I rode a 1975 XS-650 from 1980 to 1985. A tip for bikes sitting a long time- add all new fuel including in the carbs by opening the carb drain bolts, and disconnect the spark plugs to turn the starter for a couple of minutes, in short pieces of cranking with breaks a few seconds in between to not overheat the starter motor for bikes with no kick starter. This gets oil to the top of the engine. Then connect the spark plugs to start it. I use half Valvoline regular motorcycle oil and half Valvoline synthetic motorcycle oil from Walmart, for the best clutch feel and smoother shifting. These engines have very little oil filtering so change the oil more often, especially if you notice the shifting is getting worse.
I have 3 Yamaha s 1983 650 Seca Turbo 4,000 miles silver,1980 XS 1100 Special 10,000 miles burgundy & 1978 XS 650 standard 10,000 miles green all very Good bikes 😊👍
10:57 your father riding down the driveway with the autumn leafs and flag is picturesque haha From one Minnesotan to another, love the bike. Building an XS650 myself.
I'm gonna see if I can get it to start???? Your old man did all the work. He EARNED that first ride of the season. PLUS When he returned, he pulled all the way around and parked it so you could just hop on and drive out. He's done that a time or two in his life!!!
Nice to meet you. I too am a vintage motorcycle fan. I have a 1990 Harley Davidson softail. I also own a few other vintage bikes. Keep rocking and riding, be careful and safe out there.
Good for you taking the motorcycle course. Best thing you could have done. These are great bikes. I have 2 Yamaha XS 1100 s One of them is the midnight special which only 500 of them were made. 250 in 1980 & 250 in 1981. You might have had issues with the charging system if the battery kept dying. You might have needed to replace the field coil and the stator and the voltage regulator. I sent mine out to Ricks Motorsports in New Hampshire. They rebuilt the field coil and the stator both for $150.00 each. And He also had a brand new voltage regulator for $50.00 So I changed all 3 things and never any issues again with the charging system . Holds at 14.5 volts no problem . Not on my midnight special but on the regular XS1100s in 2017 I put a MAC 4 into 1 exhaust & did a rejet on the carbs along with using a K&N air filter. I gained 15hp. It went from 95 hp stock factory to 110hp. The bike is quick for a vintage bike . Do not forget to also change your final drive fluid and your middle gear fluid 2 extremely important things. You should also buy a battery tender and keep your battery charged . Use only 20/50 motorcycle oil for this bike . Most people will tell you to use car oil WRONG. Motorcycle oil has special additives for the clutch so always use motorcycle . If you have any questions please feel free to ask and enjoy your bike .
Make sure the oil used meets JASO standards JASO is the Japanese engineering association (Japanese equivalent of SAE). JASO will be on the front or back label if the oil DOES meet the JASO standards. Motorcycles use the same oil to lubricate the engine and the clutch. Oil meeting the JASO standards must exhibit the correct frictional properties or else the clutch can slip
How exciting!!! Your bike is AWESOME AND SOOOO CUTE. We had some like those back in the day when I rode with hubbs #1. I wish I had my daddy around to help me with EVERYTHING! He died when I was your age (25). ;( I miss him but I will see him again. Honor you mommy and daddy you are very blessed!!
Congrats on your bike, looks great. I bought a non-starting 1983 XS650 this summer that I am restoring right now. Its a nice ride. Most of them have charging issues. Get a PMA and PAMCO.
OMG! I love to ride started at age 8 riding with my daddy. Then 2 other hubbs (one is dead and the other I just left years ago) SO, I rode on the back of a motorcycle for 34 years total. NOW I LIKE YOU, WANT TO BUY A MOTORCYCLE AND RIDE ON THE FRONT! LOL! Yes, I want to drive my OWN motorcycle. I pray soon I will buy one and learn! I am 59, and beleive you are NEVER to old to learn anything you want. I can't wait to see the jaw really drop on the guy I guy my bike from! (Usually it is guys who own them!) LOLOL! Traveling and riding mercies to you and God bless you young lady!!
