TheScubaSteve
XS650 Member
Long time lurker, first time post. I bought this 81 Special II at a bargain from user Britman back in May:
http://www.xs650.com/threads/1981-xs-headlight-safety-relay.51487/
I've been having fun getting to know her, making plans for updates this winter, when this happened:
Once the tree was off, I was so excited the bike isn't totalled I forgot to take after pics. It even fired up! Definitely acted like the battery was dead (I hope because it sat on its side wet overnight), but other than that I think she's still in running shape. So now, my winter updates are maybe-I-can-ride-again-before-winter updates. So far my list is:
Handlebars are trash. I agree with most users, the stock buckhorns are ugly. HOWEVER, I actually find they fit me pretty well. Any recomendations for a set that is similar height- and pullback-wise that don't look like they belong on a hotwheels toy?
The mirrors are trash too, but they are easy to source. The clutch lever might need replacing, I'll have to take it apart to see if its rebuildable. What should I look for as far as rebuild or replace on that?
The tank has a significant dent. I've got a spare of questionable quality in stock, any advice on repair vs restoring the spare?
The shifter seems fine, but the left footrest is bent significantly. Every vendor I've checked so far has it NLA. Any recommended vendors, or leads on a quality used one would be appreciated.
Anything else I should specifically check as I get her back together? Any part that a little rain would've destroyed? Any false economy parts I should replace while I'm at it?
http://www.xs650.com/threads/1981-xs-headlight-safety-relay.51487/
I've been having fun getting to know her, making plans for updates this winter, when this happened:
Once the tree was off, I was so excited the bike isn't totalled I forgot to take after pics. It even fired up! Definitely acted like the battery was dead (I hope because it sat on its side wet overnight), but other than that I think she's still in running shape. So now, my winter updates are maybe-I-can-ride-again-before-winter updates. So far my list is:
Handlebars are trash. I agree with most users, the stock buckhorns are ugly. HOWEVER, I actually find they fit me pretty well. Any recomendations for a set that is similar height- and pullback-wise that don't look like they belong on a hotwheels toy?
The mirrors are trash too, but they are easy to source. The clutch lever might need replacing, I'll have to take it apart to see if its rebuildable. What should I look for as far as rebuild or replace on that?
The tank has a significant dent. I've got a spare of questionable quality in stock, any advice on repair vs restoring the spare?
The shifter seems fine, but the left footrest is bent significantly. Every vendor I've checked so far has it NLA. Any recommended vendors, or leads on a quality used one would be appreciated.
Anything else I should specifically check as I get her back together? Any part that a little rain would've destroyed? Any false economy parts I should replace while I'm at it?
