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September 09, 2009

Motorcycle Maintenance

Motorcycle.jpg
A new toy...

I bought a new toy over the summer, which is to say an old toy. You might recognize the style.

My "new" bike is a 1977 Yamaha XS 650, which was my first motorcycle (which never ran). This one cost $800 more than the first one I had. Which is to say that it cost $800. It ran okay to begin with -- the carbs were and are still a little dirty. It fires right up every time I want to ride, with only a little coaxing needed until it's warm. I've been doing a lot of work to it, since I think it will be a keeper.

Headlight.jpg
Tonight's job: installing a new headlamp shell (basically rewiring the bike!)

The XS 650 afficionado might recognize that I've installed a Sparx aftermarket alternator (the green thing in the bottom of the engine) and a Boyer Bransden electronic ignition (the yellow thing at the top of the engine). I've also replaced the air filters, the clutch wormgear assembly, the clutch and throttle cables, the throttle body itself, and most of the electronic controls. My next steps are pulling the clutch itself to replace the starter motor gear and clutch needle bearing, then rebuild the forks with performance damper valves and better springs.

I've taken the bike out for a few cruises on the Palouse and it has performed admirably -- much more zippy than my Honda VT500 even though it is close to 100 pounds heavier and supposedly produces the same HP.

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