Fellow rider here as well. Love these old bikes. All bikes need a trickle charger if they are not used on at least a weekly basis. I just keep mine on whenever I am not using it. Keep some fuel stabilizer in there as well. That cap had a lot of rust on it and that is disconcerting. Happy riding.
hello my name is Sam I found your channel on UA-cam and I just wanted to say thank you for allowing me to follow you through your travels and to be able to see what you have seen I really like what you're doing I really love your bike but I also liked it when you were at White Sands it was probably the most beautiful thing I've ever seen you looked amazing be careful out there have a great time can't wait to see more of it
That's not your Dad's first scooter ride, and I don't think your were going anywhere after it was sitting for a year without him testing it first. And if you want that little brake light on back at least swap it for a LED for better visibility. I know your careful it's the others out there. Ride safe, nothing feels better than the autumn air in your face.
I had the very same model Yamaha (but a 1976 650XS I bought new that year). Drove it a whole lot on long-distance trips (1000 miles or more one-way) -- never had any trouble with it. A very good bike... Good idea to take the MSF Safety Course...and it should get you a discount on your MC insurance premiums -- show your insurance carrier your MSF Safety Course Certificate of Completion (or receipt). Also, in some states taking the course (and passing!) means you do NOT have to take the driving portion of the MC Drivers License (or get an MC endorsement on your car's DL) -- you just take the written test. BTW, looks like rust on your gas cap lid...rust may be inside your tank, too (condensation if it was kept empty and gas cap closed for a long time)...if so, it may go to your carburetor (if you don't have a gas filter to catch it first) and cause a clog at some point. If you don't have a filter you could install an in-line filter (clear glass one is best to you can clearly see what's the filter's condition is) and that should protect the carb's fuel intake needle valve and assorted jets. So you might want to look inside the gas tank (flashlight) and to check for rust...if so, you may have to flush/clean the tank. ...and be sure to do an engine oil & filter change I use full synthetic oil in my bikes)...if not also a brake fluid flush/refill (due to the bike sitting there as long as it has). Happy MC riding, -- BR
Your bike sounds awesome Jamie.I like the vintage bikes to, i had a 1982 Honda CB 900 Custom which had two gear boxes ,a high & low range and 5 forward gears that bike was a screamer.Your bike looks great.
It was probably bogging down because of the old Gass your dad insisted on putting in it. Never put old Gass in a bike. That is unless you enjoy having to pull the carbs and clean them. Also with the age of the bike , make sure you use the recommended weight of oil for that engine. Don't just put any old oil in it, especially modern oils.
If you have to store the bike for long periods, drain the fueltank (remove it and invert, spray WD or Fluidfilm inside) Spray fluidfilm on the chrome and engine's aluminum, pipes etc) armor all the tires, if possible block it up, off the tires, then cover with a breathable cover, pull spark plugs and pour motor oil in holes, kick it over, dessicant plugs are great also,
Use two washers and JB weld to repair your tail light glue one washer on each side of the broken Tab on the tail light using the JB weld bet it lasts forever. And Yes check tire pressure EVERY time before you ride a bike IDC if it sits for one day .. always check your tires (especially spoked rims) improper tire pressure too high or too low will dump you on the road in the blink of an eye.
Your dad shouldn't worry so much about that noise using the starter. My 1980xs650 occasionally does the same noise using the electric start. Some people prefer using a starter delete plug and do away with the starter. There's also a mod on the gears to make the electric starter work better; if you decide to keep it.
BTW I still have my helmet and gloves! YAY! One day!! Need a new jacket too!! But I would really like to buy a Kevelar riding suit! I saw a guy go down on the CA Freeway right in front of me as I was getting on the on-ramp and HE LIVED! That suit SAVED HIS LIFE! Yes, KEVELAR FOR SURE! Have fun and God bless!
