restoration

  1. gnarlybynature

    new to the forum, going on a big ride

    hey guys & gals, Just registered on the forum, but I have surfed through a couple times looking for advice. I've been riding a 1981 xs 650 for about 3 years, my first bike, and I can't get enough. I'm no mechanic but am learning as much as I can. Over the time I have had the bike I have...
  2. gggGary

    Early ignition switch R&R 70-73

    Mainly a go ahead and do it thread, the early switch is a simple device. Water can enter through the key slot and head down to the contacts. Mine was a touch intermittent had to wiggle key to get the headlight on sometimes. Remove two screws visible at base of switch and out it comes. Undo...
  3. SinisterMatti

    What preventative maintenance should I do next?

    I bought my 1978 XS650 nearly 3 months ago, and since then I've been in a constant battle to catch up with maintenance. I feel like now I've caught up, and I'd like to get ahead. So far I've done fork seals, solid state voltage regulator/rectifier, front brake system clean/rebuild (with new...
  4. gggGary

    Bent ear, headlight bucket "Meatball mechanic fix"

    I see a lot of bikes with bent ears from a tip over getting the turnsignal. I was doing some R&R on the front of the 73 and that bent ear was bugging me. These are after shots but this method really helped and it was "quick and dirty". For the ear, a chunk of 2x6 across the whole ear, you...
  5. Dumbmonkey

    Tank Emblems???

    Hey there, I have a 1981 Special II, and my tank emblems basically broke and crumbled away. I dunno, maybe being 35 year old plastic had something to do with it, lol. Anyhow, does anyone have any other options for tank emblems that one can use? I know I can get the original gold ones from...
  6. SinisterMatti

    How have you cleaned your original headers

    I have a 78 xs650, and the headers are a mess. they are tinted tan with specs of rust. I've tried several different chrome cleaners, one of which claims to remove rust, and have been unable to produce any significant improvement. What have you found works well, and what methods do you use to...
  7. R

    WTB Lower Side Covers

    I have a 1983 XS650 Special....I need both right (tool box) and left (chain guard) lower side covers....if anyone has a set or knows where I can get them, please let me know....Thanks
  8. wrenchjohns

    stainless trim around xs1 seat

    i just got motorcycleseatsdirect.com repro seat; fits, looks good, but hasn't the stainless strip around the bottom has anyone come up with a reasonable solution
  9. SinisterMatti

    Help with Caliper Rebuild

    I was wondering if anyone could point me to a caliper rebuild how to for a 1978 xs650. My front brakes stopped releasing out of the blue. Tried cleaning out the reservoir and flushing the brake system without results, so my next step will be to try and rebuild the caliper. I've used the search...
  10. gggGary

    70 survivor on fleabay

    Hold my beer and watch THIS. http://www.ebay.com/itm/131520378797?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2648&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT started watching at $1300 this morning,reserve met at $2000 two hours later. :popcorn: :bike: :popcorn:
  11. jradvantage

    Blowing fuses on my 1978 xs650e...need guidance!

    So, I've been working on this bike off and on for about a year. It ran (barely) and all the electrical worked; horn, blinkers, the whole works. Also, appeared to be stock, with the exception of the regulator/rectifier combo. I took off the air box and replaced with uni-filters and removed...
  12. gggGary

    Clutch lever pivot bushing

    I've been working on the 79 survivor. With only 9400 miles the PO's were having clutch issues, there was a new cable, what looks like a new factory worm assembly. And they still had it fuggled up, First I backed off the cable adjuster all the way, then reset the worm screw, that got it back...
  13. B

    First Bike / Barn Find / Bobber Build Thread

    I have always dreamed of riding a motorcycle and it all fell into place when I came across this bike. During a barbecue, my friends crazy old neighbor came hobbling over from the 1960s with his Grateful Dead tattoos and pirate earrings. In between gravelly commands at his pitbull Lola, he...
  14. gggGary

    72-76 front brake pad and replacement line choices

    Need to put some new pads on the 73, nearly all stock, I'm not racing it. Anyone have some input on how various pads work/feel? Here's what I've found so far No name from mikes Part # 29-3508 Brake Pad Set 1973-76 XS650 TX650 Brake Pad Set 1973-76 XS650 TX650 (#29-3508)...
  15. T

    Why is she giving me trouble starting?

    I've done the following; installed new plugs/wires, ignition coils, battery, fuses and had the carbs cleaned. My bike will start one day but not the next. What else should I investigate?
  16. pnedac

    A cafe for the ages

    Finally getting around to doing a cafe that I intend to keep. I have done a few other XS650s, but now that I am more familiar with the bike it is time to just make one for me self. I will try and keep track. I got this bike about a month ago and I am tearing it down and rebuilding. So far I...
  17. M

    color

    hi , i have a xs2 650 '72 does anyone know tell me, the brake caliper, the brake pump,the handbundle control , :D what kind of black are painted glossy or matte?
  18. 650Skull

    Which is your Favourate Model

    I Have a 74TXA Cinnamon Brown. Not the original color though. Come across an original paint Cinnamon Brown 74TXA, the paint on top of the tank has some fading but this is the best one i have seen a pic of. Every one has there favorite color scheme, and i am no different but i have found...
  19. A

    Restoration

    So I'm new to this, so bear with me. I am looking into getting a project bike, just want to see if it is worth it before i make the jump. Here are some pictures of the bike i plan on getting. Please tell me if this is won't cost me everything I own in just getting this running.
  20. SinisterMatti

    Starter issue

    I recently made the monumental mistake of washing my 1978 XS650e. Since then, my electric starter will not work. It almost seems as if the button is not connected anymore. There is no reaction whatsoever when i press the starter button. I took the button assembly apart and cleaned all connection...
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