Two weeks ago I purchased an XS650 that hadn't be run since 1988. Unseen. On eBay. For more money than I'm going to admit here.
Every inch of her is covered in corrosion, the pipes were full of water, both tyres flat, all but one engine mount bolt had been removed, several screw heads stripped, every light cover is cracked or smashed. Brake lines, chain, and control cables either missing or disconnected. 37,000 miles on the clock. Most disappointingly the petcocks look like they've been living in a rainforest for the last three decades.
I have no idea what the condition of the bike is like. My plan is to strip and clean everything, check all tolerances, and replace what needs to be replaced...
With the exception of cleaning a chain one time I have never worked on a bike before.
Bought as seen:
Starting to look over the bike:
Questionable use of step ladders:
Questionable use of engine mounting bolts:
Engine out:
Everything is rusty, pitted and corroded:
Propping up the Dutch economy with my order from Heiden Tuning. Likely the first of several.
First step will be dismantling the engine, cleaning, checking for damage, then rebuilding, replacing all seals, piston rings, and spark plugs.
If the engine is in good condition / can be repaired I will move on to stripping and repainting the frame.
If I replace piston rings is it a good idea to hone the cylinders?
Should I also reseat valves and replace the cam chain?
Many thanks,
Camilo
Every inch of her is covered in corrosion, the pipes were full of water, both tyres flat, all but one engine mount bolt had been removed, several screw heads stripped, every light cover is cracked or smashed. Brake lines, chain, and control cables either missing or disconnected. 37,000 miles on the clock. Most disappointingly the petcocks look like they've been living in a rainforest for the last three decades.
I have no idea what the condition of the bike is like. My plan is to strip and clean everything, check all tolerances, and replace what needs to be replaced...
With the exception of cleaning a chain one time I have never worked on a bike before.
Bought as seen:
Starting to look over the bike:
Questionable use of step ladders:
Questionable use of engine mounting bolts:
Engine out:
Everything is rusty, pitted and corroded:
Propping up the Dutch economy with my order from Heiden Tuning. Likely the first of several.
First step will be dismantling the engine, cleaning, checking for damage, then rebuilding, replacing all seals, piston rings, and spark plugs.
If the engine is in good condition / can be repaired I will move on to stripping and repainting the frame.
If I replace piston rings is it a good idea to hone the cylinders?
Should I also reseat valves and replace the cam chain?
Many thanks,
Camilo
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