Hi everyone, I used this forum quite a bit leading up to my purchase and I finally pulled the trigger on a 1980 xs650, not the exact year I was looking for but its great. For the most part I believe it is stock, the exhaust definitely isn't and the rear shocks are koni's, however it did come with the stock ones as well, the seat isn't original either but otherwise I believe the bike to be original. My goal is to keep it fairly stock looking but I also want to put my own spin on it without changing anything that can't be changed back.
The plan is to replace the bars, the stock master cylinder and to add a new flat style seat without removing any of the original tabs or locking mechanism. I'd also like to have the tank painted and to put new shocks and a new exhaust on it eventually. Before I do all that I'd like to clean it up and give it an oil change. If there are any other must do's or should do's before riding or before changing other cosmetic elements, I'd definitely be interested to hear. I've read about new swingarm bushings, steering bearings, front fork springs etc. but will need to check that they havent already been replaced before doing that. Anyways any help or tips are greatly appreciated and I understand a lot of this has likely been covered in previous posts.
The plan is to replace the bars, the stock master cylinder and to add a new flat style seat without removing any of the original tabs or locking mechanism. I'd also like to have the tank painted and to put new shocks and a new exhaust on it eventually. Before I do all that I'd like to clean it up and give it an oil change. If there are any other must do's or should do's before riding or before changing other cosmetic elements, I'd definitely be interested to hear. I've read about new swingarm bushings, steering bearings, front fork springs etc. but will need to check that they havent already been replaced before doing that. Anyways any help or tips are greatly appreciated and I understand a lot of this has likely been covered in previous posts.