Trash to Tracker, Xl350 UPDATED!

Re: Trash to Tracker, Xl350

Pete12 said:
Bike looks really good but, and please forgive me of I'm wrong, the headlight brackets look like they are on upside down, or is that what you intended?

Thanks man, honestly I’m not sure. I have Seen them mounted both ways. Once i get Everything installed I’ll see where the light throws the best
 
Re: Trash to Tracker, Xl350

Hey there! Thanks so much for posting this thread. I was really happy to have come across it! Here is a pic of my 1974 that has been in storage for over 40 years. It was my father-in-laws bike and he bought it in 74. While in storage it got vandalized a bit and some parts were stolen. I took it out of storage a couple years ago and started doing a bit of work on it when I had time. Replaced all engine gaskets, dismantled and cleaned carb, cleaned out the tank and coated the inside, plus a bunch of other minor stuff.... last weekend I got it started, and it now starts 3rd kick and idles at 1200 RPM... I wanted to see if I could get it running before I spend any money on it... and now the restoration will begin!! I'm super pumped and your thread had been awesome to read! I think I may start one to document my journey as well! Cheers!
 

Attachments

  • IMG_0505.JPG
    IMG_0505.JPG
    173.7 KB · Views: 345
  • IMG_0471.jpg
    IMG_0471.jpg
    4.5 MB · Views: 359
Re: Trash to Tracker, Xl350

ride it its in awesome survivor shape
just enjoy it in its original form

reroute the tach cable thru the holder on the frame before it gets snagged and bad things happen
 
Sorry it has been awhile guys, with the baby and work and adjusting to it all the project had to be put on hold. But the last few weeks I have jumped back on it and made some good progress!

I painted the tank the same way I did the fenders, Taped off the blue and repainted the silver, gives it a worn look but still nice looking, I didnt use any filler or bondo just kept it the way it was and hit it with the silver. I really like the way it tuned out!

AXveSSG.jpg


wkIpN67.jpg


Then I slimmed down the taillight bracket and got the rear end to look a little more streamlined, figured out all my electrical issues with the new tidy switch, now everything works, taillight, turn signals, headlight, all from one nice switch on the left side of the bars! No more horn though.

6e3EbXZ.jpg


I cleaned up the side covers as best I could but did not want to repaint them.

imc9nhV.jpg


One thing i seriously love is these rental handle bars, perfect size and really gives the front a clean look

WATGsVa.jpg


MBu7x11.jpg


I am currently working on a low profile bracket for the exhaust, I may end up using the one off the old muffler as the bends are almost perfect for what I need.

WhyAsoi.jpg


I have only been riding it around the neighborhood since Im still finishing up everything with the title process and retightening everything. Locktight has become my new best friend!

93A4W9C.jpg


I also took a little video for you guys so you can see more and hear her run. idle was a little low in this clip though. she's a third kick start everytime though! I will keep updating more now that I'm back on it, but i do post pictures from time to time on Instagram if you wanna follow me there. my name is toyoTRush23 on instagram!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWHjFS8z96Y
 
Great job, looks fantastic. I love the older XLs, had a few back when they weren’t older XLs. Torque and reliability.
What’s left on your list?
Cheers, Zweihammer
 
I have been riding a ton recently and the bike has performed great! Unfortunately I took her on a trip with me and mid ride we stop for lunch and realized the kickstarter bolt had vibrated out, no biggie hop start it and enjoy the rest of the day. I got back to camp and replaced the bolt with one from a spare parts bin, I stupidly did not check to make sure clearance was good, and when I kicked her over the threads of the spare bolt hanging out the other end hit the case and dug a small hole into the clutch case :( and I stripped the teeth on the kickstarter in the process. I JB Welded the hole and we will see if it holds. I used the wrong primer on the cases as well because they are peeling off, so this winter I will pull them off again.

TsDrxve.jpg


Did order a fuel cap with a vent line nipple and rigged that up. I like that style more, new cap gasket as well...

nEYZkyt.jpg


cfjOjjm.jpg
 
Looks rad. I'm starting the same build basically right now. Just doing a ton of the store mentioned cleaning currently. Anywho. Turned out sharp!
 
You've done a great refurbishment on that XL.....great looking bikes and you've made it better I reckon. The paint refresh worked.

Shame about the kickstarter and casing paint....every day's a school day heheh!

Headlight bracket position works too.

What's your plan to clean up the spokes?

Enjoy it, you've earned it :)
 
Back
Top Bottom