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34K views 112 replies 18 participants last post by  sporty_drew  
Z
#1 ·
I picked this 1979 Yamaha XS750 Triple up last spring, and am now finally ready to work on it as a winter project. The PO was the original purchaser, and the bike had been sitting in his garage for the past 25 years. I was fortunate enough to aquire the bike for free, which always makes a new project that much better. And yes, the "King and Queen" seat is for sale.......



The teardrop gas tank had a pretty good size dent in the top of it after losing a fight with a trolling motor. I picked up a different XS tank, that is a little more classy from eBay.

Plan is to slim it down as much as possible, dump the dual coil rear shocks for a mono, cafe it up a bit with a tail section (I am open to anyone's ideas on the style of tail), reposition foot peg set up, add some clips ons, new clutch and brake controls, re-work the gauges and headlight area, ditch the airbox in favor of some screens/pods, 3-1 the exhaust, etc. I would love to upgrade the front end with a late model fork - but have to find the right deal. My goal is to keep the entire project in the $1000ish range.

First thing I had to do was get it running. Since it sat so long, I pulled the airbox (for the first and last time) and went through the carbs. They were pretty nasty, but cleaned up nicely. I dropped the old oil in favor of some new stuff along with a new oil filter. Put in some new spark plugs, and picked up a battery. Put it all together, and it fired right up.

Now, to start cuttin'...........

 
C
#2 ·
Free is always a pretty good price!!!!!!

Holy shit, That sure is a seat!!!!!!!!!!!!!:wtf:

Isnt there an XS in the FOTM. I love what he did with that beast.:D

Good luck and have fun.:D
 
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#3 ·
a buddy of mine has one in his garage that we need to get back to work on i have a build thread for it here, but haven't updated it since we haven't got much done on it
 
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B
#6 ·
Nice.

That XS is in great shape, especially for being free. I think I paid 800 for mine and it was in pretty rough shape, but mine onlly had 13k miles on it, it had just been sitting outside for too long.

I recommend getting a new front end on there, these old forks are terrible. I was going to use some new ones on my bike, but I couldn't find a good deal at the time, so I'm saving that for next year.

For the mono shock, I would do a setup similar to mine, I've had no problems with it and the ride is 10x what ut used to be. I know you have an R6 shock already, which should work fine. I used one off an R1, which is a little heavier bike. Let me know if you need any help etc

For your seat, I would suggest making one, or getting one from a company like Airtech-Streamlining. Since you will be using the standard more square tank, I would go with a similar boxy looking seat/tail.

http://www.airtech-streamlining.com/vintage/vintageseats.htm

I think something like these would look good for a cafe bike

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Z
#9 ·
BlackBII said:
Nice.

That XS is in great shape, especially for being free. I think I paid 800 for mine and it was in pretty rough shape, but mine onlly had 13k miles on it, it had just been sitting outside for too long.

I recommend getting a new front end on there, these old forks are terrible. I was going to use some new ones on my bike, but I couldn't find a good deal at the time, so I'm saving that for next year.

For the mono shock, I would do a setup similar to mine, I've had no problems with it and the ride is 10x what ut used to be. I know you have an R6 shock already, which should work fine. I used one off an R1, which is a little heavier bike. Let me know if you need any help etc

For your seat, I would suggest making one, or getting one from a company like Airtech-Streamlining. Since you will be using the standard more square tank, I would go with a similar boxy looking seat/tail.
Click to expand...

Thanks.

The bike is in decent overall shape, it's just starting to show its age from sitting so long. Everything is pretty straight, and it appears to have never been down - which is nice.

I am looking for a front end, but there isn't much locally and eBay seems kinda pricey. I am going to keep looking though. That may be a future addition to the project. I was able to source a different set of XS forks. The ones I have are more "cruiser" style with the axle holes further up the fork and back. The ones I found look more like yours with the axle directly inline with the lower chamber and at the bottom. I picked them up for next to nothing, so I figured it would be worth it until the right late model front end comes along. They need seals, but so do the ones that are on there. Easy fix.

I would imagine the R6 would be ok. There must be different spring rates/valving between the R6 and R1? Appearance wise, the one I have looks similar to yours. Do you think that your shock could have been rotated 180 degrees to allow for the use of pods? Or is there not enough room for that?

Thanks for the feedback on the tail sections. I need the ideas. That will be one of the main pieces that will set this thing off. I kind of like the last one there. I really want the rear end to be aimed up in the air a bit.....if that makes sense?
 
Z
#16 ·
Tinkered on the bike for about 10 minutes tonight. I cut the front gas tank mounts, and got the tank to sit level. I will still need to work up a mount for the back of the tank, but that will be incorporated in the mono shock install. I love the way this tank looks.

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I picked up the other set of forks today. I like the style of these forks a lot better than the stockers that are on the bike. I know they will both handle the same....like $hit...but it'll look a little better. Eventually I will put a beefier front end on this mother, but I haven't found the right deal yet.

Stockers:
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Upgraded Stockers:
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I've also pulled a bunch of junk off the rear, getting ready to make that first cut. I removed the rear fender, rear turnsignals, pegs, rear brake lever, etc. When I test fired the bike last week, the o-ring that goes around the oil filter gave up the ghost and it started leaking. I have a new one on order, and when it arrives I will be able to run the motor for more than 15 seconds. Once I have let it run for 5 minutes or so, I will feel a lot better about cutting it in half. I just want to make sure there aren't anymore gremlins to fix later on down the road.

Here's how it's sittin' today:
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Z
#19 ·
XS Triples are awesome.

