Newbie in Pitt

jetero41 · Full Member Joined: Mar 19, 2009 Posts: 17

Newbie to this site and to street bikes (rode dirt years ago). Bought an '83 XS 650 early winter and just now (garage is FULL) getting a good start on it (mostly appearance issues, paint, clean, stainless fasteners, etc.) Working on a disc brake conversion and will post a question in the appropriate area in a bit.

Bike will be ALL black with stainless hdwe when done, even the fork tubes and coils. A red highlight here and there. Got my heart broken last night, sanding on the tank where the seat had rubbed. The factory (?) Bondo had loosened and allowed some oxidation underneath. Not sure how far it goes. This could get ugly.

Debating whether or not to go to a points ignition. I cannot stand the igniter prices that I am finding. Would love feedback on this issue.

Planning on riding to and from work and to get away from my "significant other" (sic) when necessary.

I am SURE that I will pick the minds of all you other members, PLEASE be patient with me.

Thanks in ADAVANCE (that's where I work Cool

rhilker · Posted: April 14, 2009, 6:38 pm Post subject: Re: Newbie in Pitt

Start the Pic's now and keep posting as you develop the project.

Good Luck.

pumps · Posted: April 14, 2009, 8:59 pm Post subject: Re: Newbie in Pitt

Welcome my friend. If you want an alternative to the factory TCI iggy you can install a Pamco ignition. There's plenty of info about it on here. Easy to install.

nj1639 · Posted: April 14, 2009, 9:27 pm Post subject: Re: Newbie in Pitt

Welcome aboard jetero41!
TCI? Quite content with mine, would never convert to points. Had a rotor issue that's now resolved and there are lots of old threads on igniter repairs.
Bondo on the seat rub sounds like a P.O. repair.
Love my '83.

jetero41 · Full Member Joined: Mar 19, 2009 Posts: 17

Will work on pics. Failed to get any of the complete bike as purchased.
Tank, side covers, fenders off right now. All emblems are being removed.
Planning on grinding out or filling the engine side covers (Yamaha). Also planning on riding it this summer imcomplete. Going to paint the above and anything else that I HAVE to remove. See how it runs out and complete things next winter.
Later all.

pumps · Posted: April 15, 2009, 12:32 pm Post subject: Re: Newbie in Pitt

The round cover on the left side can be bought as a blank without the Yamaha lettering. Go to 650central.com/ and click on accessories.

erb224 · Posted: April 16, 2009, 8:37 pm Post subject: Re: Newbie in Pitt

Welcome to the site. If you happen to have charging issues start by replacing the brushes... I bought mine dirt cheap because the guy thought it needed a rotor. A set of brushes later I was on the road. Very Happy

What Happened to 650rider.com?

Yamaha xs650