All things rubber

[Myuncles650]

Hi All, looking to learn more about best way to source parts (1974TX650 taking it down to frame - needs every rubber piece replaced). Is there a mostly one stop shop for all rubber grommets, mounts etc (turn signals, tank mount, handlebars, side covers, rear fender)?
Or, is it best to find OE number and search? Found a place called Yambits which has a lot of pieces but wanted to hear what you all do if possible. Thanks in advance for sharing.

 

[dave_a]

I'm messing with my '74 too. I've gotten reasonable facsimiles of the OE parts from Yamahaxs650.com & Mikesxs.com. Some ok - like kick & shift rubbers, some junk...like side cover latches. None of it is really as good as OEM. Alot of McGivering and trips to the hardware store.
Yamaha OE parts are really expensive if it is available. I think much is NLA. I'm interested in hearing from others too.

 

[Its been a long time]

My own experience over the last year with my 650D, I replaced just about every rubber part on the bike. If possible, the Yamaha parts are worth buying if they're available. The ones I took off are ~48 years old. I doubt the aftermarket ones will last three years, it's obvious the quality isn't there. So it's basically a choice of quality and longevity versus price. FWIW I expect it doesn't matter so much where you buy aftermarket rubber parts, I reckon it's likely they all come from the same factory in Taiwan.

 

[JOHNDADDY]

You may want to make up a list and put it wanted in the classified on the forum.
See what you get, worth a shot.

 

[mike in idaho]

You might give https://www.claussstudios.com/ a look.

 

[cycleranger]

I replaced every bit of rubber I could on my '76.
OEM Yamaha if it was still available, the rest from other sources like Mike's XS, etc.
https://www.boats.net/ used to be good source for OEM parts, dunno if that's still the case.
You just have to go through the parts list and make up a list of PN's.

 

[bosco659]

For bits that are unobtainable and just hardened with age, you could try some of the on-line snake oil concoctions for rejuvenation. Many use a base of oil of wintergreen. I’ve not tried this myself but some say it can save the day.

 

[bosco659]

Here you go.. lol. There are more serious videos on line but I love this guy! The link asks you to sign in. If you can’t, there’s links at the bottom of his vid that seem to work.

 

[motormike]

IF ... If you need a item that's Non attenable... I've used this fellow... he'll make them... just needs the remnants of the item... hard rubber..soft rubber... billb621@gmail.com I needed frame insert rubbers for my Cb450 solo police bike... sent him the " pieces ".. he nailed it...

 

[5twins]

Yes, pretty much all the aftermarket rubber parts are garbage. I know from personal experience that the footpeg rubbers are terrible, they'll wear "bald" in a couple seasons, lol. The rubber covers for the side cover tabs are also junk. Luckily, originals are still available, as are the grommets for the later plastic side covers. Shift and kickstart rubbers are also available. I watch eBay for most of this stuff because it's often cheaper, footpeg rubbers especially. I've even bought nice used originals because they last almost forever. My '78 still has the originals on it and while they're worn a bit, they still have life left in them.

 

[Myuncles650]

Thanks All for tips and advice, I simply started writing down OE part numbers and searching / making purchases where I can find at somewhat reasonable $.
On the rubber topic, what do you all like for tires a TX?