restoration

Hey there! I'm pretty new to all of this but I just wanted to share my recent fun and games. I recently purchased an '81 XS650 Special as my first bike and have been having a blast riding and updating some of the things necessary. Over the weekend, it was time to get rid of the really...

I tried to remove the right side muffler today. I loosened the three nuts (1 on the frame, 2 on the engine cylinder) but the pipe would not come off. Should I spray some Break Free on it? Removing the muffler will allow me better access to the right side cover. Do I need to use a soft mallet?

Here are two pictures of my project with the alternator cover off. The internals look pretty good for a 36 year old machine. Should I remove the starter and lube the bendix?

Like the title says, I have been wondering if stock / restorations are more or less popular that chopped/ bobbed/ café 'cut up' bikes? Personally, I prefer stock bikes and restore antique bikes of many makes back to original. In general, it is getting really hard for me to find good...

Hello all. Trying to help my brother work out some issues with an XS650 that has turned into a little bit of a nightmare. Its a 1980 special I believe. He bought it off craigslist as "running perfect", he got it home and immediately the starter motor ceases to function and there was always...

I wanted to send a big thank you out to PamcoPete,I got a defective ignition system and Pete was right on top of it.I got the replacement right away and with the Pamco ignition system the bike runs better than it ever has.With the stock TCI there was some breaking down at higher RPM,now it comes...

I want to spread the word about the great help and advice I'v received from my local vintage bike shop Bay City Cycles. Owner/operator Dan is generous with his advice and technical know how on all things a vintage motorcycle owner needs to know. Bay City Cycles can be reached at 727 967 0131 on...

Hey guys, So I've been meaning to start a thread up here. I've gotten the board's opinion on the paint for my bike here: http://www.xs650.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27624 So, yesterday I actually fired the bike up and my only real issue is an oil leak in the right hand case filter! Very...

I am trying to get a XS650B with 16,000mi up and running that has not been driven (regularly) for about 20 years. I finally got the thing tuned enough to start driving it around the neighborhood and noticed that the front brake was binding. Upon closer inspection, there was some sludge build-up...

I'm looking to buy an XS650. It could be anything from stock to a basket case. Here are a few questions that come to mind. 1) Are there any year/models that are more or less desirable than other? 2) What major parts are difficult / expensive to find? i.e. tanks, seats etc 3) What should...

As my 80 xs650 bobber build is coming to a end, ive been on the search for another bike to mess with. I came across a ad that said 74 yamaha 650 parts bike and honda frame for $200. So i called and went to see it, it is a xs650 and has been sitting outside since the 80s when a guy wrecked it...

Both of these are now running well. We took them for a little ride today up to Mount Rainier. Beautiful weather and Debb was grinning every time we stopped. Life is good.

Ok . Just got done the XS1B . I always liked the 73 model ( go figure ) . Well I found one on Craig's list and jumped on it . I already got it running . Tank was good . Gave carbs a quick cleanup and rebuilt petcocks from used stuff . Put in new plugs used condenser and used points . It ran...

Done restoring One of my XS1Bs. I just about did everything one could . New rims, spokes, tubes , liners , tires , brakes , cables , rings , valves , paint , points condenser plugs etc etc . Think I might sell this one . I will take it to Mid Ohio bike swap next week. It's runs great . It will...

The engine in my '78 finally bit the dust and I rebuilt an early 80's engine to replace it. I don't know what year to be exact without running the serial number. Anyways, will I have any issue installing the charging system, points, etc. from my old motor into the new one? I assume I wouldn't...

Hey everyone, about a month ago a family friend gave me his old 1973 TX650 that he used to ride in college. It's been parked since he had the motor, clutch and trans rebuilt in '87. I'm starting to tear it down and clean it up. I was wondering if anyone has any tips on cleaning and buffing all...

I tried to start my project again today. The starter clutch is slipping. How hard is it to lubricate the starter clutch? Can I get to it?

I want to take the chrome ring off my speedometer. The problem I am having is that the trip meter reset knob is not allowing me to remove it. What is the trick here?

Anyone have an opinion on tire pressures? I have a 72 XS2 and just put Conti Classic Attack tires on it. Do I go with the owners manual recommendations or what? These seem low to me. I am lost on what to do.

Trying to source a throttle cable for my 79 Special 2F0 US import and there seems to be some confusion with my supplier about the length and style of the cable for late bikes . Its probably because I'm buying from a UK supplier ...perhaps the late Euro bikes didn't have the ape hanger bars ...