Okay, so I finally got my hands on a 1971 Yamaha XS650. It was a total barn find – dusty, rusty, and not running, but I saw the potential. I’ve always wanted to get my hands dirty with a vintage bike, and this was my chance.
Tear Down Time
First things first, I stripped the whole thing down. I mean, everything. Engine out, wheels off, wiring harness… the whole shebang. I labeled everything (masking tape and a Sharpie are your best friends here) and took tons of pictures. I can’t stress this enough – you think you’ll remember where everything goes, but you won’t. Trust me.
- Sorted bolts and nuts into Ziploc bags.
- Cleaned every part with degreaser and a wire brush. Some parts were so gunked up, I thought they were beyond saving.
- Made a list of parts that needed replacing – rusted cables, cracked hoses, you name it.
Engine Work
The engine was the biggest challenge. It was seized solid. I soaked the cylinders in penetrating oil for days, and with a bit of gentle persuasion (okay, maybe a rubber mallet), I finally got the pistons moving.
I replaced the piston rings, honed the cylinders, and checked the valves. Honestly, I watched a bunch of YouTube videos to figure this part out. There’s a whole community of people online restoring these old bikes, and their advice was invaluable.
Frame and Body
The frame had some surface rust, so I sanded it down and gave it a fresh coat of paint. I went with a classic black – it just seemed right for this bike. I also polished up the chrome bits as best as I could. Some of it was pitted, but hey, that’s patina, right?
Putting It All Back Together
Reassembly was like putting together a giant, greasy puzzle. Those photos I took during the teardown? Lifesavers. I slowly worked my way through the bike, connecting wires, tightening bolts, and referencing my notes constantly.
The Moment of Truth
Finally, the day came to try and start it. I poured in some fresh gas, hooked up the battery, and hit the starter button. It coughed, sputtered, and then… roared to life! The sound of that engine was music to my ears. I’d done it. I’d brought this old beauty back from the brink.
It’s not perfect, of course. It still needs some fine-tuning, and there are a few cosmetic things I want to address. But it runs, and it’s mine. And that feeling of accomplishment? That’s * I have been riding it around for serveral * runs well.