Where to start!

[1911master]

I just purchased a 1979 XS650 today. Bring it home tomorrow. Please tell me what do I need to do first? I know the gas was drained, battery removed. This bike shows about 20,000, needs a paint job.

Change oil, install battery, fill with fuel, what else?

 

[XSLeo]

First thing to Welcome you to the XS650 community.
Next is to browse the XS650 tech section. Found near the top of page, Scroll down and you will find a Buyers Guide, Getting to know your bike. This leads you to plenty of good advice.
Read this while you shop around for a repair manual. biker.net has them as downloads.
Good reading and good luck.
What you list is a good start. Charge the battery with a motorcycle specific charger. A car charger will damage it.
Going through the electrical system cleaning and tightening all the electrical connections, a dab of dielectric grease will help them stay clean.
Leo

 

[1911master]

XSLeo, thanks for the welcome and advice. I have been looking for an XS650 for over a year now and it appears 3 blocks from my work place.

 

[1911master]

Update.
I cleaned the tank, repainted it and the side covers, replaced petcocks and fuel lines.
Replaced the battery and discovered a blown fuse, replacing the Buss fuses with the newer Blade type today.

 

[5twins]

You should really check the sump filter when you change the oil. They have a tendency to tear and don't do much good with a big hole in them. Many of us just patch the tear with JB Weld because new ones are getting expensive and they tear out just like the originals anyway.

 

[1911master]

5twins, thank you. It is now on my list. Begining to think it would be easier to strip the bike down to just frame and motor and start from scratch. LOL

 

[ANLAF]

1911master, welcome to the forum, and you are sure to enjoy the bike. I enjoy every minute.

Anlaf

 

[ANLAF]

Has this bike been running or stood for a while?

Anlaf

 

[1911master]

ANLAF, I am guessing that it has been in storage about a year. I base this off of the former owners transfer date. He is 85 and didnt ride the bike.

 

[LPrince]

Howdy, how's it way out west? Congrats on getting the XS. You've already dived in and begun work on it.
When I've gotten an unknown history bike I do the regular maintenance, changing oil, checking brake fluid, chain condition, lube and adjust. Check front & rear brakes for operation, lube speedo, tach and brake cables. Very close inspection of tires, wheels and spokes. Look for jetsam & floatsam in the gas. If it's all lookin' good fire it up and go for a slow putt checking for wobble and weird handling, if it starts and runs for a minute then dies you'll prolly find 'jellyfish' (water) in the carbs.
good luck and enjoy!

 

[1911master]

LPrince, I would love to hear mine run, LOL. Having some issues right now, but nothing I cant over come. And thanks for the welcome.