New member. Beginning build.

The main reason I bought the new harness is because the wiring is a bit brittle, (sat in a barn for half a decade) and frankly because I don’t know any better. I figured the new harness would be a preemptive solution to future wiring issues. But seeing as how everyone and his brother is against this, I may just attempt to run what it has. Maybe it’s best to give it back to my dad. I was excited about this and now I’m starting to second guess it. You guys really know how to knock the wind out of someone’s sail.
 
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Don't get disheartened just yet. Been a couple of people who have, well one guy recently, posted over 600 times on a couple of issues and he was told countless times but he couldn't get past his own thinking and take on board what others were saying. He relied on every bit of information from the members without combining it with a manual or information from links provided.

If the bike hasn't done many miles and has been under cover/roof as your's has then the wiring should be fine. Might need to do a continuity check and maybe clean up a connection or 2, check for plug and connections that may have broken down, (plastic couplings can disintegrate or get brittle) or have light corrosion. Mostly the simptoms of this is a drop in power flow and a clean up fixes that.

Your bike look to be in very good shape. Unless a rat has made a home under the eat the wiring should be good.

People have come on here with no knowledge and rebuild the top end of the engine and all ort of thing with the help on here. Jut need to get a manual and combine information given with some reading yourself to help it sink in. Book mark links for later reference because often the information at the time could help later.

Link near the top to another site with manuals and parts manual for all XS650'. May have to scroll through to find the one to suit your bike
https://www.xs650.com/threads/xs650...workshop-manuals-and-other-information.30569/
 
It is a shame if you are feeling disheartened. These are simple old bikes and fixing them to run properly is not rocket science. Often, people find the electrics hardest to get their head around but really you just need to think of the functions the system provides - generates power, regulates/rectifies, charges the battery, ignition, lights, brake lights, horn. Other stuff like lights checker or side-stand relay are unnecessary.

I find wiring diagrams very hard to read, all those lines and trying to follow as they cross and criss-cross. Some use a coloured pen and mark along on the diagram but I think it's easier to see where they go on the bike. Just think about that handful of basic functions.
 
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The main reason I bought the new harness is because the wiring is a bit brittle, (sat in a barn for half a decade) and frankly because I don’t know any better. I figured the new harness would be a preemptive solution to future wiring issues. But seeing as how everyone and his brother is against this, I may just attempt to run what it has. Maybe it’s best to give it back to my dad. I was excited about this and now I’m starting to second guess it. You guys really know how to knock the wind out of someone’s sail.
Don't give up!!!
 
The main reason I bought the new harness is because the wiring is a bit brittle, (sat in a barn for half a decade) and frankly because I don’t know any better. I figured the new harness would be a preemptive solution to future wiring issues. But seeing as how everyone and his brother is against this, I may just attempt to run what it has. Maybe it’s best to give it back to my dad. I was excited about this and now I’m starting to second guess it. You guys really know how to knock the wind out of someone’s sail.
You'll be fine; the main prerequisite to success is perseverance; if you don't quit and are determined to learn and figure it out, you'll get it. Either way on the wiring will work - may not be easy, but it'll come.

There is a wealth of experience here, and we've all had "one time at band camp" moments - it's the internet. So what is the right solution for your bike and you may be different. None of us has seen what you see in the wiring on your bike. I posted some pics that would point me toward harness replacement. In lesser molestations, perhaps repairing existing issues would be better. If you're unsure, post some pics of what you've got: there's no shortage of second opinions here;)
 
Drag that bike outside and give her a wash, nothing too outrageous like a power-remove-the-paint wash but a hose down and wipe.
The handlebars are interesting, almost a cross between Virago bars and the Special roto tillers......not sure what they are. A lower set will make a change in appearance and performance. I like the stock Standard model bars, some go for the Euro bars.
Little tweaks that are reversible is what I'd suggest for now.....more importantly is get her running.
 
My take is this. If it’s something you really want to do, then you should. Go in knowing that the tinkering and maintenance will never end. There’s no dropping at the shop options. As for me, it’s what I like to do.
If you just want to swap a few parts and ride, then I don’t think this is for you. You’d likely be happier with something like a nearly new Royal Enfield that only requires very minor maintenance with a take it to the dealer option. There’s a big selection of aftermarket parts for them. It could also be cheaper in the long run.

Even with all my experience, I still managed to suffer breakdowns at the last two rallies I attended. There are witnesses on this forum.
 
Alright boys. I’m moving forward with this. Here’s what I’m working with.
 

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Agreed the wiring looks very serviceable, so far, and normal drill is to clean each connector as you go:thumbsup:

The "short list" of things to expect from a bike out of long storage:
Definite - New tires, change oil, clean filters and fresh fuel (oil filter gaskets), new battery
Highly Likely - Fuel system: flush fuel tank, clean petcock, clean carburetors (new gasket & o-rings)
Likely - Fork seals, flush new brake fluid and lube cables
Other possibilities - too many to list, just take 'em as they come

Others may have more thoughts.....esp. Gary (as a serial foster parent to many neglected, needy XS's):laugh2:
 
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Alright boys. I’m moving forward with this. Here’s what I’m working with.
Wiring on this bike is way better than the Frankenstein loom on my bike; and my bike looked brand new compared to this. I agree with @gggGary and @jpdevol, get it going as is, make a short term to do list, and go from there.
 
Agreed the wiring looks very serviceable, so far, and normal drill is to clean each connector as you go:thumbsup:

The "short list" of things to expect from a bike out of long storage:
Definite - New tires, change oil, clean filters and fresh fuel (oil filter gaskets), new battery
Highly Likely - Fuel system: flush fuel tank, clean petcock, clean carburetors (new gasket & o-rings)
Likely - Fork seals, flush new brake fluid and lube cables
Other possibilities - too many to list, just take 'em as they come

Others may have more thoughts.....esp. Gary (as a serial foster parent to many neglected, needy XS's):laugh2:
Fork oil and brake fluid should be changed routinely. Yours is overdue.
 
A good starting point, deffo go for it. As all have said, draw up a list and work through it, the whole project will start to make more sense and you will develop a clearer idea of where you want to go with changes. And remember to enjoy the project, don't know your background but you will learn a lot, and the sense of achievement when you end up with a running motorbike which is totally yours is something!
 
Perfect bike for what you want to do. Good enough for a restore yet deteriorated enough for a build you want without having to do a lot of restoration work to parts.

I would check the 2 red wires at the rear guard to see what they replaced. That will come into play when you go through the loom

Gonna need some elbow grease but will definitely help with the de--stress.

👍
 
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