New member - Seeking part advice.

[4strokesweetheart]

Hello, my name is Lane. I am from Fort Collins, Colorado. I just recently purchased my first motorcycle, a 1979 xs650 special! I have no prior experience on motorcycles, so I am really going in with no knowledge at all. (Except for some cycling knowledge). I am just getting my motorcycle license in a few days and am so psyched to get riding!!

I listed a few photos of my ride below.

Anyways, I am seeking advice on parts. I have been trying to peek around in the forum to look for recommendations but am so lost. My apologies if this post is unnecessary.

My rotors are extremely grooved, I don’t necessarily want to spend $300+ on one rotor so I was curious if anyone has experience with niche rotors. Specifically these rotors - Niche Ind. link

I was also just looking to purchase some gaskets for doing my oil change ( sump gasket, oil gasket, and oil plug gasket ). I was going to purchase them from mikes xs, but has seen bad reviews in this forum. I was also on the search for a new tachometer, front brake pads, and rear shoes.

As a new rider I am also seeking any advice. And any suggestions as to what I should keep an eye out for.

Thank you!

 

[Downeaster]

I think the first step would be a close-up of the rotor. It may not need replacing at all unless you're primarily interested in aesthetics.

 

[gggGary]

a flap disk on an angle grinder the rotor bolted to something that will let it free spin and boom you're good
Xj1100 rotors off fleabay are plug and play and quite a bit lighter.
https://ebay.us/m/y3L679
For even more weight reduction a later model 600 rotor with a spacer is sweet

 

[MrBultaco]

Welcome from a member down the 'street' from you, so you could drive down to Longmont and we could talk. I have a front rotor already cleaned you can have. I also have lots of other parts/gaskets that I'll never use.
____I'll send you a PM so you can respond it you wish...

 

[willis]

Welcome to the forum Lane. You are in the right place for a wealth of knowledge when it comes to these bikes. A lot of the guys around here were riding these bike when they were new. Sounds like you have already found the search button. The Tech forum at the top of the page will greatly assist you too. If you haven't already, get yourself a manual. I believe there are digital versions in the tech section for free download. When it comes to ordering from Mike's be sure to do some research here first. They have a lot of quality parts, but be leery of any rubber bits and seals. I will link below to another thread listing some alternative suppliers that you can check out. Welcome aboard and good luck.

https://www.xs650.com/threads/parts-suppliers-for-the-xs650.68549/

 

[Its been a long time]

Welcome to XS650 ownership. There's a long list of things you really should be doing as well as dropping the sump plate off.

That's a good first step. But if you expect to leave home with some chance of arriving back there, you really need to do more to an unknown motorcycle.

After all, it's a near 50 year old motorcycle.

 

[jetmechmarty]

Welcome, Lane!

That’s a nice looking Special. Unlike modern bikes, this one will need more routine attention. This is a great opportunity to learn. Gaskets and brake pads are fine to buy from MikesXS. Buy an extra sump gasket or two.

Your seat is incorrect for that year. I’m wondering how it’s mounted.

Yours should look like mine.

 

[jetmechmarty]

Yours should look like mine

Disregard. It looks like you have a modified stock seat.

 

[grouchie77]

Not sure if a local automotive machine shop is an option, but if it is my first instinct would be to have the rotor turned. But like DE said, nice pics of the rotor (both sides) will help us help you.

Welcome aboard btw!

 

[Its been a long time]

Not sure if a local automotive machine shop is an option, but if it is my first instinct would be to have the rotor turned. But like DE said, nice pics of the rotor (both sides) will help us help you.

Welcome aboard btw!

That's true. Fact is, in my humble opinion, the entire braking system front and back, but especially front needs overhauling before the bike is ridden seriously.

 

[grouchie77]

That's true. Fact is, in my humble opinion, the entire braking system front and back, but especially front needs overhauling before the bike is ridden seriously.

Truer words have never been spoken.

Oftentimes there's a whole lotta "go" and not enough "whoa". That's how new riders end up dumping their bike and shattering their ankles. I speak from experience...

 

[jetmechmarty]

That's true. Fact is, in my humble opinion, the entire braking system front and back, but especially front needs overhauling before the bike is ridden seriously.

