Barn bike: XS750 Special

[zymurgist]

I am helping a friend bring an old bike back to life. I could have sworn it was an XS650 when I saw it before... when we looked at it last weekend in his barn (literally!), I was surprised to see that it was in reality a 750 Special. It's all there, but it needs some work. Things I know about right now are:

Front brake calipers are disconnected, reason isn't clear to me
Rear brake pedal is spongy, suspect no fluid
Throttle sticks and doesn't return
Old battery, tires, etc.

I don't know if there are XS750 mavens here (given the name of the website ), but any insight or advice would be appreciated to get this puppy to hunt. I've had a fair amount of experience with classic cars, including air cooled Porsches, but I'm a noob when it comes to motorcycles.

 

[matt81xs]

well.....id say see the main page and go under the "so you just got your xs home" section...pretty much the norm for old bikes needing some love.....

 

[weekendrider]

Hi zymurgist you may find better resources on a forum for the triples.
http://www.xs750e.com/ or this thread looked informative
http://www.bikerforum.co.uk/forums/classic-vintage-bike-chat/10243-1977-yamaha-xs750.html

 

[gentlemanjim]

I had one, very nice power deliver great bikes, BUT they had a transmission problem are were prone to jump out of second, gear. I have read there are two fixes one easy and one not so easy. Here are a few links for ore info,

http://http://www.xs750e.com/index.htm
http://http://www.yamaha-triples.org/

 

[xjwmx]

When I pulled in to park a couple of hours ago, there was a xs750 Special there so I got to see the two bikes side by side. The 750 looked pretty cool, a lot like a 650 Special but a little bigger frame. It had gotten a flat black treatment all over. I went in and the owner came out and started it, one easy kick, and it sounded great. I'd take either one.