Good choice, I have a XS650 SE I restored and also a XS650 Chop I built, can see em on my channel, love the old XS 650's can't go wrong with them if you look after em
For oil use lucas 20w50 motorcycle oil. For the electric start - it always sucked in these bikes. The problem is a worn out bendix spring. Not hard to replace but not worth replacing either. Best to just get rid of the electric start. For your battery terminal issues get some locking battery terminals for motorcycles. Mine vibrate loose a lot too. Use dielectric grease (bulb grease or vasaline) on your terminal connections too, just to keep corrosion away. For your headlight issue, it is most likely not anything shorting out but rather your alternator brushes need replaced. It's easy to do!. I had the same problem when one of mine wore out. Sometimes the light would work, sometimes it would stop working - but the bike would always run fine. Buy the repair manual for the xs650 it is worth its weight in gold and very easy to follow and understand. Also these bikes vibrate a LOT like your pops said. Best to replace your lights with the LED equivalent bulbs. Look up your bulb type from superbrightleds.com and you can find a plug and play bulb for your application. My tail light bulb went out once every week or two depending on how many potholes I hit. Switching to LED fixed this right up since there was no filament to break.
Oh, I have to tell you another story...I have a younger sister (she is age 56 now and a gma). My father bought us a small motorcycle to ride around the neighborhood (but I never learned to ride then), and she, at age 15 (she never had a license until age 30 , LOL!) would take it everywhere - no she didn't drive a car - SHE DROVE A MOTORCYCLE! LOLOL!!!
That’s a classic favorite bike. Stock bars are the most comfortable to use. I had a 78 XS. Just get an aftermarket light. Take the wrap off the chrome looks pretty and tape on the headlight no!
"I wanna check the oil... it's completely dry"... as cobwebs near the oil dipstick dance in the wind... hahaha. But on a serious note I'm so glad a youngun' like you can appreciate the XS650. It's an awesome motorcycle with a rich history and so much character. Stop letting your dad interfere and go ride it! ;)
Don't let Dad start it again. Oil, valves, new spark plugs, battery, fresh fuel then kick it. That's what I did mine after 10 years standing in a cold UK garage. Nice bike.
Take a long easy ride on a day when it isn't too cold. Relax & get into the flow, just don't forget that there are car drivers who aren't going to see you on a motorcycle.
You have great taste in motorcycles. Considering how long it sat it sounded pretty good and looks very good. If fresh gas and riding it doesn't straighten it out it may require cleaning the carbs.
Hi, Nice bike. I'm a biker from England I love old skool bikes, I have few tips for you, 1 When you change the battery (Removing) ALWAYS remove the POSITIVE first. 2 When putting the battery back on ALWAYS put the NEGATIVE on first. You can short out your main fuse if you don't. 3 That bike runs on 10/40 engine oil, never overfill it, or you will blow the head gasket and when you kick start it always wear boots, something with a strong sole, so if the bike kicks back it doesn't break your foot. Good luck n ride free. Ape :)
Removing positive (+) first can result in a spark and possible battery explosion if the wrench touches any grounded surface. THAT would blow the fuse! Removing negative(-) first eliminates that possibility.
Cool bike! You should take it with you when you're trippin around in your van! I bring my bike with me and I love it! I can park someplace, unload the bike and use it to explore. It's much easier to park a bike in some of those crowded places we nomads tend to visit while we're out exploring than it is to park my big old truck and trailer. Safe travels!
I'm with Jeepstuff, besides my CJ5....First things first, Gas, Oil, No helmet. Us Minnesotis know the weather is tuff on any vehicle. My 78 Yamaha XS650 kind'a bobber is fun but seasonal here. Keep riding girl.
Nice looking XS. I'm doing a cafe build on a 76 XS. My second xs build. Do yourself a favour and just get a catseye taillight from Mikesxs. Happy travels
Bullet connectors. Electric problems? Joggle the bullet connectors just to freshen the connections. On the XS650 thats the first step in diagnosing anything. That bike has it’s own prince of darkness probs. Thanks for the vids biker babe.
That looks like a fun bike to ride )) I am amazed it started first time...what good engineering. But unless it's a daily rider, before every ride check the tire pressure, chain tension and lube. Get your rides in quick before the cold sets in!
