Need some direction on my 81 XS...

I bought a 81' XS650 from the side of some old lady's house. It has sat in my garage for about 4 months and I am finally starting to tear into it. I need some help.

My original thought was to hardtail it, but after looking at some pictures a cafe or tracker is not out of the question.

Where I need help is the bike does not run. My thoughts are before tearing it completely apart I should see if I could get it running at least on the stand.

I have not owned a Yamaha and my last few bikse did not require much work as they were new and the the other bike that I have worked on had been in the family for awhile so I knew what was wrong with it. With this XS I have no clue.

Back to the help, what is the starting sequence for the bike? The last guy messed with the electrical and the bike did not run when I bought it.

I have been missing parts so I am not sure.

First I turn the key to on. (I had to buy an ignition switch and key)
Second on the right hand control I flip it to Run. (i had to buy a right hand control because the starter button was missing)
Third I hold the clutch in (which I am not sure is engaging)
Last push the starter button. (I charged the battery and it is holding a charge)

Am I missing something? I am not getting anything. I was hoping just to hear a bump and it try to start. I know the gas tank and carbs are a mess, but I just wantt to hear something.

Any help would be great.

James

I would get the bike running as is and ride it this season to get a feel for it. It will be easier to fix and sort problems on a stock machine as opposed to some cut up custom job. I wouldn't even attempt to start it without disassembling and thoroughly cleaning the carbs. They need it, take my word for it. And quit buying parts you don't need. You can get just the start button for like $5, you don't need to buy the whole switch assembly.

Read this thread:
http://www.xs650.com/forum/showthread.php?t=367
Study the tech section, look for wiring diagrams
http://www.xs650.com/tech.php
And get a hold of a manual

"Third I hold the clutch in (which I am not sure is engaging)
Last push the starter button. (I charged the battery and it is holding a charge)"

Put the bike in neutral instead.
I'd have the manual handy and be probing with an ohm meter or probe light to make sure the electrics are where they're supposed to be for starting. There are some safety relays that can go south on ya.
I know it can be frustrating but patience and persistance pays off in indescribable dividends when that heap that has been ignored for soooo many years coughs to life. Allmost as elating as a firstborns arrival.

If it has been sitting, I would put some penetrating oil down in the pistons, change the oil and clean out the sump before attempting to start it.

Just a hint, stop "buying" parts!
You cannot buy your way to a runner XS650 you will go broke first
Once you have a proven runner then what you can't fix replace....
A bent piece of house wire with the ends flattened replaces an ignition switch for testing. If the spring is sticking out a screw driver serves as a starter "button".
You can short the terminals on the starter solenoid to get the the bump noise. Look on the lower RH side of the engine, there is a lever, it folds out, next to it is a label advising that it is the KICK STARTER. The real question on an 81 is does it have spark? Remove both spark plugs. put them on the wires, place them on the engine. turn ignition and stop switches on, be sure bike is in neutral, kick it, watch for spark.
We all have to start somewhere and many an old XS650 has served as a home mechanic's teacher. This site has an incredible amount of information. you need to read the tech guide and learn.
OK I was jerking your chain a bit on the kick starter, did that bother you? My point is learning old motorcycle mechanics can be a rather humbling experience, rich rewards too, it's hard to beat the feeling the first time you ride a true "I fixed it myself" bike down the road but there is going to be some humility between now and that day. You have a lot to learn. We all have been down this path. Be prepared to spend some time just figuring out what are the right questions to ask....

A comment about the starter button. My oem plastic one broke and I found a guy online who makes them, plastic or aluminum. The horn button is the same. I went aluminum because I figure it would probably never wear out. Decent price and fast turn around. I got springs too.
http://www.freewebs.com/kibokojoe/

Also I found a guy on ebay who sells keys . I take it you had no key? Get the four digit number off the original ignition and look in his listing to see if he has it. That way your tank and ignition, helmet lock etc SHOULD be all keyed the same. Just like the original and it works perfectly. Hope this helps.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/YAMAHA-KEY-...rcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item19d0797016

valhalla, the kill switch is a known fault. It requires cleaning to work properly.
Something about it will show voltage but won't pass enough amps or somesuch.
Jayel, 5twins or numerous others could tell you. I just followed their lead when they said it is a problem and cleaned mine.
Somethings I don't have to understand.
Probably won't be the sole problem but it has been one for others.

Next would be the wire connections. They have to be clean to work best.

Welcome to the boards.

#1 check your fuse box, it appears the top is off get out your VOM or better a 12 volt test light, check if you have 12 volts on both sides of all the fuses. Often the metal fuse holders are going to crumble. The fuse box is often junk if it is do a search on here about fuse box repair or replace as necessary, let us know what you find, and we will go on from there.

This may seem basic, but the first thing to do is to use the kick starter and see if the motor turns over without making any horrible sounds. If it doesn't remember this old saw: "the most expensive bike I ever owned I got for free."

Hey Guys,

Thanks for all of the help. The support is awesome! Some of these things I have done, others I have not. I will put some work in and keep you posted.