82 XS650...NO IDEA where to start!

[Mick]

Ok, took delivery of my brothers old XS yesterday... its a 1982 Special with 66K on it and it needs WORK!!!!

2 years ago, the bike was running well, till he dumped it at low speed and ran it into a curb at about 5 mph. He bent the hell outta the front wheel and the whole front fork is off center. He proceeded to RIDE IT HOME like that... 4 5 miles... threw a tarp on it, and there it sat till we put it on the truck yesterday.

Yesterday he tried to kickstart it, and fuel gushed outta the air filter on the left side of the bike...we quit trying to kick it at that point cause we didnt wanna blow up.

Now, my question is...should i throw a battery in it and try and get the motor running first, then rebuild the front end?

I'm new at this so any guidance would be GREATLY appreciated!

 

[tobiism]

You need to drain the engine, the fuel tank, and clean the carbs before you do anything else. Then have the frame evaluated to make sure it isn't tweaked.

 

[paultsmith]

Pick up a clymer manual first.

But I would definitely start with the carbs. Pick up some carb rebuild kits and dismantle the carbs. You probably have a bunch of varnish and fuel would be leaking cause the seals are shot.

 

[ryanglade]

Good to see another XS650. check out mikexs.com for parts, I got my carb rebuild kits from there. Follow the above advice, drain, carbs - then you can try to get it started/running, but i would check the frame also, since you know it has been wrecked. Good Luck and have fun with the build. lot's of potential with the 650.

 

[cretin75xs]

Mine sat for over 8 years before I got her. I drained the oil, removed the fuel tank and drained and cleaned the rust out (with CLR), removed the carbs (cleaned them) proceed to clean all the chrome and covers, then installed new battery and fuse box. Did my rattle can paint job to keep the cost of the build at a $1000. Got all my parts from MikesXS, nice to have a site where you can get what you need. She started up and has been running great except for a charging issue that I'm troubleshooting. Looking forward to your XS build. Make sure you post pics.

 

[Disco]

Im in the same Situation with my 81 CB