restoration

I am missing the starter button for my 1978 XS 650. Do I need to buy the whole right side handlebar set up or can I make do with a $6.60 horn button?

Hey folks, first time posting and have recently been lurking. I owned a 1979 xs650 Special a long time ago and recently came into posession of a 1976 xs650. The PO said it 'ran before being put into storage' so I will take for what it's worth, which at this point isn't a whole lot. It does...

I used this spread sheet to keep track of what I was doing. Coming to the end of my build and thought someone might find this useful. I know I would have.

Hi ,are there any XS650 owners in the UK who would be willing to offer advice on my XS2 restoration,things like where to get parts from in the Uk and help with the electrical side of things .I am in the NE lincs area Thanks

I'm restoring a 1977 XS650. Looking for a clean accessory tail rack - not large, just enough for a small tail bag when traveling. Would also like a small back rest as a seperate piece. Haven't found anything online -- some universal fit stuff but nothing that looks right. Any ideas?

Bought this from a guy, who bought it from a boneyard, who found it at their gate one morning. It's had just a bit of get it ready to start work since then. This was the first fire on newly overhauled carbs with new brass, throttle shaft seals and the Nesco full of pinesol treatment.

So a while back I noticed a small leak, very small, coming from the neutral detent bolt. got some advise to replace the gasket, pulled the bolt. when the bolt was out I noticed the source of the leak, a small crack in the threads... then when i went to clean the oil off... it broke, no...

I am rebuilding a Yamaha 650 twin. This was a family bike that has been stored for at least 25 years. I am planning to track the project through the site, pick up some info on the way, and hopefully help others out who have projects of their own. It will probably be a very slow process with...

I need to replace my pegs well the front ones anyway. The original pegs and brackets are appallingly crude and heavy. I couldn't bear to buy another lot of copy pegs so I wondered if there were some cool pegs from another model or make that could be adapted to fit ? I need wide pegs as I am...

First short ride today on the restored XS650, to the MOT station. (Last time out it was probably annoying New York residents, now its waking up the babies in Barton on Sea; UK). Haha.......ain't life wonderful! Sounds really good on its original exhaust pipes! and handles better than expected...

Lads, Can anyone recommend a good make of tank sealant/sealer they have used themselves and not had problems with. Leslie

Hey everyone, I began stripping down my carburetors today. I cannot get the throttle valve and diaphragm out. According to my Haynes manual, it should tip out. I don't want to tear it out because a new one from Mike's is $70.00 I sprayed some carb cleaner on the needle that sticks out the other...

Almost two years ago I laid down my '77 XS650 with my oldest daughter on the back. We were fine and the bike though not able to be ridden was not too damaged. My wife however put her foot down on repairing it. Instead my friend bought it from me and it sat in his garage until a couple weeks ago...

This winters project was a solo seat. It is an ebay harley police solo seat and bracket with a mount that I welded up. All bolt on so I can switch back to a standard seat at any time. I had to drill and tap a hole in the gas tank mount, my 1975 did not have one. I also epoxied two metric all...

Just completed first time restoration of "modern" classic. As many original parts as possible have been kept on the bike. Engine complete rebuild. Most parts from Mikesxs (good service and no problems with shipment).

I got this 84 heritage special back in November, was able to get it for free after rescuing it from a shed. To say the least, it had seen much better days. The frame was hacked up pretty good, I'm guessing in an attempt to lower it, they welded in some much thinner bar stock and repositioned...

I removed and cleaned my oil filters today. They are in amazing shape for being manufactured in 1978. I posted some before and after cleaning pictures.

Hello all. After I tear down my engine I want to get some things soda blasted. I don't have a big enough air compressor available to do it myself, so I was wondering if anybody knew of any places in Rhode Island or Mass that soda blasts. I've searched but have only come up with strictly boat...

Hey guys been lookin for a 650 for a while and finally picked up a all original 1980 xs650 for 200 bucks no paper work and been sitting in a sideyard for awhile, everything is there and motor is seized. I really want to get this thing going possibly make a nice bobber out of it but first thing...

I tried to remove the oil sump today. I removed the 6 bolts by the front drain plug. The filter plate did not move. Is it safe to give it a few whacks with a wooden mallet? I don't think the filter plate has ever been off the bike. I searched the forum, but no one has written how hard/easy...