So happy i found your channel! I love that you ride! I have a converted Chevy and a huge obsession with motorcycles! We are the same:) Im saving for a hitch on my van so i can bring my bike on the road with me. Im sure you've thought about doing the same for your setup.
You are great! How the heck did you decide to buy probably the best bike for everything including choppers bobbers and everything else. I am a chemical engineer that is starting a custom chopper and bobber along with vintage metric bike restoration shop. Oh yea replace your stator with a permanent magnet alternator setup. its easy and you will never have battery problems again.
Honey LOL, don;t worry my daddy would have done the same thing! WE were always crying to get out Christmas toys from daddy to play with - he had to play with everything first (after assembling), then we would say daddy we want to play now! LOLOL! I know exactly how you felt. ;)
There is a gear in the case that goes bad and gives you that awful grating sound. It is well noted in any repair manual and takes a couple hours to replace,not really that bad.
Where did you get those seats from? It looks like it is nicely made, stitching is nice. Please let me know. I have been searching for nicely made seats for my 1971 CB450
You should be having your dad ride your motorcycle around when you're not there. It will have a longer life if it's ridden... And that missing he was talking about could be the old gasoline or you may have some dirty carburetors.... Overall Yamaha made a pretty good bike back in those years..... Happy writing sweet biker girl keep the rubber side down and enjoy having your knees in the breeze... I got 50 years hundreds of thousands of miles under my seat... I think I'll hang up my helmet for the last time when I turn 90 or 95 years old something like that... LOL... 😋😁👍.. Thanks for another awesome video truly enjoyed it be safe and be blessed.... 😀😘🏍️😋
Lovely bike and hope you have still got it.
Your Dad is a cool guy.
I rode a 1975 XS-650 from 1980 to 1985. A tip for bikes sitting a long time- add all new fuel including in the carbs by opening the carb drain bolts, and disconnect the spark plugs to turn the starter for a couple of minutes, in short pieces of cranking with breaks a few seconds in between to not overheat the starter motor for bikes with no kick starter. This gets oil to the top of the engine. Then connect the spark plugs to start it. I use half Valvoline regular motorcycle oil and half Valvoline synthetic motorcycle oil from Walmart, for the best clutch feel and smoother shifting. These engines have very little oil filtering so change the oil more often, especially if you notice the shifting is getting worse.
I have 3 Yamaha s 1983 650 Seca Turbo 4,000 miles silver,1980 XS 1100 Special 10,000 miles burgundy & 1978 XS 650 standard 10,000 miles green all very Good bikes 😊👍
10:57 your father riding down the driveway with the autumn leafs and flag is picturesque haha From one Minnesotan to another, love the bike. Building an XS650 myself.
Love my 71
I'm gonna see if I can get it to start????
Your old man did all the work.
He EARNED that first ride of the season.
PLUS
When he returned, he pulled all the way around and parked it so you could just hop on and drive out. He's done that a time or two in his life!!!
Very cool, I did the same and followed my dream bought a Harley and now ride the pines of CA. Good looking bike, very fun.
Sweet ride. I just bought me a Sportster after about 35 years of riding (midlife crisis purchase). Love it.
Your dad was just riding it one last time before you took it back. LOL.
I know what would make a great gift for him.
I just prayed for you and your sweet dad. God bless you both girly. Hugs from Texas:)
Amazing, I'd love an XS650. Id never heard from them before, they look and sound beautiful.
Nice to meet you. I too am a vintage motorcycle fan. I have a 1990 Harley Davidson softail. I also own a few other vintage bikes. Keep rocking and riding, be careful and safe out there.
Putting all that temptation in front of your Dad what did you expect? He rode it like a boss. He was 18 again.
