Looking for advice

Hey all, I have done very minor work on my prior bikes, carb cleaning, seats/handlebar work, etc but am not a mechanic by any means but I have acquired a non-running xs. Is there a master list of what to tackle first and in a specific order I can follow to get started. I know it holds compression but after that I am lost. Thanks for any help!

Hi and welcome jgorman
From tech,

this is as good a plan as any
http://www.xs650.com/threads/guide-...checklist-for-the-condition-of-your-find.367/

Welcome to the site.
Post a couple pictures of your new to you machine so we can see whatcha got.

Personally, I start with the wiring, going through it all. I start at the tail light and work my way up to the front, to the headlight bucket. I clean the wiring, all the connections, and check for any rubbed bare wires. Next step would be the carbs, a tear down and cleaning, and replacement of any needed parts. Then in your case, if the bike is stock, you'll have ignition stuff to deal with (points, advance unit, advance rod). Last step before starting would be fresh oil and clean the oil filters. There's a good chance the bottom sump filter is torn and will need repair. I like to change this first batch of fresh oil rather quickly, like within a few hundred miles, and clean the filters again, so as to flush the engine out.

lakeview said:

Welcome to the site.
Post a couple pictures of your new to you machine so we can see whatcha got.

Click to expand...

Yeah, this site is full of nosy beggars.

Welcome to the forum @jgorman . There's lots of people with loads of experience here. I think the best advice is to work through the jobs that need doing to get your bike running and in a safe condition rather than having a grand plan of a custom of any kind and just "tearing into it". By that time you should have a good measure of the XS650 and what is needed to keep a 40 year old bike going. It's 1970s motorcycling so don't expect silky smooth or stunning performance. They're noisy and vibrate a bit. You MAY not even like it at the end of the day. But I'm sure you will.

You say you've only done minor stuff before. Me too, But you'll be surprised at what you can learn along the way. (see that search box top left ... have look first. Most problems have been solved and documented here by someone.) When you get stuck come back here. If you don't know, ask here.

After that, flat tracker, custom, resto mod, standard or concours its up to you. Its your bike but you won't find many washer and rivet counters here.

Oh, and don't forget the photos.

Dave

Start with the battery; charge it or get a new one and not a cheap one. Then check fuses and replace the fuse box for a modern fuse type. You might not be a mechanic, but no time like now to learn how to work on the xs650. You will probably want to know at least enough to get it and keep it running. Check the tech section it’s full of good threads to help and also has a digital maintenance manual.

gggGary said:

Hi and welcome jgorman
From tech,
View attachment 167427
this is as good a plan as any
http://www.xs650.com/threads/guide-...checklist-for-the-condition-of-your-find.367/

Click to expand...

If this only posts to one reply, I mean it for everyone, thanks for the feedback and advice! I will get some pics posted to this thread as well!

Welcome to XSive fun............

need a manual.......... Can be bought or they are available online.....post links if required

First off the bike needs to be ID'd.......... they were made from 70-83 and about 19 different models that had major changes, 2 to the frame and 2 to the ignition system and 6 different carb setups and within those 6, 2 types of CV carbs and lots of other things.......One real good thing is from 74-83 the motor doesn't change..........Confused...........only untill things get ID'd properly.........

Assuming you dont know electrics........and some of these links won't be found in the Tech menu

If the wiring loom is good then that is where to start.......all the loom connections, (couplings and bullet), need to be checked, cleaned/replaced, (if required), again, switches, checked for damage and cleaned, and testing for resistance/continuity, (same thing measuring if power can run through the system without encountering any broken wires,oxidation or dirty connection in switches or relays). Doing this first will make any trouble shooting of the charging system, ignition, lights, or even carbs easier because you know that your loom is carrying the current required so any other discoveries where there is voltage drop can be isolated with confidence.

These links help to understand the electrical system, how it works and some diagnostic...........sort of in order from a starting point.
http://www.dansmc.com/electricaltesting.htm

Very good explanation from XSleo
http://www.xs650.com/threads/what-happens-when-you-turn-your-key-on.9625/

Multi meter it uses, and a How to on Continuity/Resistance testing
http://www.xs650.com/threads/how-to-use-multimeter.27826/
http://www.xs650.com/threads/continuity-testing-made-easy.49917/

Contact of Grounds or Earth......How important....Very
http://www.xs650.com/threads/grounds-so-important.41775/

Pics of the bike...........Very important and most of us cant read and need pics..........does have advantages as these bike have often had parts swapped from other years and the eagle eyes on here will be able to identify any of these...........

ID, vin no's especially and pics........again we cant read........

NOTE: Do not buy anything before asking around on here..................Advice from friends, although well intention-ed, will 99.9 times out of 100 be wrong when it come down to the XS650......

And another thing........if one thread is used for any questions, (basicly a build thread), it is easier for the regulars to keep track, to know the bikes details, and what advice they have given before.......