Took more parts off the bike this past weekend, including the front lights, tach, and speedometer, the right side cover, the seat, battery, and a few other things. I also took the chain apart. When I got the side cover removed, There was all kinds of crud covering the alternator. I loosened the center bolt from the Alternator. I noticed some movement when this was loosened, so I removed the nut completely from the shaft. Lo and behold, the engine will now turn over. the back wheel is still locked solid, but at least now I know that the engine itself isn’t seazied.

Removed the pipes on both sides this morning. I had been going back and forth on whether I should replace the exhaust system on the bike. Prices seem to start about 250, and go right on up past 500 for a black ceramic coated system. When I got the pipes off, I found that one of the pipes has a hole all the way through, and the other is almost as bad ….. Guess I’m going to need a new system.
I also took apart the air box. The filter is a real mess. the foam is falling off the filter, so that will all need to be replaced as well.
I purchased some straps from Home Depot, thinking this would help secure the bike and stop it from rocking. I used the hold down strap rings on the jack, and found that their welding job wasn’t too good where these are concerned. Just using the strength from my hands, allowed the rings to come off.
Looked like a really cold weld. In any case, I also found the sir-clip for the chain on the right hand side. I didn’t have time to remove it from the chain. Since the chain is going to get replaced, I’m not too worried about the sir-clip.

Received the Motorcycle jack last night. At 85 lbs, it took both the wife and I to get it inside the house. No, I’m not weak, it’s just a bit bulky for one person to handle. I put it together this morning with very little difficulty. It took me a few minutes to figure out how to align the jack with the top bolt, but other than that, was a painless procedure.
I’m striving to have the disassembly done by April 18th (my birthday) The reassembly I’m trying to complete by my anniversary in August (28th)
This is the first part removed from the bike. Didn’t have a whole lot of time this morning, but am hoping to have a few hours over the weekend. Also need to get straps to go over the bike to ensure it’s stablility while on the stand.

The first parts (Front and Rear Fenders) have arrived. They were described as painted, which I translated to mean refurbed. Unfortunately, this was not the case. the outside of the fenders had been previously painted, and the undersides are still quite rusty.
I’m looking now for a Sand/Bead blasting cabinet for purchase or better yet to rent. For shop equipment, I have a small parts washer that should be delivered today or tomorrow, and also am still waiting on a motorcycle jack. This is scheduled for delivery tomorrow. I also purchased a mig welding cart. While I could have made it, it was less expensive to purchase through Harbor Freight. I had also ordered parts bags from Grainger’s. I ordered those on Thursday of last week, and they arrived on Saturday. They will make it much easier keeping small parts together. I sent back books for the Vulcan 800 and have ordered books for the XS 650. Hopefully they won’t take too long to get here.

I must be living right today. Rented a 14 ft U-Haul truck, and drove to the seller’s house to pick up the bike.
The back wheel would not turn, and the front wheel was rather “sluggish”. Luckily there were 3 strong guys at the house, and we were able to hoist the bike up onto the back of the truck using a hand-truck and brute strength. I then drove home. Once I got home, I thought about using a dolly to help get the bike down from the truck.
Again, it was my fortune to find Jorge (my next door neighbor) at home and working outside. Since he moves lots of items, I asked him if he might have a dolly. He found a small dolly in his garage, and we were off to the races. We were able to lift the back wheel enough to get it on top of the dolly. This gave us the leverage and control to move the bike off the truck and into my garage. We tried to put the bike up on it’s center stand, but were unable to do so. I’ve already ordered an hydraulic motorcycle lift, and expect delivery by the end of the week.
Once the lift arrives, I’ll be disassembling the front wheel and caliper.

December 31st. Another Craigslist AD.

old kawasaki 650 – $250 (davie)

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Date: 2009-12-31, 10:36AM EST
Reply to:
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1981-Yamaha XS650

this bike is a 650 kawasaki needs a new carb and probly some other work, its a 650 kawasaki from the late 80′s or 90′s i have the title and just want to sell it as i dont have the money to fix it. it does have rust as it been sitting outside for a lil while. if you know how to fix motorcycles this is for you. come take a look make a offer and its yours! the pic below is what it lookd like when new NOT how it looks now. i would love to see it run again.

myles xxx-xxx-xxxx

I went on my lunch to see this. I found that it was a Yamaha rather than a Kawasaki, which explains why I was having such a hard time finding a similar model online. I also found that it is a 1981. I expected it to be completely rusted out.
I was amazed but all of the bike was there. The right turn signal is bent, but the alloy wheels are present and look to be in good shape. The motorcycle has been sitting out for a few months and would not turn over, but I have a feeling that it’s nothing that Marvel Mystery Oil won’t cure. This time I did pay for the bike on the spot and have the signed title in my hands.

I have a neighbor that has a small low trailer that should be perfect for bringing this home. Since tonight is New Years eve, I expect I won’t get to talk to him until at least tomorrow afternoon. I’ll take some pictures as soon as the bike is home.