Good for you taking the motorcycle course. Best thing you could have done. These are great bikes. I have 2 Yamaha XS 1100 s One of them is the midnight special which only 500 of them were made. 250 in 1980 & 250 in 1981. You might have had issues with the charging system if the battery kept dying. You might have needed to replace the field coil and the stator and the voltage regulator. I sent mine out to Ricks Motorsports in New Hampshire. They rebuilt the field coil and the stator both for $150.00 each. And He also had a brand new voltage regulator for $50.00 So I changed all 3 things and never any issues again with the charging system . Holds at 14.5 volts no problem . Not on my midnight special but on the regular XS1100s in 2017 I put a MAC 4 into 1 exhaust & did a rejet on the carbs along with using a K&N air filter. I gained 15hp. It went from 95 hp stock factory to 110hp. The bike is quick for a vintage bike . Do not forget to also change your final drive fluid and your middle gear fluid 2 extremely important things. You should also buy a battery tender and keep your battery charged . Use only 20/50 motorcycle oil for this bike . Most people will tell you to use car oil WRONG. Motorcycle oil has special additives for the clutch so always use motorcycle . If you have any questions please feel free to ask and enjoy your bike .
Make sure the oil used meets JASO standards
JASO is the Japanese engineering association (Japanese equivalent of SAE). JASO will be on the front or back label if the oil DOES meet the JASO standards. Motorcycles use the same oil to lubricate the engine and the clutch. Oil meeting the JASO standards must exhibit the correct frictional properties or else the clutch can slip
I had a 78 Yamaha XS650 Special. Yamaha had a service call for alternator fix. Sometimes wish I kept it. Hope you have fun with yours.
I like your dad. Listens real well.....then does what he wants, like me. Looks about my age too. Early 20's mentally.
How exciting!!! Your bike is AWESOME AND SOOOO CUTE. We had some like those back in the day when I rode with hubbs #1. I wish I had my daddy around to help me with EVERYTHING! He died when I was your age (25). ;( I miss him but I will see him again. Honor you mommy and daddy you are very blessed!!
Congrats on your bike, looks great. I bought a non-starting 1983 XS650 this summer that I am restoring right now. Its a nice ride. Most of them have charging issues. Get a PMA and PAMCO.
OMG! I love to ride started at age 8 riding with my daddy. Then 2 other hubbs (one is dead and the other I just left years ago) SO, I rode on the back of a motorcycle for 34 years total. NOW I LIKE YOU, WANT TO BUY A MOTORCYCLE AND RIDE ON THE FRONT! LOL! Yes, I want to drive my OWN motorcycle. I pray soon I will buy one and learn! I am 59, and beleive you are NEVER to old to learn anything you want. I can't wait to see the jaw really drop on the guy I guy my bike from! (Usually it is guys who own them!) LOLOL! Traveling and riding mercies to you and God bless you young lady!!
Just marry another fool that has a new one and steal his..probably get some Money out of the deal too and everything else he has
You have a nice bike 😊 👍
Fellow rider here as well. Love these old bikes. All bikes need a trickle charger if they are not used on at least a weekly basis. I just keep mine on whenever I am not using it. Keep some fuel stabilizer in there as well. That cap had a lot of rust on it and that is disconcerting. Happy riding.
You can buy a kit to line the inside of the gas tank with POR-15.
hello my name is Sam I found your channel on UA-cam and I just wanted to say thank you for allowing me to follow you through your travels and to be able to see what you have seen I really like what you're doing I really love your bike but I also liked it when you were at White Sands it was probably the most beautiful thing I've ever seen you looked amazing be careful out there have a great time can't wait to see more of it
That's not your Dad's first scooter ride, and I don't think your were going anywhere after it was sitting for a year without him testing it first. And if you want that little brake light on back at least swap it for a LED for better visibility. I know your careful it's the others out there. Ride safe, nothing feels better than the autumn air in your face.
The perfect dream Girl, love camping ,ride motorcycles , I’m sure she likes to go fishing 2 , Happy travels Peace!!!
I had the very same model Yamaha (but a 1976 650XS I bought new that year). Drove it a whole lot on long-distance trips (1000 miles or more one-way) -- never had any trouble with it. A very good bike...
Good idea to take the MSF Safety Course...and it should get you a discount on your MC insurance premiums -- show your insurance carrier your MSF Safety Course Certificate of Completion (or receipt).
