Head first; eyes closed

[NorthernGal]

After having my 1976 xs 650 at a garage for four months and being told nothing’s been done, had it towed back home.
About 30 years ago I opened it up under the supervision of my mechanic uncle and was proud to have it run.
My uncle has passed and it’s been on the centre stand for 30 years.
My 16 year old son is a new rider and wants to get it back on the road together.
Can’t find my old Clymer manual so I bought a new one.
I’m looking forward to giving it a go with my son, so here we go: eyes closed; head first!

 

[gggGary]

3rd generation, cool!
I'll be following!

 

[Jim]

This'll be good... following.
.... and open eyes. Easier that way.

 

[Wingedwheel]

I’m in!

 

[ssjody]

I'm in too! Following

 

[Mailman]

Well this ought to be fun, a nice father son project!

 

[Jim]

A few pointers....

The TECH menue at the top of the page is a gold mine of information. You'll be way ahead of the game if you study it's contents. Same with the search button top of page. It's a little wonky 'till you learn how to use it, but once you do it's a very powerful tool.
Lastly, ask questions.... especially when it comes to ordering parts... ask first!! There's a lot of good sources out there, but also a lot of junk. Ask first.
Suppliers:

How's your bookmark finger?


https://www.cruzinimage.net/

https://www.partshark.com/oemparts/partsearch/suzuki?partsearch=13651-51010

https://www.mikesxs.net/

http://650central.com/

https://www.nospartsnow.com/yamaha/

https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/yamaha/motorcycle

https://yamahaxs650.com/

https://www.diablocycle.com/

https://www.georgefixs.com/yamaha/

http://vintageconnections.com/

https://xs650direct.com/

Make sure you ask here before buying. We have combined many years of experience with these vendors and mostly know what's good and what's garbage.

MikesXS. Think of them as a last resort. Some of their stuff is OK, but way too much of it's Chinese junk. Ask before you order.

Google in-site search function.... site:xs650.com (space plus search criteria) For instance... site:xs650.com jim

 

[member43148]

“NorthernGal” & son project
A 76 is a very nice model ! As well as an awesome mid sized bike for a 16 year old son for everything !
Fixing and riding

 

[member43148]

Make sure you ask here before buying.

Second that. There are members up north who do have parts too

 

[NorthernGal]

Well this ought to be fun, a nice father son project!

Mother / son project

 

[NorthernGal]

A few pointers....

The TECH menue at the top of the page is a gold mine of information. You'll be way ahead of the game if you study it's contents. Same with the search button top of page. It's a little wonky 'till you learn how to use it, but once you do it's a very powerful tool.
Lastly, ask questions.... especially when it comes to ordering parts... ask first!! There's a lot of good sources out there, but also a lot of junk. Ask first.
Suppliers:

How's your bookmark finger?


https://www.cruzinimage.net/

https://www.partshark.com/oemparts/partsearch/suzuki?partsearch=13651-51010

https://www.mikesxs.net/

http://650central.com/

https://www.nospartsnow.com/yamaha/

https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/yamaha/motorcycle

https://yamahaxs650.com/

https://www.diablocycle.com/

https://www.georgefixs.com/yamaha/

http://vintageconnections.com/

https://xs650direct.com/

Make sure you ask here before buying. We have combined many years of experience with these vendors and mostly know what's good and what's garbage.

MikesXS. Think of them as a last resort. Some of their stuff is OK, but way too much of it's Chinese junk. Ask before you order.

Google in-site search function.... site:xs650.com (space plus search criteria) For instance... site:xs650.com jim

Wow! Thanks!

 

[nj1639]

'76 in red, nice!
Welcome aboard!
Something's going on with those passenger pegs.

 

[NorthernGal]

'76 in red, nice!
Welcome aboard!
Something's going on with those passenger pegs.

Is that a compliment? lol. I bought the bike from my uncle who was a “make do” guy. So probably not stock. They fold up

 

[member43148]

Stock passenger pegs & mounts but I think they are reversed. Probably has to do with the shorter mufflers.

 

[AndersJ]

Can't lose

 

[Kevin Werner]

Well this ought to be fun, a nice father son project!

Might be a "mother son" project...

 

[Mailman]

Mother / son project

Mea culpa! I’m afraid I’m a little slow. I wish you the best!

 

[NorthernGal]

Mea culpa! I’m afraid I’m a little slow. I wish you the best!

It is a little uncommon but we’re all here for the bikes!

 

[NorthernGal]

After having my 1976 xs 650 at a garage for four months and being told nothing’s been done, had it towed back home.
About 30 years ago I opened it up under the supervision of my mechanic uncle and was proud to have it run.
My uncle has passed and it’s been on the centre stand for 30 years.
My 16 year old son is a new rider and wants to get it back on the road together.
Can’t find my old Clymer manual so I bought a new one.
I’m looking forward to giving it a go with my son, so here we go: eyes closed; head first!View attachment 332081

Anyone have any experience with the book, The Yamaha XS650 Engine by Hans J. Pahl? Since we’re almost flying blind here, I thought I could use a supplement to the manual.

 

[Jim]

Anyone have any experience with the book, The Yamaha XS650 Engine by Hans J. Pahl? Since we’re almost flying blind here, I thought I could use a supplement to the manual.

It's an excellent book! And not take anything away from Hans, but about all the info in that book is available here in the forum either through the Tech menue or asking members.
Your money would be better spent on a used factory manual on Ebay. If you want a PDF Yamaha manual, you can get that here and print it out even cheaper yet. Look in Tech. the first article has the links.