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Hey Guys -- Just wanted to drop a quick introduction since I'm sure I'll be hitting up this forum for help and assistance as I start on my new build. I've owned motorcycles since I turned 18 but this is my first foray into something truly "vintage." I've ridden track days around the midwest on Hondas and currently own an Aprilia as a street bike. It's a pig and really made for triple-digit speeds. So, I finally picked up something with the intention of building it into an around-town scoot. The goal was to find something simple with readily available parts. Kept my eyes open for a Honda forever (my brand loyalty is strong) but in the end, couldn't pass up the deal that I found on this Yamaha.
68 YCS-1 Bonanza 180 high pipe.
The first goal is to find out if I can get it to run. It needs a few odds and ends before this can happen but it has a freshened carb on it and a clean gas tank, good compression and most of the mechanical bits are there -- so I'm optimistic. My biggest challenge right now is going to be the wiring. Someone pulled off the headlight and speedo cluster and replaced them with another one. I'll have to take some photos of that to see if anyone can identify it and then I'll have to find out what needs to be done to get it to start.
Guess there's a lack of people into this old stuff on here?
Started with the tear down just to get her cleaned up and get a better idea of what she needs. I'm actually really surprised -- this bike is in far better condition than I anticipated. Seems like there must have been an oil leak at one of the feeder lines at some point because most of what I thought was wrecked is just caked in decades old oil. The cases, jugs, exhaust, chain guard, wheels and hubs are all cleaning up really nice with just a ton of degreaser and elbow grease. The frame paint isn't perfect but there isn't any rust anywhere so I'm chalking that up as a win.
Carbs look great. Ordered all new throttle and clutch cables. Found a cheap rubber joint that goes between the carb and the airbox, ordered new spark plugs and a bunch of other odds and ends. Fingers crossed that with a new battery, the carb linkages hooked up correctly and the airbox situated, I'll be able to start it up. I'm clueless about the starter/generator -- anyone know anything about how to test these or make sure they are hooked up correctly?
I'm going to try kicking for now -- but like I said before -- need to wait for the service manual I ordered before I can get out the multimeter and make sure that the voltage is flowing in the right places to fire the engine.
Hello there sir! Funny thing, I also own an Aprilia, I live just north of the Twin Cities, and I enjoy old motorbikes too. Did you just pick this one up on CL? I may have seen that and wondered how cool it might have been to snag it. Let me know if you need any help, I'm always down to meet other MN riders and work on old rusty things.
I don't know a whole lot about that model, but when you kick it over, do you get any spark? Should be a cool scoot to ride around when done. Any plans for build? Or are you restoring it?
I think I know you, Bruno! Assuming you are Bruno formerly of Welch Village?
I'm Rob currently of Afton Alps.
I had no idea you were on here. Awesome!
And yes.... I picked it up off Craigslist. I think I got it for a good price and the guy drove it from the middle of MN to me.
No spark when I kick it. But also no battery. I'm thinking it doesn't have a stator. I'm waiting for new spark plugs to be delivered and then I'll throw a battery in it and try again.
Yup, that's me sir. Haha. Its funny since theres only a HANDFULL of us RSV owners out there.
You are going to need that generator before you are going to have any spark me thinks...maybe call Ricks Motorsport Electrics, they make tons of generators/stators/regulator rectifiers too.
http://www.bikebandit.com/houseofmotorcycles/1968-yamaha-ycs1c/o/m8548#sch212145
According to the drawing, it appears that your stator AND points are on the same side. Looking at the picture above...it doesn't have them in there.
Good eyes except that you're looking at the oil pump side of the bike. The generator and points are all there and seem complete. I'm talking to a guy on another forum that just rebuilt his generator on this model and he's working up a procedure for me to test it.... Getting parts in the mail every day is fun fun fun!
Ah, fail on my part! On THAT note...then you should be able to fire it up! haha. Don't forget to oil the cylinders a little so they don't get too beat up having not run for awhile!
And packages in the mail are really amazing...I agree!
Still waiting for parts so that I can try and make it run..... Started a project thread over here if you'd like to follow along (ahem... you better! I'm going to be making you help me at some point.)
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