principal282
XS650 Member
Hey everyone!! Screen name principal because , well, I’m an elementary school principal by trade. Other than farm kid mechanics, no formal training.
I’ve done two restorations of my own bikes, a 73 dt3 and 74gt80a. I learned so much. I feel like there isn’t much I couldn’t do.
I have heard the question “do you work on other peoples bikes?” Three times in the past week after people have had a chance to either see my work or see me working.
My standard answer is “not yet!” A local guy has a super nice 78 XS-E. Wonders if I can take a look. I went up and looked it over. Other than sitting in a pretty climate controlled place for years, it seems fine. My thinking is fresh oil, fresh fuel, clean carbs if needed, new plugs, It is such a nice machine. Nobody doing it around here.
My dad had one as well, and mom is thinking I should take it home and get it going. (Dad likely got sick of it not running right, parked it, bought a Harley.)
How tough are these to work on? I know they are significantly different with two carbs, 4 stroke engine with valves, etc. am I getting in over my head? How hard are parts to run down? The old enduros were tricky but I had a little network of folks I knew they knew where to secure stuff.
To be honest it could be a fun retirement gig to run a little shop and revive old bikes. Just not sure my skills are there yet but keep learning every day.
I figured I’d happen by this forum and read a bit, and if anyone throws me any feedback I’d love to hear it!
Here is one of mine, my dads dt3
I’ve done two restorations of my own bikes, a 73 dt3 and 74gt80a. I learned so much. I feel like there isn’t much I couldn’t do.
I have heard the question “do you work on other peoples bikes?” Three times in the past week after people have had a chance to either see my work or see me working.
My standard answer is “not yet!” A local guy has a super nice 78 XS-E. Wonders if I can take a look. I went up and looked it over. Other than sitting in a pretty climate controlled place for years, it seems fine. My thinking is fresh oil, fresh fuel, clean carbs if needed, new plugs, It is such a nice machine. Nobody doing it around here.
My dad had one as well, and mom is thinking I should take it home and get it going. (Dad likely got sick of it not running right, parked it, bought a Harley.)
How tough are these to work on? I know they are significantly different with two carbs, 4 stroke engine with valves, etc. am I getting in over my head? How hard are parts to run down? The old enduros were tricky but I had a little network of folks I knew they knew where to secure stuff.
To be honest it could be a fun retirement gig to run a little shop and revive old bikes. Just not sure my skills are there yet but keep learning every day.
I figured I’d happen by this forum and read a bit, and if anyone throws me any feedback I’d love to hear it!
Here is one of mine, my dads dt3