XS850 Restoration

First topic message reminder :

Having cleaned out a corner of the shed, I've finally started the work on the XS850.  Not much progress but I've made a start.  Pics to follow.

madmax wrote:

Ewok1958 wrote:Makes me wonder if I should be pulling the front master cylinder down to have a look.  And both caliper cylinders.

Most definitely Dave

+1

It would be awful to bin it due to brake failure, after pondering whether or not to ensure that they were in good nick.  

Yep, checked out the front cylinders.  Nice and clean, and the brake fluid looked pretty new.  But drained it and bled both lines anyway.  I suspect the previous owner had attended to these. 

Will replace the regulator/rectifier tomorrow.

Ewok1958 wrote:Yep, checked out the front cylinders.  Nice and clean, and the brake fluid looked pretty new.  But drained it and bled both lines anyway.  I suspect the previous owner had attended to these. 

Will replace the regulator/rectifier tomorrow.

At least now you know.

Damn good job mate

I've seen this bike and heard it run. It looks and sounds like new. Good job Dave.

Thanks guys.

This guy on Gumtree in Morphett Vale (SA) says he has all the original parts except the headers.  Could be a cheap and easy restore if the parts are in good nick.  And a trailer!

Ill but the trailer off you

I've fitted a pair of after-market universal fit EMGO (part no 80-84052) mufflers to the old girl while the originals are off (there is some rust in the RHS can). These EMGO jobbies are a bit stubby and don't have the style of the originals, but at least it will let me get some historic rego organised.  They make it look more like an XS750.

Looking good Dave. 

A long time in the making, but all worth it.
Looks good.

I registered the old girl today under the NSW conditional registration scheme for historic vehicles (ie those that are over 30 years).  It allows me to ride anywhere I want provided I don't have more than 60 ride days per year (no limit on kms, needing to attend Club events, etc).

The cost: $94 for the CTP & rego, inc the one-off cost of plates, so probably about $72 or so renewal next year, and $93.13 full comp insurance with NRMA Classic. I put $7k down for the value of the bike. Oh, and $50 excess.

:D:cheers:

That's the first time I've heard the numbers involved.



I like the numbers.

#Tag wrote:That's the first time I've heard the numbers involved.



I like the numbers.

You can't register yourself Terry 

#Tag wrote:That's the first time I've heard the numbers involved.



I like the numbers.

Yep, it made me look at BikeSales again for anything pre-1990 ('cause it can't do pre 1987). Not much to be had really at the moment that represents great value unless you take a high mileage machine.

I'm envious of all of you Eastern Staters with what you are allowed to put on historic registration.

South Australia used to allow vehicles that are unmodified and over 25 years old to be registered in the historic registration scheme


..................... until July 2012, then someone decided that if a vehicle was manufactured after 1979 it can not be considered to be a historic vehicle 


The only exemption is vehicles manufactured up to January 1983 AND already registered under the scheme prior to July 1 2012

In Jan 2012 when I bought the Bandit I would have kept my VX800 (built Sept 1990) in the shed until it turned 25 in 2015

We already had (and still do have) the strictest regulations regarding historic vehicle modifications, in essence, it must have been a OEM Factory option for that exact make and model or you cant have it, that includes paint colour, chrome accessories, engine,  brakes, suspension, interior trim,nearly everything. You can have a modern stereo IF it is hidden out of sight, you can also fit seatbelts.
4 years later I still don't understand how a 30, 40 or further into the future, a 50 year old vehicle can not be considered to be a historic vehicle 

2wheelsagain wrote:
You can't register yourself Terry 

Nope - too many miles and too clapped out.

#Tag wrote:

2wheelsagain wrote:
You can't register yourself Terry 

Nope - too many miles and too clapped out.

You may need to find someone to restore you to your former glory #Tag 

paul wrote:

#Tag wrote:
Nope - too many miles and too clapped out.

You may need to find someone to restore you to your former glory #Tag 

My former what now? 

Ok, so I took the newly Club registered XS850 for a run a few days ago and thought maybe the handling could do with a bit of an upgrade - it felt a bit loose in the rear (but that just might have been 1980 handling - that's too long ago for me to remember what the old XS750 I used to own felt like!).  I ended up buying a set of brand new rear air/nitrogen cell shocks from Jap Bike Spares (JPS) in Everton Park (QLD) for $171.70 delivered. That seemed very cheap compared to any shocks I've ever heard off so I'm a bit reticent about the purchase. 

They have adjustable spring pre-load only.  The following advice was provided: "In regards to the nitrogen pressure, the shocks come pre-gassed at 80psi which is the optimal pressure so there shouldn't be any need to adjust this. Adjusting the pressure will only effect the rebound speed and the recommended pressure range is between 65psi to 120psi and only nitrogen should be used. You will also need the correct equipment and knowledge to make this adjustment so we would always recommend that this is only done by a qualified mechanic or suspension specialist. You should also never attempt to check the pressure with a tyre gauge as the bladder inside the shock only holds a small volume and this will simply release the pressure.

The only adjustment that may need to be made is to the spring preload to suit the rider weight and road conditions. This can be easily done by winding the adjustment up or down at the top of the spring with the tools supplied. Please be sure to adjust each side equally and wind the lower nut first and then tighten the upper lock nut."

Will fit them Thu and take her for a spin.



I'll report back.

Nice!! 

( They would be enough to make your bike ineligible for Historic rego in SA    )

USD front end next. 

Nah Bosco - that sort of thinking is reserved for the TRX!

But a couple of pics with the shocks fitted - great eye candy!  

What was also revealed during the exercise was that the LHS bottom connection point (where it screws into the diff housing) had been replaced at some stage, possibly due to the thread in the aluminium alloy having been stripped, I suspect when a shock was removed (the rear shocks in the previous pics don't look to be OEM). A stud had been fitted in its place, rather than a helicoil. I couldn't see how the stud is fixed as it doesn't appear to be threaded, possibly it is just press fitted into the alloy housing. Ah, the joys of owning old bikes!