If that’s a rubber brake line, Yamaha says replace every four years. Yours may be coming up on 50. Go see @MrBultaco

 

[gggGary]

Put down your wrenches and go read this
https://www.xs650.com/threads/guide...checklist-for-the-condition-of-your-find.367/
two or three times wouldn't hurt take note or print it out.
It will save you a cubic butt ton of money time and agrivation.
then start a build thread and post up what you're doing lots will hlpe you through the coming struggle.
Sorry but struggle it will be, These bikes are 50 years old and like all 50 + they have some baggage and issues.
This'll be FUN!

 

[4strokesweetheart]

I think the first step would be a close-up of the rotor. It may not need replacing at all unless you're primarily interested in aesthetics.

Here is a photo for both front and rear, it seems the previous owner ran the bike with no brake pads at all given how grooved the rotors are. The rear isn’t as bad but front is definitely quite beat up.

I appreciate everyone’s responses!

 

[Its been a long time]

I feel my comment about a complete brake system overhaul is more than justified.

 

[gggGary]

Carefully slide the dust boots up the fork tubes a bit, look at the fork seal area. Rust, a pool of oil? that's near 100% likely, don't bother with brake pads til the fork seals have been done.
That looks like a barn find, survivor. It will need a thorough wake up before you can trust rides much beyond pushing distance from home.
You sure this is the path you want to take?

 

[grouchie77]

I feel my comment about a complete brake system overhaul is more than justified.

Yeah, I wouldn't ride it it like that. I got too much to live for

 

[Its been a long time]

I hope the OP isn't too annoyed by the comments or put off by them. But everyone means well without malice. There's a heck of of a lot to do on that motorcycle.

Look at the rust on the chain adjuster. What's the chain and sprockets like?

 

[Jan_P]

I feel my comment about a complete brake system overhaul is more than justified.

I agree it is a safety item .You being a new rider can lead to sudden situations when brakes are needed.
A more experienced rider can read the traffic situations and have a better position in the lane.
Further a new rider mostly are pretty soon trying a more dynamic riding ..style
So it would be bad advice not recommending brake service

The comments on chain are justified and maybe tires also

Having said that the bike looks nice I have seen a lot worse starting bike over the years

There should be a chapter somewhere in a manual about service points Haynes and Clymer manuals have it and a service manual from the web
should have it just work trough it .

The rotors are a bit worn but personally I would investigate if they can be used as per gggGary in post #3
But the brake pistons can be rusted and stuck that is a bigger concern.

I have never replaced the Oil Plug copper ring gasket maybe once in 40 years
You can consider make your own gaskets

Mr IBALT notice the surface rust ..and the adjuster screw and nut is not stock at least mine does not look like that
something have happened there needs to look at
I have painted my adjusters with silver paint.

And the absolute first to check is charging Voltage or you can be stuck out on the road .

 

[Its been a long time]

I agree it is a safety item .You being a new rider can lead to sudden situations when brakes are needed.
A more experienced rider can read the traffic situations and have a better position in the lane.
Further a new rider mostly are pretty soon trying a more dynamic riding ..style
So it would be bad advice not recommending brake service

The comments on chain are justified and maybe tires also

Having said that the bike looks nice I have seen a lot worse starting bike over the years

There should be a chapter somewhere in a manual about service points Haynes and Clymer manuals have it and a service manual from the web
should have it just work trough it .

The rotors are a bit worn but personally I would investigate if they can be used as per gggGary in post #3
But the brake pistons can be rusted and stuck that is a bigger concern.

I have never replaced the Oil Plug copper ring gasket maybe once in 40 years
You can consider make your own gaskets

Mr IBALT notice the surface rust ..and the adjuster screw and nut is not stock at least mine does not look like that
something have happened there needs to look at
I have painted my adjusters with silver paint.

And the absolute first to check is charging Voltage or you can be stuck out on the road .

Indeed, the chain adjustment screw is something the previous owner found laying in his shed after he lost the original.

I agree, it's not a terrible bike at all. It's probably not an ideal first motorcycle. But with time, it can be made OK. It took me 18 months to get mine right.

Add charging to the list of things to do. It's quite a long list really. I don't know if the OP wants to hear about it?