Khaameleon
New Member
I recently acquired a rusty old '77 XS750 on craigslist for 300. The PO had been riding it as recently as 3 weeks ago, and it started on the first shot, but she had some problems idling (had to feather the throttle a bit).
The plan is to turn this into a Cafe, but I haven't decided on much as of yet. I have next to no mechanical experience, but have decided this would be a great way to learn my way around a bike. I got some information from some of the good folks here in the cafe help forum, and have already started tearing her down a bit. Being new to this, its kinda difficult to figure out where to start. I've got a repair manual, and I'm trying to follow the information from the yamaha-triples forum in regards to what to do first. I've ordered what I need to change the oil and spark plugs... but, and excuse me if this is a completely noob question, if I'm looking to clean up and repaint the frame, shouldn't I do that afterward? Or should I try to get the basics done first, get her running smoothly then start tearing it down and cleaning her up? When you have something this beat, where do you normally start?
I guess my main concerns as of right now are that her tank is pretty rusty on the inside, and the idling issue. I've read that there are acids that will clean up the rust in a tank and sealants to keep it clean, so I'm planning on doing that as soon as I can. As far as the idling problem, my limited knowledge points me toward the carbs.
As far as what I've done so far, I took off the tank to check the petcocks (neither seem to be leaking but the left side petcock lever is broken and is a PITA to turn). I also figured the idiling issue was probably the carbs, so I removed them, assuming they would need some cleaning. While I was in there I took out the air box, since I plan on putting pods on. Heres what she looks like now:
Heres a few shots of the carbs:
I'll keep this updated as I try to work through all this. Any and all advice is greatly appreciated.
The plan is to turn this into a Cafe, but I haven't decided on much as of yet. I have next to no mechanical experience, but have decided this would be a great way to learn my way around a bike. I got some information from some of the good folks here in the cafe help forum, and have already started tearing her down a bit. Being new to this, its kinda difficult to figure out where to start. I've got a repair manual, and I'm trying to follow the information from the yamaha-triples forum in regards to what to do first. I've ordered what I need to change the oil and spark plugs... but, and excuse me if this is a completely noob question, if I'm looking to clean up and repaint the frame, shouldn't I do that afterward? Or should I try to get the basics done first, get her running smoothly then start tearing it down and cleaning her up? When you have something this beat, where do you normally start?
I guess my main concerns as of right now are that her tank is pretty rusty on the inside, and the idling issue. I've read that there are acids that will clean up the rust in a tank and sealants to keep it clean, so I'm planning on doing that as soon as I can. As far as the idling problem, my limited knowledge points me toward the carbs.
As far as what I've done so far, I took off the tank to check the petcocks (neither seem to be leaking but the left side petcock lever is broken and is a PITA to turn). I also figured the idiling issue was probably the carbs, so I removed them, assuming they would need some cleaning. While I was in there I took out the air box, since I plan on putting pods on. Heres what she looks like now:
Heres a few shots of the carbs:
I'll keep this updated as I try to work through all this. Any and all advice is greatly appreciated.