Also, in some states taking the course (and passing!) means you do NOT have to take the driving portion of the MC Drivers License (or get an MC endorsement on your car's DL) -- you just take the written test.
BTW, looks like rust on your gas cap lid...rust may be inside your tank, too (condensation if it was kept empty and gas cap closed for a long time)...if so, it may go to your carburetor (if you don't have a gas filter to catch it first) and cause a clog at some point. If you don't have a filter you could install an in-line filter (clear glass one is best to you can clearly see what's the filter's condition is) and that should protect the carb's fuel intake needle valve and assorted jets.
So you might want to look inside the gas tank (flashlight) and to check for rust...if so, you may have to flush/clean the tank.
...and be sure to do an engine oil & filter change I use full synthetic oil in my bikes)...if not also a brake fluid flush/refill (due to the bike sitting there as long as it has).
Happy MC riding,
-- BR
Bill Redding nice! Yeah I've had very few problems in the three years I've had her. She's a great bike!
love the fact that you wanted to kick start it...very cool for you
Very cool ..Was great seeing the excitement on your face just taking about..
Keep riding cool chic!!
Your bike sounds awesome Jamie.I like the vintage bikes to, i had a 1982 Honda CB 900 Custom which had two gear boxes ,a high & low range and 5 forward gears that bike was a screamer.Your bike looks great.
What fixed the misfire? Spark plugs? Every vehicle that sits a long time will need a little tlc to get back into shape. It's looking good!
The old 650 XSes were righteous bikes. I've owned three.
Sweet ride! ...your Dad's the coolest. :)
It was probably bogging down because of the old Gass your dad insisted on putting in it. Never put old Gass in a bike. That is unless you enjoy having to pull the carbs and clean them. Also with the age of the bike , make sure you use the recommended weight of oil for that engine. Don't just put any old oil in it, especially modern oils.
I have the 1980 xs 850 triple things a beast I've had it 13 yrs still mint shape all original besides handle bars and grips.
HAPPY FOR YOU....GO DAD...
I just noticed your channel Rechah, thanks for making it you're gorgeous and down to earth.
If you have to store the bike for long periods, drain the fueltank (remove it and invert, spray WD or Fluidfilm inside) Spray fluidfilm
on the chrome and engine's aluminum, pipes etc) armor all the tires, if possible block it up, off the tires, then cover with a breathable cover, pull spark plugs and pour motor oil in holes, kick it over, dessicant plugs are great also,
Sounds so good omg! I think the only modern bike like this would be the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650.
Use two washers and JB weld to repair your tail light glue one washer on each side of the broken Tab on the tail light using the JB weld bet it lasts forever. And Yes check tire pressure EVERY time before you ride a bike IDC if it sits for one day .. always check your tires (especially spoked rims) improper tire pressure too high or too low will dump you on the road in the blink of an eye.
Dad just couldn't resist! haha
Oh I am jealous. I love the vintage bikes
Your dad shouldn't worry so much about that noise using the starter. My 1980xs650 occasionally does the same noise using the electric start. Some people prefer using a starter delete plug and do away with the starter. There's also a mod on the gears to make the electric starter work better; if you decide to keep it.
Seems like they ALL make that noise
Music to my ears :) . I also used the kick-starter on my 650 Special to save the dodgy battery/starter. Thanks for uploading.
I always kicked my XS650s. Annoyed my XS1100 didn't have a kicker....
Your DaD is awesome...and Yamaha...is sweet...wraoped pipes and all that. i thought he was going out on his own road trip. Thanks for sharing.
"Ride it like you stole it" !
You should use motorcycle oil that is intended for a wet clutch. This is 2 years later though! Love the bike! Let's go riding!
You got a deal on that XS. Dad had no patience for the funnel. I was looking for the soap and water over here. 😂. But that bike sounds really great.
BTW I still have my helmet and gloves! YAY! One day!! Need a new jacket too!! But I would really like to buy a Kevelar riding suit! I saw a guy go down on the CA Freeway right in front of me as I was getting on the on-ramp and HE LIVED! That suit SAVED HIS LIFE! Yes, KEVELAR FOR SURE! Have fun and God bless!
