Where to start

[DavidSmith]

Howdy! I have a 1979 650 and I am looking for help getting it started. Current status:

• Changed the oil and replaced the lower filter. Also cleaned out the side filter.
• Replaced the battery. Currently showing ~10.5 V
• Cleaned out the carb. Fairly certain it’s getting gas.

It took me a sec to figure out where the button was for the starter (missing). When I try the electric starter, the bike doesn’t turn over. I am not seeing a spark in the plug when I pull it out and run the starter, but not totally sure that’s the issue.

When using the kick starter, it sounds like there is compression. Sometimes if I use the kick in close succession, the kick returns with EXTREME force upwards and feels like it’s going to break my ankle.

Housekeeping. When the key is in the ignition, the neutral light does come on.

I’m not trying to restore this bike. I’m moreso looking for purpose in life.

 

[Jim]

Housekeeping. When the key is in the ignition, the neutral light does come on.

If you mean by that the N light comes on with the key off... just by inserting it, yeah that sounds like a bad switch.

Replaced the battery. Currently showing ~10.5 V

10.5v is dead battery range. With the ignition off, a healthy battery will read 12.6...12.7v

 

[Jim]

...and welcome to the forum!!

 

[650Skull]

When using the kick starter, it sounds like there is compression. Sometimes if I use the kick in close succession, the kick returns with EXTREME force upwards and feels like it’s going to break my ankle.

Welcome, gauges say it's a 78, but these bikes are like a Lego set.

Make sure the kick start is at top of the stroke. Best to slowly kick through slowly down till it hits compression, if that is low bring the kick start back to the top, go down till hitting compression then kick.

If the timing is out then that will also cause kickback if not on compression stroke

 

[DavidSmith]

If you mean by that the N light comes on with the key off... just by inserting it, yeah that sounds like a bad switch.


10.5v is dead battery range. With the ignition off, a healthy battery will read 12.6...12.7v

Photos attached of the key unturned and turned for context.

Sounds like I need a new battery! Thank you for the responses.

 

[DavidSmith]

Welcome, gauges say it's a 78, but these bikes are like a Lego set.

Make sure the kick start is at top of the stroke. Best to slowly kick through slowly down till it hits compression, if that is low bring the kick start back to the top, go down till hitting compression then kick.

If the timing is out then that will also cause kickback if not on compression stroke

Would this kickback imply spark or simply misalignment in timing?

 

[gggGary]

The wiring looks fairly messed with, are there points sets under the left cam cover? It's pretty easy to get the points reversed mechanically or electrically and that will cause back firing.
From your pics there are going to be at least several issues between here and running decent. And that makes finding the cause of problems more difficult.

having brought barn bikes back to life (cough) more than once;
Your EASIEST course forward is to do methodical checks of every system, electrical, mechanical, and carbs.
Seems harder than finding "that problem that will make it run", but it's not.
This thread found with lots of other VERY useful information in the tech menu at the top of the page will point to nearly all the usual needs doing list.
https://www.xs650.com/threads/367

 

[Niels B]

Welcome - looks rough . For sure not enough battery power to turn the starter. My guess is corroded / dirty points / plugs /carbs / stator and rotor, combined with corroded wire connections. You should probably be an able to kick start it, after cleaning carb & points. But looking at the pictures you may need a good run over (renew) tires/ brakes and control cables.
It’s worth it - fun bikes to get back on the road! Lots of knowledge in this forum and especially in the tech section - I’ve got a lot of good advises here.

 

[Its been a long time]

Welcome to the forum. These members know their stuff. I brought a 77 650D back from the dead. Each time I thought I had solved "the problem" that kept it from running I found a new problem. But in the end it worked out fine. Be methodical, be persistent and ask plenty of questions here.

With your bike I would start by buying a new battery and going through the charging system tests as detailed in the shop manual and on this forum's technical section. Once you have a solid electrical system that's the basis to move onto the ignition system and then the fuel system. Good luck with it.

 

[Raymond]

Hi @DavidSmith welcome to the forum. A big factor is your own level of experience, from what you've done changing oil filter etc, you obviously know you way around bikes? As the others have said, your bike likely has charging problems so it helps if you are able to check electrical systems. And if the bike has been sitting, there's very likely to be dried up goo in the carbs - often need to be stripped and cleaned, all procedures found in Tech.

The wiring on mine was so mussed up that quickest way was to pull it all out - taking notes - and replace. There's scope to simplify. Once running, these are great bikes and can certainly add purpose to life as you become more familiar with what it needs to run properly.

 

[JJames]

Welcome David. It looks like I'm late to this party. Can't emphasize enough, battery and battery. I see you own a multimeter. If you don't have a charger/tender I would get one. Also I would have a look inside the carbs before trying to start. A Purpose, I don't know, but it will keep you busy. Lot's of help here.

 

[gggGary]

It's helpful to know what you have cuz these bikes are not QUITE "all the same".
From your pics you have a 77-79 standard with seat and gas tank from a 78-79 special.
When you go looking for a battery, make SURE you find a 14LA2 the L battery has the correct orientation of terminals.
With the + on the right as viewed here.
We'll guyess you are on a budget and a plain OLE lead acid battery will work JUST FINE.

On any old barn find bike
Have paper and pencil handy, A LARGE can (mebby TWO cans) of rust buster (PB B'laster my favorite) soak every nut, bolt, cables, chain etc. spray some in the plug holes, valve covers, into electrical switches etc. You will find lots of "needs attention", MAKE A LIST. Get out cleaning supplies, rags, a gallon of paint thinner poured in a windex bottle, chrome cleaner, tooth brushes, 000 steel wool and go over it end to end, cleaning removing rust, even some black touch up paint. A rattle can of industrial gloss black and artists paint brushes is my goto. Havbing a motorcycle start to peek out of the cob webs dirt and rust is inspiring. Check off any thing you can fix from list. Even adding something you've already found and fixed just so you can cross it off is mentally helpful.
Is the gas tank empty? If so the gas prolly drained out through the petcocks and carbs iy you are lucky it didn't end up in the oil. Before going fire check oil, sniff your stick, does it smell like rotten rancid old gas? It nearly 100% needs an oil and both filters changed.

 

[JJames]

He said he changed the oil Gary. Cross that off of your list. Lol.

 

[gggGary]

He said he changed the oil Gary. Cross that off of your list. Lol.

Don't confuse me with facts....

Replaced battery .... 10.5 volts do you have a shore battery charger? the most basic 2 amp trickle charger is fine.
You can jumper to any other 12 volt battery; lawn mower, boat, car (NOT running!!!) to get a solid 12 volts.
The missing starter button can be fixed, you don't have to replace the whole switch, it's not a bad job. Fun fact; starter OR horn button from any old Yamaha is the same part.

 

[650Skull]

Would this kickback imply spark or simply misalignment in timing?

Would need spark for a kickback on timing.

Can test wiring circuits without the battery. IMO it also saves having to use a battery to check voltage, turning it on and off, sometimes for a length of time without a running engine put pressure on a battery.

https://www.xs650.com/threads/continuity-testing-made-easy.49917/

Put a collection of info in here,
Not just ID, has links to basic tutorials like above.

https://www.xs650.com/threads/xs650...-other-information-including-xs750-850.30569/