MaX5ingout
XS650 Member
Hey all, been lurking for a bit since I bought a '77 xs650 hardtail on a whim and now that I am officially in over my head I figured I'd sign up and seek help. So the main point of this thread is to find other members in the area, VA Beach, Norfolk, Cheasapeake, Hampton, Newport News etc... I'd like to make connections and get a foot in the door of the biking world.
LITTLE ABOUT ME:
Graduated VMI class of 2018 (Rah to you other keydets there's always a few) Been Army National Guard Infantry since 2015. Originally moved out here for quick work after college and put my Army career on hold in order to accomplish all my other aspirations that I put on hold in order to go to college. Checked most of the boxes I wanted to check except for this bike and shes proven to be the most difficult. I am mechanically minded, do all my own vehicle maintenance and upgrade installs, even worked in a small engine shop for a bit, certified in welding years back. All this to say I can more or less handle myself in a shop setting but I don't kid myself on how much more there is to learn. My biggest handicap is that I don't have any access to any tools other than basic hand tools.
THE BIKE:
'77 xs650, I am the 3rd owner it is originally a Texas bike
PO:
- Hardtail conversion, kit unknown
- Harley rear wheel conversion with bullseye brake caliper (needs rebuilt)
- Mikuni vm 34mm roundslides from TC Bros
- Unknown pipes which have been sawed off
- Supposedly rebuilt 2,000 miles ago and rephased 277*
- Aftermarket dual coils which I can only identify as "green monsters"
- Sportster style tank
-TC Bros mid controls
ME:
- reinstalled everything that has vibrated off.
THE BAD:
I bought it knowing the pushrod bearing leaks a tad and while it has electric start it is disconnected and in unknown condition. I was able to ride it home the day I bought it and while it was rough, after adjusting the carbs it seemed fine like it just needed some cleaning, organizing and sorting out (disconnected wires all over the place) but long story short it turns out its not charging and after inspection I can't even find a voltage regulator/rectifier. There is no horn, no turn signals the shifting controls are wonky at best and now the gear selector seems stripped but only in its correct position. Oh and the rear brake light bracket and speedo bracket disintegrated.
When I bought this bike I thought I was buying a running project that after a few weekends of installing and fixing the bare minimum necessary to be safe I could have inspected and road legal for some short trips. I was even excited to invite the adventures that some would call disasters that come with old bikes breaking down on longer trips but, like I said I've found myself in over my head. I will continue to claw my way out of the hole using this gold mine of a forum as a guide however it would be really nice to find a mentor in the area that would be willing to help me out in exchange for homecooked meals, beer, music, good company or even help with your own projects you might have laying around.
Admins if I'm in the wrong place I apologize, and if you could point me in the right direction...
- Cheers mates!
LITTLE ABOUT ME:
Graduated VMI class of 2018 (Rah to you other keydets there's always a few) Been Army National Guard Infantry since 2015. Originally moved out here for quick work after college and put my Army career on hold in order to accomplish all my other aspirations that I put on hold in order to go to college. Checked most of the boxes I wanted to check except for this bike and shes proven to be the most difficult. I am mechanically minded, do all my own vehicle maintenance and upgrade installs, even worked in a small engine shop for a bit, certified in welding years back. All this to say I can more or less handle myself in a shop setting but I don't kid myself on how much more there is to learn. My biggest handicap is that I don't have any access to any tools other than basic hand tools.
THE BIKE:
'77 xs650, I am the 3rd owner it is originally a Texas bike
PO:
- Hardtail conversion, kit unknown
- Harley rear wheel conversion with bullseye brake caliper (needs rebuilt)
- Mikuni vm 34mm roundslides from TC Bros
- Unknown pipes which have been sawed off
- Supposedly rebuilt 2,000 miles ago and rephased 277*
- Aftermarket dual coils which I can only identify as "green monsters"
- Sportster style tank
-TC Bros mid controls
ME:
- reinstalled everything that has vibrated off.
THE BAD:
I bought it knowing the pushrod bearing leaks a tad and while it has electric start it is disconnected and in unknown condition. I was able to ride it home the day I bought it and while it was rough, after adjusting the carbs it seemed fine like it just needed some cleaning, organizing and sorting out (disconnected wires all over the place) but long story short it turns out its not charging and after inspection I can't even find a voltage regulator/rectifier. There is no horn, no turn signals the shifting controls are wonky at best and now the gear selector seems stripped but only in its correct position. Oh and the rear brake light bracket and speedo bracket disintegrated.
When I bought this bike I thought I was buying a running project that after a few weekends of installing and fixing the bare minimum necessary to be safe I could have inspected and road legal for some short trips. I was even excited to invite the adventures that some would call disasters that come with old bikes breaking down on longer trips but, like I said I've found myself in over my head. I will continue to claw my way out of the hole using this gold mine of a forum as a guide however it would be really nice to find a mentor in the area that would be willing to help me out in exchange for homecooked meals, beer, music, good company or even help with your own projects you might have laying around.
Admins if I'm in the wrong place I apologize, and if you could point me in the right direction...
- Cheers mates!