First rebuild ever,never worked on a motorcycle, I've always wanted to do it myself I just need help

[NikkiCybart]

Hey guys I have an 81 xs650,
It needs a ton of work first thing I know I need are a set of bs34 carbs and I need to get the engine out and take it apart to clean or replace anything. The front forks are bent front wheel is even more bent but the frame is fine. I've been on eBay trying to find carbs but some need a lot of work and I've seen brand new ones pre jetted for like 300 and up but is that worth it? Any help would be greatful where would you start? I want this to be fun and not feel overwhelming I love motorcycles and I've always wanted to learn more and make my own bike.

 

[650Skull]

welcome, try to resist the temptation to tear into it before doing a ton of reading first.
81H. Means it has spoke wheels and not mags. Factory Electronic ignition, (TCI).

Get a Manual. Here is a link to online Manuals. Look for the............. 82SJ manual..........your bike is a year earlier and the only real difference is the wheels, (more spokes), and an extra relay for the side stand. https://thexscafedotcom.wordpress.com/tag/manual/

Get hold of this guy, he rebuild carbs and may have a set for sale, good prices and they are set up to how you describe the bikes set up.
https://www.facebook.com/Oldskoolcarbs-485002854895718/

If you don't have facefook then get hold of him through here. Shops thread on this site.
http://www.xs650.com/threads/carburetor-rebuilding-oldskoolcarbs.5882/page-9

Unless the engine is seized and the wiring is chewed and abused then getting a set of carbs a new battery then working on it as is and got going, you will learn more about the bike than tearing it down.

Use the "Tech Menu", scroll down to the "Troubleshooting and Maintenance" section and read threads 1, 3, 4, for starters.

Some electrical threads.
http://www.xs650.com/threads/what-happens-when-you-turn-your-key-on.9625/
http://www.dansmc.com/electricaltesting.htm
http://www.xs650.com/threads/grounds-so-important.41775/
http://www.xs650.com/threads/wiring-harness-musings.18925/
http://www.xs650.com/threads/expanded-charging-system-guide-in-progress.10561/

If the wiring is good the first thing that should be done to the bike is clean all connections, (bullet, couplings, earth/grounds), switches and replace any that are damaged/worn out and check for broken or cut wires.

This thread may help as well. Manual link i posted above is superior to the links in this thread.
http://www.xs650.com/threads/xs650-...workshop-manuals-and-other-information.30569/

Buy a good, ($10 one will work but......), multi meter and learn to continuity test the wiring. This will tell you if there are broken wires in the loom.

This should keep you going for a while....................

 

[TwoManyXS1Bs]

Hoo-boy, that'd be a challenge for even the experienced wrenches in here.

Going to be spending a significant sum to get that together, and that doesn't guarantee a good runner. The pros would know how to scrounge, what fits, where to find, what works, what doesn't. And, that doesn't include all the special tools you'll be collecting. More than a book there. Beyond a simple forum thread.

May I suggest a different approach. Part that one out (a learning experience in itself), add that money to the king's ransom needed to fix this one, and that'll be plenty to get a decent runner to hone your teeth on. Having a runner, doing the maintenance, fixing the odd bit, will teach you more effectively than being overwhelmed with a bunch of unknowns. This can seriously test your resolve and patience (and wallet).

Ever seen Star Trek's pilot episode, "The Cage", later "The Menangerie", where the aliens didn't know how to put Vina back together?

 

[fredintoon]

View attachment 87761 Hey guys I have an 81 xs650,
It needs a ton of work first thing I know I need are a set of bs34 carbs and I need to get the engine out and take it apart to clean or replace anything. The front forks are bent front wheel is even more bent but the frame is fine. I've been on eBay trying to find carbs but some need a lot of work and I've seen brand new ones pre jetted for like 300 and up but is that worth it? Any help would be greatful where would you start? I want this to be fun and not feel overwhelming I love motorcycles and I've always wanted to learn more and make my own bike.

Hi Nikki,
from what I see in the photo the bike needs replacements for the missing carbs, the bent forks and the FUBAR front wheel.
I'd suggest taking one step at a time.
First, get the bike registered in your name. Do that first.
Then check this list's classifieds for a set of carbs. Put the carbs on the engine, borrow a car battery and see if the engine will start and run.
With the engine running, back to the classifieds for the forks and wheel.
Before you ride it anywhere, make sure the brakes work.

 

[ThatXS650Guy]

Some good advice here... And a Star Trek reference!
I'm with Fred and Skull. I've bought worst and got them going knowing not that much. Find the missing parts on this forum or eBay and start putting it together. Get it running and determine where to go next.
With vintage bikes the journey is the thing...

 

[jaybird51]

I have an 81 street tracker thats completely gone over for sale an runs really sweet. You could use yours for parts, etc.