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I pulled off the front wheel of my 1981 to have the front tire replaced. (I believe it was the original tire.) As you are most likely aware the speedometer dive unit slipped out of the left side of the wheel. I was wondering if I should do any maintenance type work to the drive while it is out...

I started cleaning and polishing my 81 in preparation of some good riding weather. The upper section of the front forks appears to be chrome but the lower section "outer" tube seems to be made of aluminum. Can these pieces be polished?

For 99% of you this may seem like a stupid question but is there any trick to replacing the clutch lever on a 1981? I manage to snap my in half and have order a replacement from Mike's.

I am the owner of a 1981 650. It seems to be in go shape and runs fine. The only issue I have is with the appearance of the fuel tank and I plan painting it. I have two questions right now but I am certain there will be more to follow. 1) What is the best or preferred method of removing the old...

I am sure this subject has been beat to death but I am still having a problem selecting tires for my 1981. (I am sure it is still fitted with the original Dunlop gold seal K 127's) I am looking for a set of vintage/classic style tires which match the original style. I looked at the Dunlop K...

During the cleaning and polishing process of the right side case I noticed a bolt just below the tach connection hole. (see picture) Just wondering what this is for?

With all the assistance I have received on this forum I somehow have managed to get my 81 up and running and actually half way decent looking. I have taken it out on a couple of 10 mile rides and the bike seem to run and handle quite well in spite of being 38 years old. I think the tires on the...

I decided to attempt cleaning and polishing the engine cases on my 81. With the help and information posted on this site and given my basic lack of mechanical skills I was able to remove and polish the left side case to an acceptable level of finish (I especially appreciated the advise to use...

Just wondering if anyone out there has replaced a reflector located on the rear shock on a 1981 special? I have one that is slightly damaged but I am not sure how it comes off. (in pieces?) In addition if I can manage to take it off any idea where to obtain a replacement?

Anyone know where I might be able to obtain a swing arm grease fitting? My right side zerk snapped off when removing the grease gun. I was able to remove the piece with an "easy out". Not sure what the thread size is but it seems smaller than what I am used to seeing on American autos.

I was thinking about installing two air pods on my 1981 and eliminating the stock filters and air boxes. Not sure what a good brand will be as a lot of threads I have read discount the K&N pods. I am also not sure what to do with the breather line that ran from the top of the engine to the...

So I recently acquired a non running 1981 650. The odometer indicates it has 1159 mile on it. Not sure if this is factual or not but the bike seems to be in decent shape. I thought getting this up and running might be fun, I have had several issues so far and have received a vast amount of help...

I recently acquired a 1981 650 will very little history known about this machine. The odometer states 1100 miles? The fuel tank was in bad shape and had quite a bit of old varnish and some rust. I am having the carbs redone by a gentleman in Texas as I write this query. I checked the compression...

Just curious, has the 650 always had an electric starter? I am interested in acquiring a Yamaha 650 but I need to have a bike with an electric starter. When shopping for one is there any particular year considered to be more valuable or more reliable?

Just acquired a 1981 XS 650 and I am in the process of getting it running. In changing the oil which I believe is at least 20 years old I discover obtaining the necessary gaskets is somewhat difficult. Is Mike's the "go to" supplier for parts and accessories for the Yamaha 650"s? Any other good...

Getting ready to change the oil in a 1981 650. I have read quite a few threads on the subject and have acquired a lot of good info on the subject. Is it necessary to remove the side stand to get the sump cover off? If so is there a good trick to do so? I read about placing nickels in the spring...

I am attempting to clean out the petcock on my 1981 650. I am not sure how the fuel selector lever is held in place. I removed the chrome cover plate and removed the metal spring washer and I think the lever is simply held in with an o-ring and I should be able to pry it out. Sound correct...

I am having a heck of a time trying to get the front brake to work on my recently acquired 1981 650. There is no pressure when the break lever is retracted. I tied to bleed the brakes as described in several threads on this forum but to no avail. No air bubbles or movement of any sort in the...

I believe my recently purchased 1981 650 is in need of some serious carb cleaning. This morning I started on the carb removal portion of this projected and soon myself stuck. I watch a good utube video on carb removal from bike but in his video there was no airbox. I am having some difficulty...

After determining I could no longer bring my 1966 triumph to life with the outdated and archaic means of gaining ignition (kick start) and the difficulty in using the spring loaded clutch, I decided on a 650 Yamaha SX 650 for a replacement. I purchase a 1981 SX650 the other day from a gentleman...