New to XS650

bankerbiker

bankerbiker

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Greetings all. You have probably had plenty of these kind of posts, but here is another. I currently have a 2023 BMW F750GS and a 1964 Sears Allstate (Vespa) scooter. The Sears was my last project.

Because my buddy and I rode in the most recent Distinguished Gentleman's Ride on our scooters, I became interested in another project dealing with a vintage motorcycle. I am a previous banker, not a mechanic, and certainly not a motorcycle mechanic. But my friend purchased and rebuilt a 1974 Yamaha TX650 a number of years ago. And I recently found a 1981 XS650 for sale in great condition - already on the road. However. fate took its course and I met a gentleman with several XS650s in his garage and/or shop for repair. I mentioned the '81 and he said he had a 1983 XS650 Heritage Special for sale, which he offered at a good price.

So my buddy and I went to see it, and now it is mine. It has not been ridden for 10 years. While the owner made some adjustments, all original parts were available as part of the purchase. So my goal is to restore it as much as possible to original condition, and then decide what I want to do with the bike. The BMW is my tour bike, used for my annual 7,000+ kms rides. The scooter is my "around town" fun machine. The XS650 will be my short ride option. At least that is my hope.

For now., I am trying to find an owners manual for this 1983 bike. Is there one available? My friend has a Haynes shop manual for me, but I would like an owners manual.

I expect to be searching this site for help as I bring the bike back to original condition, or at least ridable on the road.

Cheers!
 
An Owners manual really doesn't tell you much. What you really want is a factory service manual. They pop up on eBay all the time. You want the last one published, the one for the '82 SJ and your '83 SK .....

82-83Manual.jpg
 
Thanks all! Appreciate your help. The previous owner also alerted me today to a book written by a German engineer that has been translated into English. You can get it on Amazon, and the sample pages I saw looked to be right up my alley (newbie to the bike and servicing). The book is called "The Yamaha XS650 Engine: Including the Electrical System" by Hans Joachim Pahl. Some very positive reviews on Amazon, along with a negative one that says there is nothing new in the book. Also said to be a good book to have along with the Haynes Workshop Manual. Since my friend has a Haynes copy for me, I have ordered this book as well. As my wife said "when you go to school, you have to buy the textbooks". This project is my going to school.

I am sure I will be checking out this site for more help as the project moves along!
 
Another hopefully quick question. An early step in this project is to get the engine running again, even before putting parts back on the bike. The bike did not come with a battery, but the previous owner felt it should start up. While he had not ridden the bike in 10 years, he did start it regularly so the engine has not been just sitting for 10 years.

I have seen a reference in another post for this kind of battery "YB14L-A2 12 V 14AH Replacement for Yamaha XS650 Battery". My friend uses a Yuasa and I have used Yuasa's in other bikes. The previous owner tends to use Yuasa's. Anyone had success with this YB14L? This is called a lead acid battery. What about AGM?
 
bankerbiker said:
Thanks all! Appreciate your help. The previous owner also alerted me today to a book written by a German engineer that has been translated into English. You can get it on Amazon, and the sample pages I saw looked to be right up my alley (newbie to the bike and servicing). The book is called "The Yamaha XS650 Engine: Including the Electrical System" by Hans Joachim Pahl. Some very positive reviews ojn Amazon, along with a negative one that says there is nothing new in the book. Also said to be a good book to have along with the Haynes Workshop Manual. Since my friend has a Haynes copy for me, I have ordered this book as well. As my wife said "when you go to school, you have to buy the textbooks". This project is my going to school.

I am sure I will be checking out this site for more help as the project moves along!
Click to expand...

That is a good book. It is for the 75.

The engine components are basically the same but your bike has electronic ignition, the electrics are a lot more complicated with cutout switches, TCI, (electronic ignition), and your charging system is a B
a type, (75 is an B type).

There is a link to theXScafe near the top, this has all workshop manual in PDF form. Worth a look to see the differences.

This link has all the models and changes through the years, especially up to 80, the wiring on the 83 is not much different, has a clutch and side stand cutout switch.
Scroll down to the wiring diagram through the years, you will see how complicated it got over the years.
https://www.xs650.com/threads/some-wiring-diagrams.61/

Lot of info in here that is designed to help people new to these bikes
https://www.xs650.com/threads/xs650...-other-information-including-xs750-850.30569/
 
Last edited:
bankerbiker said:
I have seen a reference in another post for this kind of battery "YB14L-A2 12 V 14AH Replacement for Yamaha XS650 Battery". My friend uses a Yuasa and I have used Yuasa's in other bikes. The previous owner tends to use Yuasa's. Anyone had success with this YB14L? This is called a lead acid battery. What about AGM?
Click to expand...
I have the Yuasa AGM version of that one.
 
Hello and welcome from Wales (UK).
It's good to have you jump aboard the Forum; new members are most welcome.
You seem to have a great project to start, so create a build thread with lots of photos for us to tag along.
Most members here are enthusiasts, and a few are specialists, with plenty of knowledge (Unlike me!).
Intelligent questions supported by pictures always get good answers to point you in the right direction.
Im looking forward to your project.
 
Here are a couple of pictures of the project.

Had a bad day today. I cleaned the bike as part of step one of the project. I then took the seat off to get at all of the tank for cleaning. Somehow the bike moved forward and fell over on the left side before I could grab it. Broke both the front and rear signal lights and looks like the shifter got bent as well. Tough lesson about the side stand. The previous owner took off the centre stand, which I would have used during cleaning. Installation of the centre stand is probably step 2.

This is just the beginning of the project so there are parts not on the bike yet. The mufflers are not even attached completely and the left hand mirror is not on properly. I plan on putting the original brake light back on the bike as well as the license plate light, both of which I have. I have ordered a new battery and am currently sourcing new plugs.

But my wife made plastic covers for two chairs (one for me and one for my friend, the '74 TX650 owner). That way the chairs won't get dirty (she thinks).

Tomorrow will be another day.

20260607_125059.jpg
20260607_125136.jpg
 
bankerbiker said:
Had a bad day today. I cleaned the bike as part of step one of the project. I then took the seat off to get at all of the tank for cleaning. Somehow the bike moved forward and fell over on the left side before I could grab it. Broke both the front and rear signal lights and looks like the shifter got bent as well. Tough lesson about the side stand. The previous owner took off the centre stand, which I would have used during cleaning. Installation of the centre stand is probably step 2.
Click to expand...
Happens to the best of us. Either you have... or you will. Hakuna matata.

Mostly US, but a few Canadian and European suppliers in here...
Ask first and someone will will have experience with 'em.

https://www.xs650.com/threads/parts-suppliers-for-the-xs650.68549/
 
Yes, I do have a NAPA store in town. However, have already ordered an AGM battery said to be designed for XS650's elsewhere. My TX650 friend had read that for my model year (1983) you need to ensure the battery is rated for 12 Ah or better. This one is rated 14Ah and 210 CCA. Will see how it works.

Thanks for the info though. Will keep it in mind.
 

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