78 XS750 help....

[SwillRacer]

Hello All,

Great little web site you've got here! Glad I found this place. Obviously, I'm in need of some help with my project. I'd like to Cafe-out a 78 Yamaha XS750. I'm a Ford drag racers who loves mustangs but I'm really starting to dig these Cafe bikes too. Anyway, I've procured the previously mentioned bike from a friend. I've been told the bike ran as early as last year. Upon delivery to my house (in a pickup), I was informed that the keys to the bike are missing. Obviously, before I commit to this project I'd like to verify that the bike starts and runs as I've been told and so I struck an agreement with my friend that I will not pay for the bike until we can obtain keys and verify that it runs. So that is where I am at. The question is, how to I go about getting keys? My friend swears he has searched up and down, left and right, no stone un-turned, but has come up with no keys. He thinks they got lost when he moved late last year.

What are my options? Locksmith? Try to find a replacement ignition switch and locks from a donor bike?

Where should I start?

Thank you for the help! I'm sure this won't be my last request for help and I will definitely post some pics as the project evolves.

For now, my kids sure love to play on it!

 

[shavoc]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRD58qqmRWE

verify it works... then if it does just order a new ignition key set Good luck!

 

[jdseibe]

Hi and Welcome!

nice looking XS you have there!

so I am guessing that you don't have the keys to the tank/helmet lock either? so buying a new ignition switch is doable but probably not the best option, your best bet would be to goto a locksmith and have him create you a new one because they all probably match anyways

 

[Wahoo650]

i think the a Yamaha Dealer can still get you a key- probably need prrof of ownership. Also, make sure you hit the triples group as well for info.

http://www.yamaha-triples.org

 

[SwillRacer]

Thanks Guys!

 

[SwillRacer]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRD58qqmRWE

verify it works... then if it does just order a new ignition key set Good luck!

Problem with this method is that the battery is dead. Can't get to it to charge it. Or at least I don't know how to get to it without being able to get under the seat (remember ~ no key).

But hell, now that I know how to hotwire a bike, I'll just go steal someone else's that's already been worked on!! LOL!!

 

[m511y]

I had the same issue with my 79 XS750. Locksmith friend couldn't cut a key because it requires a specific type of auto locksmith. Yamaha dealer in Frederick said they couldn't help with a replacement key. I ended up replacing he ignition and gas cap with new ones from www.mikesxs.net . I cut the seat lock off since I wasn't going to be using it.

Ignition switch:
http://www.mikesxs.net/product/43-1201.html

Gas Cap:
http://www.mikesxs.net/product/20-0034.html

Hope this helps.

 

[shavoc]

Problem with this method is that the battery is dead. Can't get to it to charge it. Or at least I don't know how to get to it without being able to get under the seat (remember ~ no key).

But hell, now that I know how to hotwire a bike, I'll just go steal someone else's that's already been worked on!! LOL!!

Ah ha! How do you know the battery IS dead if you have no key!!!!

 

[m511y]

Ah ha! How do you know the battery IS dead if you have no key!!!!

If the bike hasn't ben run in over a year, chances are the battery is no good. It's a good idea to replace it unless you know it is fairly new.

Also, if I remember correctly I think with a small ratchet and an extension you can go from under the seat and unbolt the latch to the seat lock. Should be two 10mm bolts holding it in place. Then the seat will open up no problem. Atleast thats the way it was on my XS750 Special. The standard seats may be different though.