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Waking up dad's TX650 in Colorado
- Thread starter Leadville Bill
- Start date
Leadville Bill
XS650 Enthusiast
Leadville Bill
XS650 Enthusiast
Leadville Bill
XS650 Enthusiast
Leadville Bill
XS650 Enthusiast
Leadville Bill
XS650 Enthusiast
I didn’t get shots of the unloading but the empty truck tells the tale. Special thanks to neighbors Larry for the loan of his ramps and Jesse for a third set of hands and practical advice. I’ve been truly blessed to have so many great people offer help on both ends of the trip.
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Leadville Bill
XS650 Enthusiast
Over 2,500 miles round trip and more than 5 days on the road. The new digs are smaller but it’s a bright place to stay. My MI family was understandably sad to see her leave the old garage but more importantly, happy that she’s going to get fixed up and back into service. The next chapter begins.
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Time to start ordering things!
Leadville Bill
XS650 Enthusiast
Amongst the items found was the master brake cylinder and brake lever. I also found my dad’s notes that he needed rebuild kits for the disc brake, clutch and petcocks. Any recommendations on sourcing these items? Also, I’ll need a new battery. Any AGM’s stand out?
Most of the time a good cleaning will take care of the MC, the caliper is just an o-ring unless the piston is pitted. They don’t make an exact kit for the 650 as the kit for the XS400 works although it’s got a shorter plunger. I prefer XS650direct but sometimes Mike’s is the only one with certain parts. You’re probably gonna want to replace those brake lines as well. If they’re the originals 53yo rubber won’t be good.
I don’t believe you can an AGM for a ‘73. You’ll have to replace the box with one from a later XS650.
I have an AGM in both ‘72’s
It’s a little larger than stock so it’s hard to remove the Airboxes with it in but it works fine as the stock battery had a rubber sleeve.
It’s a little larger than stock so it’s hard to remove the Airboxes with it in but it works fine as the stock battery had a rubber sleeve.
Good time to fit a length of braided stainless while you're at it.
Not sure what a "rebuild" kit would be for the clutch? You should investigate it though, and really the only two ways to do this are: 1) Get the bike running and see how the clutch works, or; 2) open it up and measure plates, springs, etc. and inspect basket et al for wear aso. 2nd method probably preferred for a 50 yoa bike, but if super low miles, might be ok(?). Likely that steel plates are ok, may need new friction plates and springs. I've had good luck with Vesrah springs and Barnett friction plates, but there are other good choices. IMO do not use the Barnett springs...way too stiff / too long. Don't forget cable and lever, plus cleaning/lube release mechanism under the left cover.
PS - Somebody also mentioned that @gggGary may have some nice friction plates too!
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Leadville Bill
XS650 Enthusiast
I should clarify- his notes said replacement or rebuild kits for the petcocks and brake; his notes for the clutch simply said “clutch”. I don’t know what the issues were with any of them, only that the master cylinder was removed and both petcocks are missing.
Speaking of the master cylinder, I cleaned off the outside and opened it up. Are there parts missing or is this what it normally looks like:
Speaking of the master cylinder, I cleaned off the outside and opened it up. Are there parts missing or is this what it normally looks like:
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Leadville Bill
XS650 Enthusiast
A small victory- I decided to replace the dead battery in kind with a lead acid one and confirmed the electrical system appears to be working. One thing I can cross off the list!
Looks like the diaphragm and related parts may be inside the cap. However, the guts of the master cylinder are piston, seals, spring, etc inside - see the diagram here:
https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/yamaha/motorcycle/1973/tx650/master-cylinder
Leadville Bill
XS650 Enthusiast
Thanks for the diagram.
Leadville Bill
XS650 Enthusiast
Interesting. So what’s the workaround for the shorter plunger? Is it a piece that can be modified? I’ve got a metal lathe so there’s a possibility I could fabricate a part if the geometry is simple.
Found in tech this thread covers "everything you need to know" about rebuilding master cylinders
https://www.xs650.com/threads/master-cylinder-rebuilding.7862/
https://www.xs650.com/threads/master-cylinder-rebuilding.7862/
