Bushyboy's build thread

So picked up my 1980 xs650 yesterday and have started poking around to see what needs to be repaired. I have the new battery charging while I upgrade the fuse box since a glass fuse was blown and it was jerry rigged up anyways. Previous owner said carb needs to be tuned but judging by the air filters deteriorated state and a rubber seal deformed I'd say it's time to get some pod filters. I ended up getting it running after I charged the battery and ran it down the road. I can tell it needs some adjusting but it was fun to ride it.

 

I ended up paying $800 for the bike. I used the starter switch instead of kicking it and it fired right up after the new battery and fuse box. The seller gave me a box of spare parts including the front fender. This is definitely a work in progress gents so stayed tuned.

 

Jim my plans are to turn it into a sort of cafe style. No flat seat though and I want to keep it true to a xs650. Some things to go for sure is the huge seat maybe cut it down and put new cover. First thing to go probably the handle bars, but I haven't figured out if I want flat bars or clip one. I like the duel exhaust but it has small pin hole leak in one muffers so more to figure out. As time goes and the more I stare at it after I make sure the engine is running optimal then more design features will follow.

 

Well I wanted to make sure I had ordered all the parts I need and I think I made a pretty good assessment thanks to this forum and youtube videos from nightflyer. The PO didn't know why it kept burning oil. 'Well did you think to check where it was dripping from" I thought in my head anyway. Aside from a few stripped screws that probably told me he had been in there I believe I got the parts I need to stop this leak in the pictures below. And would explain the hard down shift into first. Also can anyone tell me the size of the socket to remove the oil drain plugs. I got a 30mm like I read in a service manual, but it is too big. I am thinking it is more like 26mm or 28mm. And while I'm asking questions is the sprocket a 38mm or something else? It is a 1980 xs650 G model I believe since it starts with 3G0-000###. I have a feeling I am gonna learn a whole lot about this engine before I actually decide to take it down the road for a long ride.

 

I ended up using a 1 1/16' socket Jim recommended for the oil plugs and it also fits the rear wheel shaft nut; both snuggly and cheaper then the metric. The sprocket nut was almost finger loose and I just used a BIG F-N adjustable wrench I have in the shop. Good to know the socket I bought will also fit the lock nut on the cam chain adjuster. Now just getting up the courage to get the pushrod bushing out without messing stuff up. I started to drill but took a step back for the evening and decided I'd have a beer. I am caught between two bike projects at this time a 1971 Yamaha JT1 mini enduro and the xs650. The JT1 was a basketcase so it seems to be a stop and go progress and the XS650 is calling me to ride it when it is warm. I do however need to make sure it is safe enough to go down the road and the more pieces I take apart the more I am glad it is winter. I almost forgot I did find some good under all the years of dirt and oil. It appears the PO did install a 17 tooth sprocket, but I am unsure about the chain because it didn't appear to be cut. Unless 17 tooth is stock, but there was a broken 16 tooth in the box o parts he gave me.

 

Question if I have grease fittings for the swing arm is that stock I couldn't seem to find anything about it in the clymer manual? Also wanted to share a little positive praise to Mike's xs. I was a little wary to order from them because I had read lots of negitive comments about them. I contacted them via email because I wanted to add a few more parts to my initial order. They called me back promptly and made it happen without charging me extra shipping for creating a new order. I guess you can say I was surprised, but that is why I put my number at the bottom of the email.

 

Got that darn pushrod bearing uninstalled and for my first time it was a little stressful making sure I didn't mess anything up drilling it out. And no worries i made sure all the shavings were cleaned out as far as I can tell. Everything is ready for the new bushing and seal. Any tips I should know to help with the install?

 

Well stripped some more off the engine inspecting for issues. I already expected the oil sump filter was bad and ordered it. The secondary or right side oil filter is probably ok but a few shavings and plastic was in the filter. Should I go ahead and assume this is the cam chain guide or due to the broken sump filter? I know I need to change the head gasket anyways.