'81-Build Thread-The Handover

Taking longer than I thought, but Im not cutting corners.

Bill, this Handover has been a wonderful thread. It is great to see RVA's bike getting a complete make-over. Thing is, his "1 problem after another" would have just continued. He bought what he thought was a decent bike, but that bike was rode hard. That worn sprocket tells me the chain was whipped- probably seldom lubed. It is nice to see everything being brought back to life.

If there is a future owner, it is good to know that the bike will be in better shape for them than the poor handover RVA first received. Well done.
 
Totally agree with DoubleE littlebill - good for you for getting this old gal going and doing it right!
 
"
Selling my 1981 Yamaha XS650 Special Bobber! It is the 2 cylinder 650cc model with 17,xxx miles on it, new tires front and rear, new front master cylinder, fresh top end rebuild, fresh carb soak and rebuild, Sportster style bars, LED taillights, electric start as well as the kick start, and exhaust wrapped. It is 100% ready to ride! I am switching classes to an Enduro/ Adventure type bike and don't need this one just sitting around. Also comes with a Clymer manual and some of the old parts taken off in the customization if you would like them. Comes with a brand new battery added on Nov. 3, 2016! It runs great, fires right up every time, and gets tons of compliments on the road when I ride it! Totally a custom, one of a kind bike that you won't find another one like anywhere in the world!"

...This was the description the seller used. I purchased on Nov. 22nd. He was asking 2,800 for it.. got him down to 2k. What a fucking bummer. I'm sorry it ended up being a mess for you.
 
But I do feel a lot better that it is in your hands now, knowing that you're going to get it running right. I've been checking back on this thread, it has been cool to see what you have done to it.
 
Good for you RVA - great attitude. Just watch a master at work and learn...and some day......
 
There it is again!!!!
"Fresh Top End"....with the cam in backwards, and nothing else done. Just look at my pics, lol.

Oh, by the way, the clutch friction pads are toast as well. Thinner than a 5 cent cup of coffee.
 
Got my OEM one piece clutch pushrod today. Waiting for some seals, especially the leaking seal for the shift shaft. It even leaks of you tip the engine to one side.

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While it hasn't come recently the question "how much for a rebuild" does come round. This your thread will help answer with current costs.
 
The clutch push rods.
The clutch nut, by the way, was 27mm on the engine.
The short rod was severly pitted and a deep dimple. The long rod has a dimple, but also feels like a really light weight, rough milled aluminum rod.

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Interesting. I can't see using aluminium for that component-which issosubject towear on the balls etc.
 
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