XS650 Special restoration
Discussion
Following on from my Z200 Restoration....
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
For a while now my Dad has missed his old z900 z1 and it was my intention to find one that we could tidy up and add to our collection. Unfortunately z900 prices are beyond what i want to pay, but thankfully another model on his bucket list is not.....A XS650 Special, and it had to be a Special.
This one came up locally and was bought as a non-runner and in dire need of work. Up until 1997 it lived in Iowa, then came over here where it looks like it has sat under a tree for far too long.
This one will take a little longer than my z200, mainly because money is tight right now and parts are way more pricey than the Kawasaki.
When we got it back to our garage we soon discovered it had no compression due to stuck piston rings so the strip down began.
With the top end off it made a good opportunity to glass blast the barrels, head and rocker cover.
Frame back from coaters.
Forgot how much i hate polishing.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
For a while now my Dad has missed his old z900 z1 and it was my intention to find one that we could tidy up and add to our collection. Unfortunately z900 prices are beyond what i want to pay, but thankfully another model on his bucket list is not.....A XS650 Special, and it had to be a Special.
This one came up locally and was bought as a non-runner and in dire need of work. Up until 1997 it lived in Iowa, then came over here where it looks like it has sat under a tree for far too long.
This one will take a little longer than my z200, mainly because money is tight right now and parts are way more pricey than the Kawasaki.
When we got it back to our garage we soon discovered it had no compression due to stuck piston rings so the strip down began.
With the top end off it made a good opportunity to glass blast the barrels, head and rocker cover.
Frame back from coaters.
Forgot how much i hate polishing.
Edited by BuzzBravado on Thursday 25th August 13:26
New tyres arrived. The rear has a fairly flat profile, which i think is normal for this type of bike.
Using polished stainless bolts where possible.
This cage fits inside the frame and holds the battery as well as a bunch of electrical components.
A close up of glass blasting results
We have also fitted the roller bearing conversion for the swingarm which taken a while to shim up correctly but now fits perfectly.
Using polished stainless bolts where possible.
This cage fits inside the frame and holds the battery as well as a bunch of electrical components.
A close up of glass blasting results
We have also fitted the roller bearing conversion for the swingarm which taken a while to shim up correctly but now fits perfectly.
A little more done this weekend. Both calipers have been refurbished as well as the master cylinders. Kits are still available to replace the seals and such so it made sense.
Decided to powdercoat the airboxes and lids for durability:
The inside of the headlamp bowl was looking rusty so it was sanded back then treated then painted. Should delay more corrosion until a nicer bowl becomes available.
Decided to powdercoat the airboxes and lids for durability:
The inside of the headlamp bowl was looking rusty so it was sanded back then treated then painted. Should delay more corrosion until a nicer bowl becomes available.
graham22 said:
I remember when all the big 4 (and Triumph) had 'US Custom' models in their range. Despite my Dad not liking them, they impressed the 12yr old me at the time and looked to sell well.
Unfortunately I've grown into my father but as with the z200 build, no doubt this one will be done well too - looking forward to the finished result. Your Dad will just have to find a tassled jacket to finish the look!
I'm not a fan of the customs either, but he has a thing for it so happy to devote my time to it for that. When he is riding this I'll be able to take out his T250 Hustler. Unfortunately I've grown into my father but as with the z200 build, no doubt this one will be done well too - looking forward to the finished result. Your Dad will just have to find a tassled jacket to finish the look!
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