The day is January 1, 2021 and it's raining ice in NW Ohio right now. I snuck out to the garage to tinker on the bike just a moment ago and thought it'd be a good time to post it to the forum. I'm a newbie here and this is my first post.
About two weeks ago, my dad gave me his 1979 XS650 Special II that he had sitting around his garage for many years (previously in a barn). He was going to fix it up himself but recently came across a fairly clean '74-'75 CB350 and decided to fix that up instead, and the XS was taking up space. So, what the heck - he gifted it to me and said see if I can get it running. I'm 26, never built a bike myself, but I would say my own technical know-how is about 6.8/10. Before some of the old timers think I'm about to rip into this and chop it up, rest assured. I do not plan on modifying the chassis or departing too far from its original form, although I would like to change the seat, handlebars, possibly suspension, and knobbier tires and lean to a more adv flavor. A rear rack would be cool too. But to not get too far ahead - my first goal is to get it running.
I've started the disassembly, a general cleaning, and taking an inventory of the condition of the parts. I didn't want to get too far ahead of myself before taking some pictures.
I put the seat and tank on for a photo mock-up. Carbs are on the workbench. I forgot to put the exhaust pipes on for the mock up.
I've cleaned the carbs, and they weren't too bad (on the surface). Tomorrow I will do a quick soda-blast to remove any excess fuel grime and clean a last time.
Carb rebuild kit is on the way, along with a replacement float. I read that a solder job could repair them, which I do have experience with but this looks more like a patch job. Not really wanting to polish a turd. Also ordered a new set of diaphragms from JBMindustries - these original ones held up to the light reveal many holes.
Engine is overall in good condition (appearance-wise).
Interior of tank looks great.
Exterior of tank, less so.
Points will need to be set.
My dad also gave me a complimentary Yamaha catalogue from 1978, which is the icing on the cake for a nerd like myself. I didn't know if it's a good idea to scan and upload (unsure of copyright), but I may if its OK at some point. See some snap shots below:
Happy New Year!
About two weeks ago, my dad gave me his 1979 XS650 Special II that he had sitting around his garage for many years (previously in a barn). He was going to fix it up himself but recently came across a fairly clean '74-'75 CB350 and decided to fix that up instead, and the XS was taking up space. So, what the heck - he gifted it to me and said see if I can get it running. I'm 26, never built a bike myself, but I would say my own technical know-how is about 6.8/10. Before some of the old timers think I'm about to rip into this and chop it up, rest assured. I do not plan on modifying the chassis or departing too far from its original form, although I would like to change the seat, handlebars, possibly suspension, and knobbier tires and lean to a more adv flavor. A rear rack would be cool too. But to not get too far ahead - my first goal is to get it running.
I've started the disassembly, a general cleaning, and taking an inventory of the condition of the parts. I didn't want to get too far ahead of myself before taking some pictures.
I put the seat and tank on for a photo mock-up. Carbs are on the workbench. I forgot to put the exhaust pipes on for the mock up.
I've cleaned the carbs, and they weren't too bad (on the surface). Tomorrow I will do a quick soda-blast to remove any excess fuel grime and clean a last time.
Carb rebuild kit is on the way, along with a replacement float. I read that a solder job could repair them, which I do have experience with but this looks more like a patch job. Not really wanting to polish a turd. Also ordered a new set of diaphragms from JBMindustries - these original ones held up to the light reveal many holes.
Engine is overall in good condition (appearance-wise).
Interior of tank looks great.
Exterior of tank, less so.
Points will need to be set.
My dad also gave me a complimentary Yamaha catalogue from 1978, which is the icing on the cake for a nerd like myself. I didn't know if it's a good idea to scan and upload (unsure of copyright), but I may if its OK at some point. See some snap shots below:
Happy New Year!
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