1971 Yamaha XS1B (XS650)

[spyug]

+100 on the no chopping! That bike is worth far more stock and truly is collectible. I would be thinking frame off cleanup and reno. That is a gem my friend. Lucky you and thanks for sharing.

Spy

PS. Go over to the XS650Garage, the only other forum like this one. Cool bunch of guys.

[Flaggo60]

My 1974 TX650A (the XS prefix only started a couple of years later if memory serves) was one of the bikes in my past I wish I had been able to keep. It was a truly honest motorcycle. Great sound through the stock pipes, wonderful torque, manageable handling and beautiful appearance. I loved just spending a Saturday morning shining it up before my afternoon ride.

http://www.biker.net/flyers/650_ads.htm

If this find of yours had happened for me, I'd be clearing long-term living space somewhere in my shed for it right now.....

[Maddevill]

Do NOT modify that bike. Just clean it and get it running good. It's very rare to see examples of stock XSs in that shape.

[russr33]

Do NOT modify that bike. Just clean it and get it running good. It's very rare to see examples of stock XSs in that shape.

I was thinking of buying a sawzall later today and just start hacking. You know, rigid frame, open pipes, jockey shift, no front brake. Totally "Bad A$$".

[tkent02]

Just cut away anything that doesn't look like a piece of schit.

[tkent02]

My first street bike was a '72, with the disc brake. It would occasionally go into huge speed wobbles if you went fast enough. Very scary.

[chuck hahn]

RUSS...If the carbs are like mine on the TX750, the jets are in the bowl. If the bowl is full of scale, throw them in the berrymans for at least 2 days. It took SIX (6) cycles in a sonic cleaner JUST to get them out on the TX. Also be sure you have the cover gaskets IN HAND before you touch a single bolt.

The sync ports are a 5MM thread so you may have to borrow some or get them from Z1.

I would do just what I am doing to the TX..clean it up and repaint what needs it, polish the covers, service the forks etc etc and youll have agreat bike and a REALLY BIG eturn for a full stock runner. Theres a cult following form those that is friggin ridiculous!!!!!! If we may ask...how much coin????

[chuck hahn]

Same exact carbs as the TX..soak the bowls to get the jets out. The main is under the biog nut at the bottom.

To do a real clsoe hand sync what youll do is this:::

Observe that there are 2 idle screws you loosen the jam nuts at then grip to adjust them. Touch the one on the left with your finger and WATCH the one on the right. Turn the grip and youll be able to see the one and feel the other as you start to turn the grip. If one moves before the other, you adjust that cables turn buckle till youve got them both starting to move in SYNC with each other.

Then you will be able to adjust the idles with the screws. The proceedure as called for in then TX maual is as follows..

Turn the idle knobs in till the engine is at 2500 RPMS and sounds smooth. Unplug the left plug and turn the idle knob down on the right carb till the bike stalls. Pluig in the left plug and restart the bike. Unplug them right plug and turn the left idle down till the bike stalls.

this is a close factory set and guages will tell the rest of then story.

[chef1366]

My first street bike was a '72, with the disc brake. It would occasionally go into huge speed wobbles if you went fast enough. Very scary.

First bike I ever took over one-hundred miles an hour.
I didn't do that again on that bike.
I learned a lot about working on bikes with these models. I swapped out motors, heads and everything you could think of.
Easy peasy.

[sedelen]

First bike I ever took over one-hundred miles an hour.
I didn't do that again on that bike.

Because I didn't own my '76 XS650 very long I never did top it out, maybe took it to 90 or so, so I find it interesting about the high speed wobbles and such. Perhaps that's why I'm still here.

[chuck hahn]

Russ...MIKESXS is a great parts source as well.

[russr33]

She lives! Not a hint of smoke either which was nice. Guy riding is my mechanic buddy who owns a shop. He was making sure I didn't screw up too bad when tearing down/cleaning carbs. Will still need choke cable, a proper rebuild of carbs, petcock rebuild, electrical work etc. But engine seems to be in decent nick.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Qn5DthXfBg

[chuck hahn]

Have you done the valves and checked the timing yet? Points are under the covers on the sides of the jugs..but i guess you already knew that.


She sounds strong.

[Flaggo60]

Nice! Makes me wish I'd moved heaven and earth in 1978 to keep my own '74. I recall at the time a mechanic telling me those engines were well-built. The sound out of those pipes was classic 360 degree British twin.

[russr33]

Have you done the valves and checked the timing yet? Points are under the covers on the sides of the jugs..but i guess you already knew that.


She sounds strong.

No Chuck the plan was just to show that she ran. Will go on ebay this weekend. Will make a really nice survivor or outstanding restoration platform for someone.

I need $$$ for powdercoating/anodizing/fab work, etc, etc, etc for the Kat resto-mod. . Should be done with mock up this week.