New member - Seeking part advice.

[jetmechmarty]

Do this Lane:
Download the Factory Service Manual
See Chapter 2. Periodic Inspection & Adjustment
Do all of the steps in that chapter
List the faults

That’s going to get you most of the way there. It’s not really different than any old vehicle. You can do it.

In retrospect, I bought my XS650 new. I knew nothing. In the first year I spent money on the same service I’m recommending you do. I paid to have tires replaced, chain & sprockets twice, oil and lube, new brushes, etc. It was expensive. You do all these services once and it’s easier next time.

Option B: Dump this thing and buy a new bike. Pay for services. Or learn to service the new bike. I like the XS. That’s why I’ve kept it all these years.

 

[Its been a long time]

Yes, ^^^^ pretty much sums it up. It's down to the OP now.

 

[Jan_P]

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?

I feel it is not any evil intent telling what can be done or what would be done ..
It can be over many years Little by little Usually not a surprise a bit more work and effort is needed
But again it can be over many years
The Car Enthusiasts used to say
There is no normal wear and tear on an enthusiast vehicle, they just get better and better over the years.
Sometimes sold and buying something else I Do believe it is rare any US car is scrapped in Sweden at all.
People are welding and painting and change motors

When I bought the first crashed bike 1984 $ 800 i figured If it lasts a year it is OK But kept it ..
very rewarding hobby over the years

You can get these bikes running at very low cost . Especially if looking for parts longer time . .Might not run perfect and have some issues but run
Then you can get it better and better or just run as is .having the Problems. ,

 

[4strokesweetheart]

Do this Lane:
Download the Factory Service Manual
See Chapter 2. Periodic Inspection & Adjustment
Do all of the steps in that chapter
List the faults

That’s going to get you most of the way there. It’s not really different than any old vehicle. You can do it.

In retrospect, I bought my XS650 new. I knew nothing. In the first year I spent money on the same service I’m recommending you do. I paid to have tires replaced, chain & sprockets twice, oil and lube, new brushes, etc. It was expensive. You do all these services once and it’s easier next time.

Option B: Dump this thing and buy a new bike. Pay for services. Or learn to service the new bike. I like the XS. That’s why I’ve kept it all these years.

I appreciate your help in the right direction.

I am going to get started on that list, hopefully they don’t all go so bad!! I really enjoy figuring things out, so hoping to do it on my own, with some help from some mechanic friends.
Thank you!

 

[Its been a long time]

I appreciate your help in the right direction.

I am going to get started on that list, hopefully they don’t all go so bad!! I really enjoy figuring things out, so hoping to do it on my own, with some help from some mechanic friends.
Thank you!

That's good, start a build thread and you'll get plenty of help here. Post lots of pictures, it helps others to help you.

 

[grouchie77]

Having mechanically inclined friends will help a lot.

 

[Niels B]

and good tools helps even more !

 

[Niels B]

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

that's good to know ! I find the brakes on these bikes bit scary, can't help compare to my BMW 1200 GS with ABS, however recall in the 70ties when i got my first Yamaha XS that i was impressive (coming from brake shoes front and back)

 

[Wagner73]

Xj1100 rotors off fleabay are plug and play and quite a bit lighter.
https://ebay.us/m/y3L679

@gggGary do you have an estimate for the weight savings v. later XS650 298 mm disc? And is the savings due to diameter, thickness, or both? Thanks!

 

[gggGary]

If you get XS1100 SPECIAL rotors they are a bit thinner and the slots help

not near as light as an FZR600 rotor

but those need a spacer ring.
https://ebay.us/m/u7cJOQ
The Niche XS650 rotor is prolly OK too. One member here had an issue with a niche but I think he figgered it out.

 

[Wagner73]

If you get XS1100 SPECIAL rotors they are a bit thinner and the slots help
View attachment 370456View attachment 370458
not near as light as an FZR600 rotor
View attachment 370455
but those need a spacer ring.
https://ebay.us/m/u7cJOQ
The Niche XS650 rotor is prolly OK too. One member here had an issue with a niche but I think he figgered it out.

Many thanks!