New Member, Bringing Thumper Back To Life.

[JOHNDADDY]

Good day to All. I was gifted a 75 XS650B (Thumper) from my brother after a wreck with my kaw in 1987. Love this bike and for years we were inseparable, (Daily Driver) even rode through a few winters with her. She's been sitting for 5 years now, rode hard and put away wet. They are fairly rare now but In the day 650s were a dime a dozen, well... a buck a cc was common and I've bought a few and were given a couple for parts to keep her going on a very low budget, downright poor is more accurate. I knew this bike inside and out. but it's been a lot of years since I've torn into her. Ahh the good ole days. Life's changed a lot over the years and things are good. My wife bought me a Sportster for our 30th wedding anniversary. The bike was unloved and cobbed together but the price was too good to pass up. I wrenched her back to happy over the last few years and she's a great bike but Thumper's sitting there calling HEY WHAT ABOUT ME? Can't help but feel like I'm cheating on her. Honestly Thumper in some ways is a much superior bike and riding the back roads of the Catskills I'm wishing it was her. So... I want to resurrect her for her 50th birthday. That's the story. I'm looking forward to putting her back in the wind where she belongs. So I'll be looking for info, advice and inspiration from looking at some of your beautiful bikes. She's basically a rat now (that was the thing at the time) and I'd like to put some style back into her. I'll shamefully post some pictures of her as is when I get a chance.

 

[nj1639]

Great intro and welcome aboard!

 

[willis]

welcome from another 75 owner. Love to see your pictures.

 

[Raymond]

Yup, this lot want pictures. Keep the pictures coming and those hereabouts will give you all the help and advice you need though it sounds like you pretty much know your way around one anyhow? Cheers, Raymond

 

[jetmechmarty]

I'll shamefully post some pictures of her as is when I get a chance.

Please! There won't be any shame here. 1975 was a good year for the XS650. Outside of Specials I believe it's the most common of them all. You should be able to bring it back no matter how bad it is.

 

[Raymond]

Yup, this lot want pictures. Keep the pictures coming and these hereabouts will give you all the help and advice you need though it sounds like you pretty much know your way around one anyhow? Cheers, Raymond

PS I'm over the disappointment this thread wasn't about a big single . . .

 

[JOHNDADDY]

Sorry Raymond, Thumper got her name from the massive headaches I got trying to rewire her after her harness caught fire. Had to cut it all out and made my own. Long story \ No fun.

 

[Adamc]

Sorry Raymond, Thumper got her name from the massive headaches I got trying to rewire her after her harness caught fire. Had to cut it all out and made my own. Long story \ No fun.

Been there done that. Making a new harness seemed a daunting task, but I enjoyed the process. Looking forward to the build thread.
Ads.

 

[JOHNDADDY]

Some pics, she's a blank canvass. I've got 2 years. Time and cash, time and cash. Next step is to clear a spot on the deck for her, give her a good bath and assess her overall condition. Best news she's not locked up.

 

[Jan_P]

I do admit I put oil on almost everything So the rear wheel looks as if the seal is leaking But to me it sticks out how it is possible to have
such a rusted chain at all.

One thought is to paint the shocks with silver paint .It looks Ok from a Distance .If budget is tight.

All in all looks good.

 

[JOHNDADDY]

She's been outdoors for 5 years, a new chain and shocks are definitely going to happen. Shocks have been shot for years just couldn't afford a new pair at the time.