Doms XS650B US import

[AlanW]

Hi Alan! My tank, side covers, headlight and ears are currently with Andy at Ultimate Bike Paint, hopefully be done in the next month to six weeks in hope so I'll get some photos up. I can't wait to collect them but in the meantime I'm ordering a load of rubber parts from Yambits to replace all the perished rubber I can, its not going tombe anything like a concourse restoration as I'm going to touch up the frame, for now at least.

Where are you based? I'm in Kington Herefordshire

Dom,
I’m just outside Cheltenham, Glos. So Bristol would be a good choice of location for paint jobs. I managed to get a cheap correct speedo to replace the cracked plate and am in the process of doing that - with help from this site. My bike is pretty original so I’m still thinking about a tank respray - trouble is it would stand out from the rest of the bike. Attached a photo for reference. First pic are the tanks i had done by the guy who has retired!

Cheers.

 

[Dom]

Dom,
I’m just outside Cheltenham, Glos. So Bristol would be a good choice of location for paint jobs. I managed to get a cheap correct speedo to replace the cracked plate and am in the process of doing that - with help from this site. My bike is pretty original so I’m still thinking about a tank respray - trouble is it would stand out from the rest of the bike. Attached a photo for reference. First pic are the tanks i had done by the guy who has retired! View attachment 234757View attachment 234758Cheers.

So that is your 650b in the photo? The tank looks fine to me. Every one I see has a different style side stand on, I'm baffled as to which one they came with because I'm not sure any of the parts fiche diagrams are correct.

 

[AlanW]

So that is your 650b in the photo? The tank looks fine to me. Every one I see has a different style side stand on, I'm baffled as to which one they came with because I'm not sure any of the parts fiche diagrams are correct.

Yes, my bike. US model - originally from Texas I was lead to believe. The tank is ok and probably suits the patina of the rest of the bike which seems pretty original. Not sure about that sidestand now though? Oh and of course the silencers.

 

[jetmechmarty]

Yes, my bike. US model - originally from Texas I was lead to believe. The tank is ok and probably suits the patina of the rest of the bike which seems pretty original. Not sure about that sidestand now though? Oh and of course the silencers.

Your bike is lovely, @AlanW. If your sidestand is original, you don't need it with those big ugly mufflers gone. (I am completely unbiased.)

 

[Jan_P]

Yes, my bike. US model - originally from Texas I was lead to believe. The tank is ok and probably suits the patina of the rest of the bike which seems pretty original. Not sure about that sidestand now though? Oh and of course the silencers.

Eeehh ..hh ?? patina ?? What patina ???

 

[Raymond]

View attachment 234758

That bike is beautiful.

 

[AlanW]

That bike is beautiful.

Thanks Raymond! Was looking for a while and I’m hoping she’s a good one. I love the B colour. New battery arrived today and getting new tyres sorted soon. Plan to ride as much as possible this year after spending loads of time on house. roll on spring & summer

 

[Dom]

Certainly looks too good to need new paint, mine still has original silencers but they've seem better days.

 

[Niels B]

looks great, the side stand is equal to the one i have on my'75 XS650B

 

[AlanW]

looks great, the side stand is equal to the one i have on my'75 XS650B

looks great, the side stand is equal to the one i have on my'75 XS650B

Niels, thanks, that’s good to know.

 

[Dom]

Not a great deal of progress lately while the tank etc is off being repainted. I have bought a load of rubber parts fron Yambits and as usual have realised I forgot a few items, while replacing footpeg rubbers and dampers I decided to freshen up the exhaust hangers. Naturally I got carried away and ended up trying to polish the rear hub...unsuccessfully for now atleast, bigger polishing and buffing wheels on order!

 

[Dom]

How is it that I can spend almost an entire day in the garage working on my bike but have practically nothing of note to update you all on?

 

[Adamc]

How is it that I can spend almost an entire day in the garage working on my bike but have practically nothing of note to update you all on?

Been there, done that. Toooo many times!

 

[Dom]

Why did I think trying to rub back all the rust areas on my frame while the engine is still in was a good idea!! Black bogies galore.

There is surprisingly more than I'd imagined but I'm glad I'm doing it but it ain't fun, far from it. Even though I'm going to use Rustoleum combicolor on it after manual derusting, I'm wondering if I should wipe over the areas with a dilute phosphoric acid solution or paint Bilt Hamber Hydrate 80 rust converter first?

 

[Dom]

Slow progress but I'm getting somewhere

 

[Dom]

Tank etc all done! Ultimate Bike Paint has done a fantastic job pulling the dents out of the tank. I wasn't anticipating it being done so

soon as I'm up to my arse trying to paint the frame with the engine still fitted....I don't recommend this method, proper stupid idea of mine to save some hassle... It doesnt!

 

[Dom]

First coat of Rustoleum combicolor on, it flats out so well but I've had a bit of an issue with dust in the air in my messy garage so for the second coat I'm going to have a big hoover and damp down prior to some tac ragging.

 

[Jim]

so for the second coat I'm going to have a big hoover and damp down prior to some tac ragging.

Also take an air gun and blow your clothes off just prior. It's been my experience that a fair amount of dust in paint is what falls/floats off your clothes (and hair) while you're moving around the part being sprayed.

 

[Raymond]

Dom, the painted bits look fabulous, fully see why you're happy with the job.

The way you're doin' the frame leaves a little bit of the bike's age in there, for anybody nosey enough to bend down and look for it. Good thing - if it all looks perfect the bike can be over-restored? Makes yours a sympathetic restoration.

 

[jpdevol]

I wear one of these