1979 XS650 I found one...

[cloudbreakmd]

I took a quick lunch break to check the swingarm bushings on the bike by trying to move the rear tire sideways in both directions... Thankfully I found zero play.

 

[cloudbreakmd]

To give you an idea of how bad the tires are and a look at the rear muffler rot.

 

[fredintoon]

Hi cloudbreak,
yeah, those tires are totally hooped and they just gotta go.
But the mufflers. There's options.
At no cost at all, simply ride it that way.
If you are totally strapped for cash there's adhesive chrome strip that'll do a temporary fix.
Next most costly is carefully sawing the mufflers off of the headers and using automobile exhaust pipe adapters to bring the inner header tubes out to where
the slip-on mufflers of your choice will fit on. That trick is fully detailed and findable via the "search" button.
Or spend more to buy a new aftermarket exhaust system.
Finally, mortgage your firstborn to buy a NOS genuine replacement.
Makes the ~$35 for the sensibly shaped handlebar you really should install seem quite reasonable, eh?

 

[nj1639]

Yep. What are you thinking on the exhaust as far as a replacement, and like Fred alludes, how much do you plan on spending.

 

[azman857]

Shinko tires are OK for the money. I'm runnin a 712 on the front and a 230 on the back. Works well. Even wet.

 

[cloudbreakmd]

I am on a low budget unfortunately (service member). I'm hoping to find pipes on this forum and the other bits I need to get her restored. Time will tell I suppose.

 

[MaxPete]

Put a "WANTED advert up in the Classifieds - something will turn up. Also - check you local motorcycle salvage places - they almost always have 650 parts...

 

[cloudbreakmd]

The 230's are $126 for the pair shipped. So I think that's the direction I am headed. And whatever I don't know, I'm hoping with all of your patience I will learn.

 

[cloudbreakmd]

What salvage pages do you recommend?

 

[cloudbreakmd]

Haha and I have several brand new new bars sitting around because I am a motorcycle parts hoarder.

 

[DanielBlack]

And whatever I don't know, I'm hoping with all of your patience I will learn.

If you keep that attitude, the forum's patience is a remarkably deep well.

 

[azman857]

I was USAF 1/3 of a lifetime ago....but I was single then too...drinkin beer and chasing skirts....and wrenching on fighter jets in my spare time,,,LOLOL!!

 

[cloudbreakmd]

I finally got around to recovering the seat today (as it was raining and I couldn't do anything else).

 

[kshansen]

Looks good! Who's cover is that? I'm just guessing that Yamaha does not still offer them.

 

[cloudbreakmd]

It's a cover I bought on eBay from Thailand.

 

[nj1639]

Yeah, seat looks great! The '78 and '79 seats are the best looking, and most comfortable, in the Special lineup.

 

[Bob Kelly III]

cloudbreakmd: Very nice job ! that looks fantastic ! Well Done !
.....
Bob.........

 

[cloudbreakmd]

Another update... I'm going to pull the carbs apart and clean them. They may be just fine but I figure why not? Two of my friends and I just purchased a Ultrasonic Cleaner. What better way to clean the carbs?

 

[cloudbreakmd]

Just got more good news... Another friend just gave me brand-new steering bearings and fork seals as well as a set of clean forks (minus the black painted bottoms). I'm hoping it's a home done black paint job on bottom so I can strip and polish the forks.

 

[MaxPete]

Another update... I'm going to pull the carbs apart and clean them. They may be just fine but I figure why not? Two of my friends and I just purchased a Ultrasonic Cleaner. What better way to clean the carbs?

You've got an ultrasonic cleaner !!! Very cool.

I'm comin' over with some parts to clean - just one question:
- where the heck are 'the Maryland suburbs of DC'?
- do you have BEvERages - or should I bring some.

Ok, that was two questions, but I am excited about your ultrasonic cleaner.

Hahahahahahaha.

Pete