An introduction | Part 1

I don't know when I started thinking about taking this bike completely apart but I knew from experience that no matter what I did, it should all be documented. I can't count the times that, after a project, I've had left overs or worse, complete gave up on putting things back together. I have kind of a history of getting in over my head with projects. I once saw someone's signature line in a forum that explained it well.

"If it ain't broke, I'll fix it 'till it is."

You get the idea.

I started keeping a journal of sorts to try to wrap my mind around what I was attempting. I'll post it over the next few installments occasionally adding [updates in square brackets.]

07.03.08

I just received a 1981 Yamaha XS 650 from my neighbor Danny. He ask me about a week ago if I would be interested in it since he had just been letting it sit for the last few years. He told me he'd bring it by and give it to me if I wanted. I certainly did. I've never really been able to pass up anything with a price tag of free. Plus, I've always wanted a motorcycle. There were a few things about it though.

There was no title. I have yet to look into whether or not this will be a difficulty but I can't imagine it being so bad as to make a free bike not worth it. Plus, he said he'd write me up a bill of sales so that I would have something when I went in to license it. [Update 02/15/10: Some months back, I made contact with the original/current owner who said he'd be willing to sign a paper making me the rightful owner. He said he bought it for $250 at a garage sale and had it fixed up like brand new. I told him he'd cry if I saw it now. He has pictures for me if I get around to it. Unfortunately, I lost his number and can't remember his name. Wow, huh?]

There were also some wiring issues. The last time he rode it, smoke came from under the seat. Ok. There's more. He tells me that the guy he got it from was too cheap to buy a motorcycle battery so instead, strapped a car battery onto the back seat and wired it up [and at some point, someone cut out the fuse box. I suppose that, for some, it's easier than buying fuses.] That explains the smoke. 

After removing the seat and side covers, I found what appeared to be sections of french fried wiring harness. I'm no electrician or expert in any field, but in my opinion, this is not a good thing.

After getting it in the garage and taking it apart some, I came across a few other things and began my [still growing] to-do list. The ignition lock is missing and has been replaced by a toggle switch. A screw has been forced into the opening that once housed a pin that locked the steering when parked. If the screw were to vibrate out, the steering could certainly lock up while riding. This might become an issue if I was turning or something.

Little things here and there. The seat is faded and torn a bit; a few light covers are cracked or loose; the gas cap appears to be from a car; The tires suffer from dry rot and chain is shot. For the time being, the least of my worries is that the frame is partially painted silver. That is, spray painted silver over dirt and grease so some of it may continue to wipe off easily. 

Now I don't know what you're thinking, but me, still worth it.

Game plan: 

I'll starting by removing the wiring harness and electrical components, front and rear tires, chain and various lights and switches. I've convinced myself that if I take enough pictures of everything, I should be able to put it back together fairly easily later on. I'll clean the ever living hell out of everything. Possibly remove the engine to sand and paint the frame / gas tank / side covers.