He doesn't listen very well! How many times did you say you wanted to start it? Lol!
Probably wanted to make sure it was safe before she rode it.
Good choice, I have a XS650 SE I restored and also a XS650 Chop I built, can see em on my channel, love the old XS 650's can't go wrong with them if you look after em
That's a nice bike. I live in Hibbing MN and also have an xs650 that looks similar to that. I have to file the points every once in a while.
For oil use lucas 20w50 motorcycle oil. For the electric start - it always sucked in these bikes. The problem is a worn out bendix spring. Not hard to replace but not worth replacing either. Best to just get rid of the electric start. For your battery terminal issues get some locking battery terminals for motorcycles. Mine vibrate loose a lot too. Use dielectric grease (bulb grease or vasaline) on your terminal connections too, just to keep corrosion away. For your headlight issue, it is most likely not anything shorting out but rather your alternator brushes need replaced. It's easy to do!. I had the same problem when one of mine wore out. Sometimes the light would work, sometimes it would stop working - but the bike would always run fine. Buy the repair manual for the xs650 it is worth its weight in gold and very easy to follow and understand.
Also these bikes vibrate a LOT like your pops said. Best to replace your lights with the LED equivalent bulbs. Look up your bulb type from superbrightleds.com and you can find a plug and play bulb for your application. My tail light bulb went out once every week or two depending on how many potholes I hit. Switching to LED fixed this right up since there was no filament to break.
Oh, I have to tell you another story...I have a younger sister (she is age 56 now and a gma). My father bought us a small motorcycle to ride around the neighborhood (but I never learned to ride then), and she, at age 15 (she never had a license until age 30 , LOL!) would take it everywhere - no she didn't drive a car - SHE DROVE A MOTORCYCLE! LOLOL!!!
That’s a classic favorite bike. Stock bars are the most comfortable to use. I had a 78 XS. Just get an aftermarket light. Take the wrap off the chrome looks pretty and tape on the headlight no!
"I wanna check the oil... it's completely dry"... as cobwebs near the oil dipstick dance in the wind... hahaha. But on a serious note I'm so glad a youngun' like you can appreciate the XS650. It's an awesome motorcycle with a rich history and so much character. Stop letting your dad interfere and go ride it! ;)
Three possibilities for engine problem:
1. Stale gas or condensation in gas.
2. Stuck carburetor float.
3. Change fuel filter.
Fuck yeah! Dad's got it dialed in. Nice.
Don't let Dad start it again. Oil, valves, new spark plugs, battery, fresh fuel then kick it. That's what I did mine after 10 years standing in a cold UK garage. Nice bike.
Take a long easy ride on a day when it isn't too cold. Relax & get into the flow, just don't forget that there are car drivers who aren't going to see you on a motorcycle.
You have great taste in motorcycles. Considering how long it sat it sounded pretty good and looks very good. If fresh gas and riding it doesn't straighten it out it may require cleaning the carbs.
Hi, Nice bike. I'm a biker from England I love old skool bikes, I have few tips for you, 1 When you change the battery (Removing) ALWAYS remove the POSITIVE first. 2 When putting the battery back on ALWAYS put the NEGATIVE on first. You can short out your main fuse if you don't. 3 That bike runs on 10/40 engine oil, never overfill it, or you will blow the head gasket and when you kick start it always wear boots, something with a strong sole, so if the bike kicks back it doesn't break your foot. Good luck n ride free. Ape :)
Removing positive (+) first can result in a spark and possible battery explosion if the wrench touches any grounded surface. THAT would blow the fuse!
Removing negative(-) first eliminates that possibility.
Cool bike! You should take it with you when you're trippin around in your van! I bring my bike with me and I love it! I can park someplace, unload the bike and use it to explore. It's much easier to park a bike in some of those crowded places we nomads tend to visit while we're out exploring than it is to park my big old truck and trailer. Safe travels!
Loved watching this
I'm with Jeepstuff, besides my CJ5....First things first, Gas, Oil, No helmet. Us Minnesotis know the weather is tuff on any vehicle. My 78 Yamaha XS650 kind'a bobber is fun but seasonal here. Keep riding girl.
