Norman1950
XS650 Enthusiast
Short story... I bought the Santee frame from a kid that didn't know what he had, and the weld on little pieces are quite scary! I am no welder, but looks like he closed his eyes on some of the welds. So going to strip off all the "new" add on to the frame and make my own motor mounts.
I picked up the motor really cheap on Craigslist. The guy didn't want it any more and didn't know anything about it. He said he "tried" to see if it turns over by turning the kick starter. He put oil in the cylinders trying to "free" it up. I figured for as cheap as I got it, I could be still in great shape if I have to rebuild it.
Got it to my shop and it leaked oil every where as he had both cases off. Someone "tried" to paint them red. Looks like really thick paint or lots of coats of spray paint. They didn't even try to cover up parts of the motor when they painted. The shift shaft looks to have pliers put on them and screwed up the splines. I went ahead to see if I could turn the motor over from the crankshaft bolt. At first it just loosened it self, but rocked the crankshaft back and forth slight and it "broke" free. Now it turns over easily. I am pretty sure I will be putting new rings in it and possibly have it honed. In doing research on the motor I found it to be a 78-79 Special.
So here is a picture of then engine mocked up in the frame. As you can see it is not sitting right in the frame. I am wanting to put a 21" front rim with an 18" rear disc. Looking also to have my friend help me make a girder front end. I have very crudely photoshopped of how I am envisioning the final look. I already have the gas tank.
Any input is greatly appreciated. I will be asking several questions on the way.
(Also this build will taking a while, as I have a gs1000 cafe project I need to complete, along with my life long "old car" build)
I picked up the motor really cheap on Craigslist. The guy didn't want it any more and didn't know anything about it. He said he "tried" to see if it turns over by turning the kick starter. He put oil in the cylinders trying to "free" it up. I figured for as cheap as I got it, I could be still in great shape if I have to rebuild it.
Got it to my shop and it leaked oil every where as he had both cases off. Someone "tried" to paint them red. Looks like really thick paint or lots of coats of spray paint. They didn't even try to cover up parts of the motor when they painted. The shift shaft looks to have pliers put on them and screwed up the splines. I went ahead to see if I could turn the motor over from the crankshaft bolt. At first it just loosened it self, but rocked the crankshaft back and forth slight and it "broke" free. Now it turns over easily. I am pretty sure I will be putting new rings in it and possibly have it honed. In doing research on the motor I found it to be a 78-79 Special.
So here is a picture of then engine mocked up in the frame. As you can see it is not sitting right in the frame. I am wanting to put a 21" front rim with an 18" rear disc. Looking also to have my friend help me make a girder front end. I have very crudely photoshopped of how I am envisioning the final look. I already have the gas tank.
Any input is greatly appreciated. I will be asking several questions on the way.
(Also this build will taking a while, as I have a gs1000 cafe project I need to complete, along with my life long "old car" build)