Another newbie starting a project

[Muneio]

So a few weeks ago I got the bug to rebuild an old bike don't know why just one of those things. After looking around and reading lots of posts here and on the SOHC/4 forums I've decided I want to go in the cafe direction. I ended up with a 81 XS650 that I rode home yesterday it ran great and was totally a fun ride except the brakes sucked big time! That will be an area of focus for sure. I have started tearing it down as I try to visualize how I want it to look. Trying to plan ahead so I can clean up the frame etc before PC. Will see what happens? Wish me luck.

Keep basket

Sell off basket

 

[xjwmx]

I have an '81 that I'm keeping stock. I'll buy your head pipes from ya....

 

[Muneio]

I have an '81 that I'm keeping stock. I'll buy your head pipes from ya....

I'm headed out of town for a few days I'll PM you when I get back.

Thanks Bill

 

[matt81xs]

looks like a good project bill, ill keep track of your progress. whats the gauge i see on the right side of the motor towards the back side???

 

[inxs]

- most likely oil temp directly in the dipstick

 

[Muneio]

- most likely oil temp directly in the dipstick

Thats exactly what it is.

 

[Muneio]

I was away for a few days and work has been getting in the way. But I've gotten it completely striped down now. So far it's been pretty straight forward and I'm hoping I remember how everything goes back together. Next is cutting all the extra bits off the frame and welding on the new bits before sending to PC.

Running out of room

Frame finally stripped clean

Engine out

Will be working on battery box and electronics placement next so I know what I need to modify on frame.

 

[Muneio]

I ordered a seat from Roc City Cafe Racer and got a tank from a 75 XS650 on ebay, and I'm anxious to receive those. In the meantime I've been figuring out the logistics of moving the battery and electronics. Today I fabricated an aluminium tray under the seat to hold some of the electrics and cut the enormous hump off the tail end of the frame. Next I need to extend the frame from where I cut it off to hold the seat, battery and the rest of the electrics.

Seat on order:

My buddys tank from a 75 XS650 same as the one I'm getting from ebay:

Tray I fabricated today:

 

[Muneio]

Cut down the front fender today

 

[pyrocentric]

If you're used to riding beemers an xs must feel like a tin can on wheels. No wonder you thought the brakes suck.

 

[Muneio]

If you're used to riding beemers an xs must feel like a tin can on wheels. No wonder you thought the brakes suck.

LOL, well I think these brakes need some work .

 

[cooltouch]

If you're used to riding beemers an xs must feel like a tin can on wheels. No wonder you thought the brakes suck.

I ride both Beemers and an XS650. I'd have to say that my '81 XS's brakes actually require less effort to haul the bike down than those on my '76 BMW R90/6. Those old bikes with their under-the-tank master cylinder are not known for stopping well. Different story entirely though with my '88 R100RS -- it stops great.

Hey Muneio, I like what I see so far. Nice fab job, and I like the looks of your trimmed front fender. Got any more recent project pics?

 

[Muneio]

Hey Michael,
No more pics yet, but soon. Should have frame back from PC in the next few days.

 

[Teebs]

Nice clean fab work so far. Looking forward to updates.

 

[alfredo]

how is the build going?

 

[Muneio]

how is the build going?

Hey Alfredo,
It's getting there. I've got the frame powdered coated, the rims painted and laced still need to true them and have been painting the engine and various other parts. Also put in new steering head bearings, wheel bearings, swing arm bushings, rebuilt calipers getting pretty close to re-assembly but need to order some parts such as fork tubes etc and have to wait until I have some money

 

[alfredo]

how did you clean the engine before painting and what paint did you use? I was thinking of blasting my engine after its all together but thought it might ruin all the seals . . . . .

 

[Muneio]

I soda blasted it then wiped down the bottom end with acetone because some oil dripped out. I primered it with VHT high temp primer #sp=118 and painted it with VHT #Sp-906 Barrel paint.

"VHT Barrel Spray Paint SP-905 Gloss Black &
SP-906 Satin Black is custom formulated to restore motorcycle engines to their original factory appearance.

It is extremely resistant to oil, gasoline and solvents and heat resistant to 550°F. Virtually stops rust and corrosion while resisting chipping, cracking and fading."

Got the paint from Caswell Plating

 

[alfredo]

I soda blasted it then wiped down the bottom end with acetone because some oil dripped out.

You did this after you had the whole thing assembled? No problems with the gaskets other than the oil you mentioned?

 

[Muneio]

yeah all assembled and the oil leak was because I didn't have the drain plugs tight.