What have you done to your XS today?

[jetmechmarty]

I emptied my tank out and was surprised to see half a dozen, randomly located, light rust spots maybe 1/8” - 3/16” diameter. I’m thinking I should give then a soak in Evaporust before refilling it. If I do this, since the inside of the tank is otherwise in perfect shape, do I need to seal the inside of the tank with a liner or just add fuel?

Just add fuel. Save the liner for when you have no option. Option B: Empty the tank to completely dry. Spray the inside with some fogging oil or coat the inside with maybe 90W gear oil. That will keep it moisture free. Electrolyte is required for the rust to happen.

 

[bosco659]

Just add fuel. Save the liner for when you have no option. Option B: Empty the tank to completely dry. Spray the inside with some fogging oil or coat the inside with maybe 90W gear oil. That will keep it moisture free. Electrolyte is required for the rust to happen.

Thx, I’ll do that. Evaporust then engine storage fogging oil. I’ll fill it back up in the springtime.

 

[magoo66]

Still gathering some small old m/c parts worth the $ while others sleep.

 

[Jim]

Lift at the back where you unbolted it. Lift an inch or two, then pull straight back.

 

[Camp Cook]

Lift at the back where you unbolted it. Lift an inch or two, then pull straight back.

thanks figured it out just before I read this = crazy easy

 

[Zonie]

Cleaning the rust out of the tank on my new to me 76 XS650. Hope to have that done later today.

Did two soaks of Rust Olium rust remover along with a handful of nuts and bolts. The bottom of the tank looks rust free. The underside of the tank still has some rust, so another soak is in progress.

 

[bosco659]

Just a thought - it seems that when owning a vintage bike you can always find something to fix or improve. It’s like the gift that keeps on giving. I thought I was done working on it for this winter and now I’m tearing the clutch apart; fixing up the starter gear and who knows what else I’ll find?

 

[Its been a long time]

Just a thought - it seems that when owning a vintage bike you can always find something to fix or improve. It’s like the gift that keeps on giving. I thought I was done working on it for this winter and now I’m tearing the clutch apart; fixing up the starter gear and who knows what else I’ll find?

Tell me about it. I have a ~£3000 bike with ~£6000 and counting in it!

 

[Adamc]

Tell me about it. I have a ~£3000 bike with ~£6000 and counting in it!

Same here.
Taffy started as a light recommision. £8,000+ in and it still needs work!
@Raymond did warn me that costs could run away; but I blindly carried on.

Once a fool always a fool.

 

[Raymond]

Same here.
Taffy started as a light recommision. £8,000+ in and it still needs work!
@Raymond did warn me that costs could run away; but I blindly carried on.
View attachment 343126
Once a fool always a fool.

Not atoll, just gotta get the correct perspective - the money you spent was entertainment/pleasure/hobby.

A walker buys boots, rucksack, waterproof kit, silly bobble hat so she can go walking, which presumably she enjoys. You buy tools and Yamaha parts so you can go bike tinkering, which presumably you enjoy. When the walker is finished, she might be tired and happy but has nothing else to show for her effort. You however have a unique and beautiful street tracker to show for yours . . .

 

[Its been a long time]

Same here.
Taffy started as a light recommision. £8,000+ in and it still needs work!
@Raymond did warn me that costs could run away; but I blindly carried on.
View attachment 343126
Once a fool always a fool.

 

[Its been a long time]

Not atoll, just gotta get the correct perspective - the money you spent was entertainment/pleasure/hobby.

A walker buys boots, rucksack, waterproof kit, silly bobble hat so she can go walking, which presumably she enjoys. You buy tools and Yamaha parts so you can go bike tinkering, which presumably you enjoy. When the walker is finished, she might be tired and happy but has nothing else to show for her effort. You however have a unique and beautiful street tracker to show for yours . . .

Quite correct. I have said to Mrs IBALT that what I spend on the bike is far less than golf memberships or football season tickets. And it is too.

I've still spent too much but it might even be the last bike I own. Doesn't matter in the overall scheme.

 

[Zonie]

I have told my wife that I could be at the local bar instead of being out in the garage. Cost a lot less money and I have something to show for it a the end of the day.

 

[gggGary]

I have told my wife that I could be at the local bar instead of being out in the garage. Cost a lot less money and I have something to show for it a the end of the day.

A beer belly?

 

[Zonie]

A beer belly?

Ouch! I like Crown better and I can afford it, so a win win.

 

[Melnic]

I purchased a spare inexpensive seat that was highly deteriorated. Purchased a spare cover and placed it onto that seat.

 

[Its been a long time]

I purchased a spare inexpensive seat that was highly deteriorated. Purchased a spare cover and placed it onto that seat.
View attachment 343136View attachment 343137

Looks excellent.

 

[bosco659]

Tomorrow’s project

 

[Camp Cook]

I drained and removed the gas tanks from both of my 77 Standard and 80 Special II. I keep them in the warm basement so I don't drop snow shovels on them over the winter. Also, keeps them from forming rust inside from condensation.

Need help what is the trick to removing the gas tank ours is a 1980 special we took out the rear bolt but have no idea how the front is held on = any help would be very much appreciated

 

[bosco659]

Need help what is the trick to removing the gas tank ours is a 1980 special we took out the rear bolt but have no idea how the front is held on = any help would be very much appreciated

Lift the rear of the tank off of the post where you removed the bolt. Not too high but just enough to clear the post. Wiggle the back of the tank side to side while applying a pulling force rearward. Easier to do with an empty tank. There’s two rubber pucks that engage into pockets in the frame. They are probably stuck from age. When reassembling, grease the pucks and post for easier re/re next time.

This is for a ‘76 but I believe the ‘80 is similar.