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Boy, you're not kidding it's rough, lol. I don't know, I might consider this one more of a parts donor or parts bike than a resto candidate. It's a later model and they're not worth that much. A very early model in this condition might get the full resto treatment but they're worth more.
Jeepdad
XS650 Member
Well, the good news is that it was free, just need a battery and it's a kick start. The motor does turn and it feels like it has compression.
Well, free is good, lol, but it won't stay that way long. It needs everything, lol. I see it's missing the instrument cluster w/ the ignition switch, turn signals too. If you are intent on trying to start it, you'll need to go through all the wiring and pull the carbs off for at least an internal inspection. If the bike was parked with gas in them then they are probably a mess inside, all gummed up. Good news is that the '81 carb set is a pretty good one. It has the solid foam or plastic floats and they never go bad.
Jeepdad
XS650 Member
Hi everyone,
I hooked up a battery and there is no spark. It looks like I will have to disassemble the entire bike and re-wire it, clean it up and slowly put it back together.
I hooked up a battery and there is no spark. It looks like I will have to disassemble the entire bike and re-wire it, clean it up and slowly put it back together.
This might be the hardest starting point I have seen .Unless it is a Brough Superior or those
I would start check the motor if it is likely to run .Shift.
Try to get a feel for mileage.
Saddle and sidecovers ..the rest can be scrap in worst case.
Everything is possible and some like a challenge.
Wheels ( Can be rusty inside ) forks tank paint wiring carburetor internals. Instruments
most likely a new ignition. Most likely new brake parts If you sum it up you'll get a rough figure.
I would start check the motor if it is likely to run .Shift.
Try to get a feel for mileage.
Saddle and sidecovers ..the rest can be scrap in worst case.
Everything is possible and some like a challenge.
Wheels ( Can be rusty inside ) forks tank paint wiring carburetor internals. Instruments
most likely a new ignition. Most likely new brake parts If you sum it up you'll get a rough figure.
Jeepdad
XS650 Member
Well, here's another update. I removed the tank and will slowly disassemble all of the wiring from top to bottom. I will continue to remove everything and try to replace what I can and fix what I should. Here are more pictures of my progress. If anyone knows where I can get a hold of some front controls, handle bar, wiring harness and a light?? Thanks again for all of your support.
Attachments
Some sources....
Partzilla. They sell OEM parts. You can also use their parts diagrams to find a particular part number and figure out what other bikes used that particular P/N
Partshark. Same as above. A lot of times they'll be cheaper than Partzilla.
Yamaha650.com. Aftermarket parts. They're fairly new. Ask here before ordering.
MikesXS. Considered by most here to be a place of last resort. Again, ask here before ordering. NEVER order anything rubber from them.
Sumo Rubber. They're in Scotland, so factor that into shipping time and cost. I've only ordered once from them. Was happy with 'em.
Niche Cycle. A good source of OEM Mikuni parts. For other stuff, ask first.
Bolt Depot. Good source for metric hardware.
McMaster-Carr. Another good source for hardware.
Vintage Connections. Good quality and good price on electrical connectors and such.
Ebay is also a pretty good source for OEM parts for these bikes.
Partzilla. They sell OEM parts. You can also use their parts diagrams to find a particular part number and figure out what other bikes used that particular P/N
Partshark. Same as above. A lot of times they'll be cheaper than Partzilla.
Yamaha650.com. Aftermarket parts. They're fairly new. Ask here before ordering.
MikesXS. Considered by most here to be a place of last resort. Again, ask here before ordering. NEVER order anything rubber from them.
Sumo Rubber. They're in Scotland, so factor that into shipping time and cost. I've only ordered once from them. Was happy with 'em.
Niche Cycle. A good source of OEM Mikuni parts. For other stuff, ask first.
Bolt Depot. Good source for metric hardware.
McMaster-Carr. Another good source for hardware.
Vintage Connections. Good quality and good price on electrical connectors and such.
Ebay is also a pretty good source for OEM parts for these bikes.
Jeepdad
XS650 Member
This is a great list and thank you!
Make a harness. Completely disassemble that motor. For sure clutch plates are stuck and random other issues. Charging and ignition system needs replaced too. You’ll have an easy 2k in this to do it right. Not bad if you plan on keeping it. To me, this is perfect for a “custom” build. Wether cafe, bobber, street tracker, etc.
Jeepdad
XS650 Member
No title, just a barn find
Well not knowing the rule in Pa. but before spending any money on it I would investigate the title issues.
That said I do have a bare frame with a good NY State title, probably at least as rusty as your "Barn Find"! The S/N of the engine is usually not as important as the numbers stamped on the steering neck. Might even have some other bits if you are not needing perfect looking parts.
maico996
XS650 Addict
I'd consider this a free parts donor for a more complete, titled, project bike. You're looking at a lot of money to get that bike on the street...money which could be better spent. If you're intent on making this one work I'd go through it completely first to determine what parts you're gonna need, post your findings here to make sure you're not missing anything, and add everything up to give you a ballpark idea of the cost. Then add another few hundred to your budget to cover all the little things you'll discover along the way. At least then you'll know what you're in for and whether you want to proceed.
In Pennsylvania, if it doesn't have a title, it's just parts.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/170...44921919253842/?sale_post_id=1244921919253842
Transplant in your engine and bingo bango!
dang it, i'm buying that one if I can.....
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Wow. Mine wasn't quiet that rough. 
The rare Ruby Red '83.
I forgot to see if the elusive lower covers were there......
Yep, they're there.
