FrankS 1978 Special

FrankS

FrankS

XS650 Addict
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north of Toronto, Canada
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Got the bike home yesterday and today I'm going over it. Washed it down as it had been sitting outside, luckily not for too long. Removed the side covers, lifted the seat, removed the tank, and removed the battery. Bike was originally a dark read. More cleaning with WD40. It looks way better than I was expecting! Previous owner replaced fuse box - done well. Removed and cleaned the fuel tank petcocks. The inside of the tank has a cream coloured coating. Later today will remove the carbs and already found helpful info here about the airbox having to come out.
 
FrankS said:
View attachment 332764View attachment 332765View attachment 332766View attachment 332767View attachment 332768View attachment 332769View attachment 332770

Got the bike home yesterday and today I'm going over it. Washed it down as it had been sitting outside, luckily not for too long. Removed the side covers, lifted the seat, removed the tank, and removed the battery. Bike was originally a dark read. More cleaning with WD40. It looks way better than I was expecting! Previous owner replaced fuse box - done well. Removed and cleaned the fuel tank petcocks. The inside of the tank has a cream coloured coating. Later today will remove the carbs and already found helpful info here about the airbox having to come out.
Click to expand...
Bike looks decent, what’s the plan for the resto?
This is a great start to the build thread. Post plenty of pictures, and ask questions when required
Welcome aboard.
 
FrankS said:
View attachment 332764View attachment 332765View attachment 332766View attachment 332767View attachment 332768View attachment 332769View attachment 332770

Got the bike home yesterday and today I'm going over it. Washed it down as it had been sitting outside, luckily not for too long. Removed the side covers, lifted the seat, removed the tank, and removed the battery. Bike was originally a dark read. More cleaning with WD40. It looks way better than I was expecting! Previous owner replaced fuse box - done well. Removed and cleaned the fuel tank petcocks. The inside of the tank has a cream coloured coating. Later today will remove the carbs and already found helpful info here about the airbox having to come out.
Click to expand...
Beware of the tank coating. Hopefully others here who have experience will chime in. Nice bike though.
 
That cream-colored tank liner is very likely a product called Kreme, and it can be a big problem that you should take very seriously, or face possible huge consequences down the road. Kreme liners are famous for failing, almost without exception, and for certain if you use ethanol-containing fuel.

One solution is to put a Caswell liner on top of the existing liner. I have done this. It works, and potential problem avoided.

The other solution is to either buy nothing but ethanol-free gas, or to add an ethanol stabilizer every single time you add gas.
https://www.google.com/search?q=eth...QARgUkgcHNS4yLjgtMqAHvD4&sclient=gws-wiz-serp
I use, and am partial to Ethanol Shield, but there are other ethanol stabilizers available.
If it really is a Kreme liner, it will likely eventually fail anyway, even with the use of an ethanol stabilizer or ethanol-free gas.
 
DogBunny said:
That cream-colored tank liner is very likely a product called Kreme, and it can be a big problem that you should take very seriously, or face possible huge consequences down the road. Kreme liners are famous for failing, almost without exception, and for certain if you use ethanol-containing fuel.

One solution is to put a Caswell liner on top of the existing liner. I have done this. It works, and potential problem avoided.

The other solution is to either buy nothing but ethanol-free gas, or to add an ethanol stabilizer every single time you add gas.
https://www.google.com/search?q=ethanol+shield&sca_esv=87faeafcc4202842&sca_upv=1&sxsrf=ADLYWII8qKmJWwNiENlbDqSxKnKyok-WXA:1723508053462&ei=VaW6Zs_1G6LKkPIPpOqr0AE&ved=0ahUKEwiP9Kzq1_CHAxUiJUQIHST1ChoQ4dUDCA8&oq=ethanol+shield&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiDmV0aGFub2wgc2hpZWxkMg4QLhiABBiRAhjlBBiKBTIIEC4YgAQY5QQyBRAAGIAEMgUQABiABDIFEAAYgAQyBRAAGIAEMgUQABiABDIFEAAYgAQyBRAAGIAEMgUQABiABDIdEC4YgAQYkQIY5QQYigUYlwUY3AQY3gQY4ATYAQFIvkdQtwhYhBdwAHgCkAEAmAFqoAGHBKoBAzUuMbgBDMgBAPgBAZgCCaACwy7CAgQQABhHwgILEAAYgAQYkQIYigXCAggQABiABBixA8ICDRAuGIAEGBQY5QQYhwLCAhcQLhiABBjlBBiXBRjcBBjeBBjgBNgBAZgDAOIDBRIBMSBAiAYBkAYIugYGCAEQARgUkgcHNS4yLjgtMqAHvD4&sclient=gws-wiz-serp
I use, and am partial to Ethanol Shield, but there are other ethanol stabilizers available.
If it really is a Kreme liner, it will likely eventually fail anyway, even with the use of an ethanol stabilizer or ethanol-free gas.
Click to expand...
Acetone will remove a Kreme liner.
 
FrankS said:
I am not a fan of tank liners. It came to me this way. The tank looks sound to me. Not sure why a previous owner lined it.
Click to expand...
Push come to shove, I've got about a half dozen or so Special tanks. Say the word and I'll look at 'em and see if one's good enough for ya.
 
Jim said:
Maybe check out MikesXS. Last I looked they have new standard tanks, painted black for about $250-$300. Never bought one so I can't comment on the quality.
Anyone?
Click to expand...
The quality is good, but not equal to stock. That argument was had on here with 650 Trader or whatever his name was.
 

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