75 Build

Johnnny13

XS650 Enthusiast
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Location
Amarillo, Texas
I recently was given a awesome 1975 XS650 from a fellow member here. I am planning on restoring / modifying it for a Marine Veteran buddy I work with. He wanted to get a Harley Sportster but I was telling him how much better a XS650 would be. I am currently still getting parts and what not but I have learned a good amount from this forum so I figured I would start to document this build.
How it looked prior to me picking it up.
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Stripped some of the parts off and how it currently sits.
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Just a small amount of the parts I've purchased.
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Some wheels I got from a fellow member here.
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Got a little bit of work done today. I wanted to run some brass handle bar risers so I went ahead ordered some Hugh’s Handbuilt solid bushings. At the time I ordered, the 1/2” diameter were not in stock. I had to file them down by hand to get the bolts to fit.
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Stripped off the front end, installed new steering neck bearings (fire, a big hammer, and a punch, was needed).
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I also got the new tires mounted, 31 tooth sprocket, and new lock tabs for both wheels.
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I installed the Hugh’s handbuilt solid riser bushings, brass risers, stainless triple tree hardware, and headlight mount. I got the replacement upper and lower triple tree in. It’s from a 78 so I could run 35mm forks. The first fork went in a bit rough but the second would not line up at all. It’s not as bad as the picture but still way off. I’ve read about lower triple trees being bent. The forks look straight. I’m going to put these forks into the 81 to see if they fit. If they do, I’ll know it’s the triple tree. If not, then I assume I need new upper fork tubes?
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if you can find a lathe big enough; chuck the fork tubes between centers, this works just fine with the upper and lower assembled. A hand spin will reveal if they are straight or bent.
 
That’s a good idea. I think I know of a shop around here that has one. I’m in the middle of a move so I build bikes out of a storage locker and paint at a buddies house. I think I’ll try fitting the tubes into the 81 I have. If the tubes are bent I’m sure they won’t fit. If they aren’t bent I’ll use another set of triples tress I have. Of course I’ll have to shave and paint those as well. Easiest would be replacing the lower triple tree. Most expensive would be replacing the upper tubes.
 
Johnny13,
All under Arizona blue skys.. that is really something.
Not sure if it is a dream or a nightmare ?
Did you find your parts ?
-RT
 
Thought I might be there. Went by it once. Had to check.
 
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