Introduction

dburnettwi

Yamaha Convert
Messages
9
Reaction score
21
Points
3
Location
Denver
Hello all,

I just wanted to take a moment to formally introduce myself. I purchased a 1979 XS650F in September, and have spent the last few months riding it (and working on it), in between working and going to college. I want to thank you for all of your help in dealing with some of the issues the PO created on the bike. I've worked on smaller CBs, but this is my first time owning a Yamaha. I have to say I love everything about these bikes.

Currently I'm waiting for the weather in Denver to warm up enough to install some new electrical goodies (Autozone regulator and ebay rectifier, as well as an on/off switch for my headlight and taillight). In addition, I'm waiting for replacement 1.5" headers and EPOs from MMM to arrive so I can install them with my Lossa 12" stainless mufflers.

Again, thanks a ton for sharing your wisdom on these bikes, guys (5twins, grizld1, weekendrider, 2M, pamcopete, ggGary, and more). I look forward to becoming a valuable asset to the community as well!

I know how much everyone loves photos on here, so I've attached a photo of my bike as it appears now:
 
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Looks like you got a nice one to tinker with there.
Welcome!
 
Hey, I appreciate it Jim! It was in pretty poor condition when I received it, but it's finally near what I'll call the point of completion. For now, at least! Ha
 
CO can a have a long winter when you rather be ridin. Welcome.
I've pm'd re: your stock exhaust.
 
Nice looking bike, I am currently building a 79 that will look similar when finished.

I love the 79. I read that for stock carbs, the 78-79 had some of the best Mikunis. When I bought the bike, the PO had put on a pair of those crappy XSPerformance carbs. I found a pair of completely refurbed BS38s from a 79, and it runs so much smoother. I need to start a build thread when I get a chance. What all do you have left to do on yours?
 
Received the best birthday gift ever- a NOS tank from a 1980 Special. Still had the factory seals over the holes. It's been like late Christmas for me here in Denver, with all of the packages that have been arriving at my house. I just received my stainless spokes from Mike's, a new cam chain and tensioner guide from boats.net, and a battery tray as well as a bunch of other miscellaneous goods. I know there are a few members on here in the Denver area (@jamesgs4 comes to mind), but if anyone knows of an excellent powder coater for my rims and hubs, I'd appreciate it. As soon as my new wheel bearings arrive, I'd like to get the blasting/coating done. I know Woody's Wheel Works downtown is available, but if there is anyone who is a bit less expensive, that would be great.

A pretty current picture of the beast. I'm running Lossa 12" reverse cones, but I took them off to fit the 1.5" XS Performance headers. I'm kinda bummed that the headers aren't symmetrical. I'm hoping I can cut them and rotate the bottom portion out a bit on the right one so that it matches the curves of the left one.

I hope everyone's 2018 is off to as great start of a start as mine. It's going to be fun juggling 3 science classes, a French class, working at a bar, AND getting stuff done on the ol' XS. At least this is the last semester of university.

xs650 new tank.jpg
 
Save your old Standard tank.

Oh, I am going to. I'm a parts hoarder. I never get rid of anything. Out of curiousity, why do you advice doing so? Because of the larger fuel capacity? My Standard tank is beat/scratched to hell (it was when I bought the bike).
 
Received the best birthday gift ever- a NOS tank from a 1980 Special. Still had the factory seals over the holes. It's been like late Christmas for me here in Denver, with all of the packages that have been arriving at my house. I just received my stainless spokes from Mike's, a new cam chain and tensioner guide from boats.net, and a battery tray as well as a bunch of other miscellaneous goods. I know there are a few members on here in the Denver area (@jamesgs4 comes to mind), but if anyone knows of an excellent powder coater for my rims and hubs, I'd appreciate it. As soon as my new wheel bearings arrive, I'd like to get the blasting/coating done. I know Woody's Wheel Works downtown is available, but if there is anyone who is a bit less expensive, that would be great.

A pretty current picture of the beast. I'm running Lossa 12" reverse cones, but I took them off to fit the 1.5" XS Performance headers. I'm kinda bummed that the headers aren't symmetrical. I'm hoping I can cut them and rotate the bottom portion out a bit on the right one so that it matches the curves of the left one.

I hope everyone's 2018 is off to as great start of a start as mine. It's going to be fun juggling 3 science classes, a French class, working at a bar, AND getting stuff done on the ol' XS. At least this is the last semester of university.

View attachment 112238

Hi dburnettwi, and welcome. I just noticed your post....I live in Longmont and used Custom Coatings, LLC in Berthoud. Good job and
reasonable pricing. They have a large selection of coatings. Don't know if they're too far or not, just throwing it out there.
It sounds like your enjoying you bike build. Keep us posted.
 
Hi dburnettwi, and welcome. I just noticed your post....I live in Longmont and used Custom Coatings, LLC in Berthoud. Good job and
reasonable pricing. They have a large selection of coatings. Don't know if they're too far or not, just throwing it out there.
It sounds like your enjoying you bike build. Keep us posted.

Hey, thanks for that info, Mr Bultaco! I have family in Berthoud. I'll give Custom Coatings a call and find out what their rates are like. I'm not wanting anything too crazy. As long as they have semi-gloss black, they'll work for me.
 
Oh, I am going to. I'm a parts hoarder. I never get rid of anything. Out of curiousity, why do you advice doing so? Because of the larger fuel capacity? My Standard tank is beat/scratched to hell (it was when I bought the bike).

Yep, the larger capacity. A gallon more I believe. I do like how the Special tank is slimmer and shows a bit more of the engine looking down from the seated position, but that extra gallon sure is nice. I went further yet and found a knee dent xs750 tank for 4.5 gallons......
 
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