust, electrics placement, rear brake and seat and tank mounting, these should all be done together because they are all related to one another in some way. After that, do your polishing and painting and connecting. Then take it apart, finish the frame, color the frame with your favorite crayolas and assemble every thing with new bearings.

Wow, that sounded easier than it really is.

Scott

 

[KC 120]

Scott I did not know that TCB would weld the hard tail. Thanks for sharing that with me. I bought the bike this last winter. I spent three months prior researching the motorcycle and it's after market capabilities and options. It's def gonna be a long haul. I'm looking fwd to doing all of the items you mentioned, just not sure if I should do as Bob recommended or just dive in so to speak. The responsible me says get it running/riding in tip top shape first. The little kid in me just wants to jump in from the get go. LOL. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

 

[Bob Kelly III]

You could do it either way , of course ! but which is better ? chances are if your going to have a bike that runs good you will have to buy parts to make that happen anyway.... but things like the air filters you may not want on your chopper so put those parts off till after the hard tail
exhaust is the same , use the stock for now later you may want to change that,
..... it's your project and if just getting it running good is going to turn you off and reduce the joy of having the project in the first place then just dive in, as the enthusiasm is worth it's weight in gold and you need to cultivate it on a long project !!!!!
each person is different many people get disgusted at how long it takes and give up.... adding a hard tail is a big part, and expensive to boot
Personally I would leave the swing arm and perhaps make a custom seat and change the frame so the seat sits lower....
simply because at my age I want a soft ride .... and a fat tire just won't cut it.
I like their looks though but I want work ability above all else ! because I love to ride !
getting your bike going good first will let you discover what it is you want in a bike too.... if you discover as I did that there is nothing better than leaning into a corner so hard the foot pegs fold up then I doubt you'll want a hard tail at all
although they can handle most of the time they are built to be pirty not functional... and to me.... that is a waste !
you can't get to know your bike and put some miles under your belt if you don't know weather it runs really good or not....
if all you want is to go bar hopping on it and to look cool that's another story completely..... to each their own it just depends on what you want the bike for !
......
Bob.......

 

[mrtwowheel]

Can you make a road trip? I'm on your way to TC Bros. Make an appointment with TC Bros, haul your bike this way. We can break it down in my garage, take the frame to TC Bros, 1/2 hour from my place. Back in my garage we can put the motor back in and the front end and rear wheel, you'll have a roller in 1-2 days.

Seriously, Scott

 

[xjwmx]

I bought it with the intention of purchasing a TC Bros Hard tail.

That is so ten years ago. The real hip cats are leaving it stock now.

 

[mrtwowheel]

That is so ten years ago. The real hip cats are leaving it stock now.

That is so 40 years ago. "Hip Cats", is even older.

 

[mrtwowheel]

Who wouldn't like this, or something like it to ride to the diner for breakfast?

 

[xjwmx]

Maybe we're on different wavelengths but who wouldn't wish that Triumph wasn't mint stock?

 

[mrtwowheel]

I'd say this was done in very good taste. Built by Mr. Paul Robson

 

[mrtwowheel]

Truth is, that I never desired one of these in stock form, especially when they were new and there were other bikes available.

 

[MaxPete]

I'd say this was done in very good taste.View attachment 105315

All I can say is....ooohhhh my achin' back.....

....but to each his own, I guess.

 

[Hyde]

I'd say get'er running, everything in order and ride it for what's left of the season. You never know what's lurking for issues only to rear its ugly head when you are dying to ride in the spring. When not on the road, plan out your parts and overall cost. If doing a proper long haul hard tail the $$$$ is gonna sneak up something fast depending on just how far you're going to go. And hey....if you are going to go for it....for god sakes go all the way to something fantastic and completed. The market is plenty loaded with coulda woulda shoulda projects

 

[CoconutPete]

You'll have to address a lot with a hardtail build (as already posted) but I would want to go through the bike first to make sure you don't find any surprises. Others would probably prefer to just tear it to bits and deal with things as you find them.

Me - I'm almost through my bike and should be done this winter. Then comes the real fun of tearing it down to the frame and doing paint etc.

 

[lakeview]

I would definitely get it running correctly first, and change the ownership to your name while stock (if that may be an issue in your jurisdition) so you know what you have before you start chopping. Nothing worse than seeing some hacked up pile of parts being sold for cents on the dollar because someone's unplanned modifications got out of hand.

 

[xjwmx]

View attachment 105316 Truth is, that I never desired one of these in stock form, especially when they were new and there were other bikes available.

Is that picture supposed to represent stock?

 

[mrtwowheel]

Is that picture supposed to represent stock?

Hell no, read the post.

Don't preach to me about hardtails. I could very well go on about the inadequacy of your stock XS, but I won't. So, you are in a glass house, leave the effing stones on the ground.

Scott

 

[5twins]

I don't think I'd want that one either. That looks to be a '74 which I consider about the ugliest one.