I just hope you'll keep it original! Great bike
Dads love their little girls.
Nice looking XS. I'm doing a cafe build on a 76 XS. My second xs build. Do yourself a favour and just get a catseye taillight from Mikesxs. Happy travels
Bullet connectors. Electric problems? Joggle the bullet connectors just to freshen the connections. On the XS650 thats the first step in diagnosing anything. That bike has it’s own prince of darkness probs. Thanks for the vids biker babe.
Sounds awesome too!!!
Sounds great!
That looks like a fun bike to ride )) I am amazed it started first time...what good engineering. But unless it's a daily rider, before every ride check the tire pressure, chain tension and lube. Get your rides in quick before the cold sets in!
The wrapped pipes look very sharp.
Your dad rocks! :)
GREAT DAD...GOOD BIKE!!!
So happy i found your channel! I love that you ride! I have a converted Chevy and a huge obsession with motorcycles! We are the same:) Im saving for a hitch on my van so i can bring my bike on the road with me. Im sure you've thought about doing the same for your setup.
One of my favorite bikes.
SWEET bike! I love it!!!
Sounds great.
You are great! How the heck did you decide to buy probably the best bike for everything including choppers bobbers and everything else. I am a chemical engineer that is starting a custom chopper and bobber along with vintage metric bike restoration shop. Oh yea replace your stator with a permanent magnet alternator setup. its easy and you will never have battery problems again.
Bikes in real nice condition ! I've got the same year engine in my old school chopper build . Great engines .
Cool tracker style Xs...need to clean rust from tank....engine sounds healthy..enjoy
Honey LOL, don;t worry my daddy would have done the same thing! WE were always crying to get out Christmas toys from daddy to play with - he had to play with everything first (after assembling), then we would say daddy we want to play now! LOLOL! I know exactly how you felt. ;)
Sweet ride!!
I had a kawaski kx400 that was very similar to your bike...even the color...except it doesn't have a kick starter...nice bike btw
There is a gear in the case that goes bad and gives you that awful grating sound.
It is well noted in any repair manual and takes a couple hours to replace,not really that bad.
Very cool bike. Ride safe.
Hello.
We don't drive as long as the engine is cold !!
Kiss of France
Where did you get those seats from? It looks like it is nicely made, stitching is nice. Please let me know. I have been searching for nicely made seats for my 1971 CB450
+De Caddy viny lux upholstery in Minneapolis. He's made a lot of seats, check out his Instagram
Road to Rechah thanks for the info. Really nice stitching, and tight fitting seat cover. Hope you are still enjoying your motorcycle
You should be having your dad ride your motorcycle around when you're not there. It will have a longer life if it's ridden... And that missing he was talking about could be the old gasoline or you may have some dirty carburetors.... Overall Yamaha made a pretty good bike back in those years..... Happy writing sweet biker girl keep the rubber side down and enjoy having your knees in the breeze... I got 50 years hundreds of thousands of miles under my seat... I think I'll hang up my helmet for the last time when I turn 90 or 95 years old something like that... LOL... 😋😁👍..
Thanks for another awesome video truly enjoyed it be safe and be blessed.... 😀😘🏍️😋
I don't know why you are saying "oh no", you should be saying "hell yeah" I mean you own an XS girl!!! She sounds great!
Nice bike. I’m doing something very similar to my 79 I picked up for $70..... couldn’t say no I’m gonna keep the rust and patina tho 👍🏻
Glad you check the oil before it start....
what a great bike
I know this is a couple years old, I'm hoping you can tell me about the muffler on the end of your 2:1 exhaust? I love that tone...
Now I have to find one
Looks good sounds good!
Love the bike, I was really hoping to see you tear out of there. 😂👍 be careful.
I like your Dad he's very cool!
cold start from no oil in the upper end and he just takes off down the driveway?.....
LOL. My thoughts exactly.... but he knows best. :-)
good on you
I love that hipster throwback stuff.