I fabbed the lift table myself. It's built mainly out of 2x2 square tubing (3/16" wall) and has lock outs at 2.5' & 3.0'. The ram is an 8 ton air over hydraulic unit. I just plug it into my air compressor, and in about 10-15 seconds the bike's in the air. It's nice on projects like this, because I can just leave the bike up there and wheel it all over the shop. Lift tables are a must have. Maybe I'll post a thread on it?
 
B
#24 ·
That is a nice truck, that Dana 60 should have no problem with those 40"s.

The clip ons I used came off a mid 90's suzuki, I think. I found them one day walking through the local motorcycle salvage yard.

Those standard forks will make the steering a little quicker, so it'll feel like it it handles better. That rear shock looks just like mine. The R6 is a little lighter than the R1, so I imagine the spring rate will be a little softer, which should be fine because mine feels a little stiff. I don't see why you couldn't flip it around to get more room for pods, I just did mine the way I did because I put my fuse box and relays and everything right there in that plastic box I made. Good observation on your part, flipping the shock should make some good room for you.

How much in the air you planning on making the seat point? In order to have some good lines on the bike you need a seat/tail that matches the lines you are making with the rest of the bike.

I would recommend getting new throttle and clutch cables, changing all the oils, getting new tires, etc

Bikes looking good man! That new tank really looks good on there
 
Z
#25 ·
I wish I had a good salvage yard around here - but the nearest one is 2 hours away.

I think the forks should help (as much as stock ones can) - but having never ridden the bike - it will be tough to compare old to new.

I am planning on installing the shock in the rotated position to make room for pods. I am hoping to incorporate the rear tank mount into the shock mount as well. The R6 shock has got to be more plush than the dual coils. Those sum bitches is stiff!

I'd like the seat to point more like a crotch rocket, and less like that of your typical vintage cafe bike. Honestly, I really like the angle yours has. In fact, your bike has a lot to do with the direction I am taking mine. I love that thing! Did you adjust how your gas tank sits to match the line you went with?

New tires are a must. My front won't even hold air. I haven't changed the middle and final drive oil yet, but will.

What throttle assembly and cable would you recommend? Just an aftermarket set up? I don't really care for how the current throttle cable exits the housing right at the bottom. The PO has a vintage cruise control device on it as well. I have dubbed it the "Widow Maker".....crazy. I also need a new clutch cable. What would you recommend for a new clutch cable/perch setup?

I know that my front brake reservoir is trash. I think a smaller unit would look a little more trick. I will have to look for some options on that one.

Thanks for the feedback. I will keep the pics coming as progress continues.
 
F
#28 ·
I used to ride a 79 XS1100 that I stripped down to the bare essentials and put a 4-into-1 exhaust on. It was pretty fast, but the speed wobbles coming down from 120+ were a bit unsettling. If you have the same front end, I def think you need to replace it. You going to ditch the shaft, too?
 
Z
#30 ·
I can imagine anything stock from the 70's, 80's, and even into the 90's is pretty unsettling at 120+, particularly on the decel. I am working on sourcing a front end - but it may take some time to get the right dealio. At this point I am sticking with the shaft. I don't know that it would be cost effective enough for me to swap it out - but never say never - right?
 
Z
#34 ·
Got a little more work done tonight. I didn't get as far as I had hoped.

I installed the new oil filter o-ring and fired it up for one last test run. It ran, but the jetting is waaaaaay off, and the throttle response was not what it should be. The important thing is it ran and everything appeared to be in good working order.

I removed the exhaust, pulled the main wire harness, removed the battery box, headlight, front turn signals, etc. I am planning on cutting the rear section this weekend. I wish I would have had more time tonight!

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Here is the XS "Nervous System". I have to admit this is my first build - so pulling the wire harness made me a little nervous. I can't believe how much wire is on a bike. Crazy.....

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More to come..........
 
Z
#35 ·
So I have been looking at tail sections. I want to get one in the mail ASAP, because it will be necessary for proper fab work to happen.

Airtech has a ton of great options, but these ones grabbed me.

What are your thoughts on these:

1. Suzuki TR750

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2. Modified Universal Bimota Seat

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Modified a bit:
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3. The BlackBII Special......Yamaha TZ750 Duck Tail

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B
#36 ·
Nice work!

The wiring harness on these bikes isn't all that bad. Just replace the fuse box with a newer one with spade style fuses, get new battery wires and call it good. You'll probably end up shortening the harness going up to the handlebars, as there is a lot of excess.

Where are you planning on cutting your frame? I would cut it the same way I did, so that the whole engine cradle stays intact, this way you wont have the frame moving around on you, messing with the alignment of the whole bike front and rear.

That suzuki tail is cool, but I think it looks a little big...hard to tell from the pictures though of course.

The bimota seat is cool, I almost used that on instead of the ducktail. I like how the tail end 'flips' up

The ducktail is my favorite, of course. If you decide to use it, I wont be mad or anything, so don't worry about that.
 
Z
#37 ·
I can see where I am going to have to decrease the length of the handlebar control wires. With the old stock ape hangers, you have loads of wire. I hadn't thought of swapping the fuse box, but it is a good idea to upgrade that. What do you know about those Li-Batteries? I have seen a couple of them on other threads and browsing the internet. I wonder if they are strong enough to power the starter motor? I know they are small and sealed so they could be mounted in any position.....like say under the tail section.....maybe?

Here is how I am planning on initially cutting the frame. This should keep everything intact. From there I can trim as necessary. I am planning on cutting tomorrow. I need to remove the center stand, and put some sort of support under the bike - but that's no biggie. How did you calculate the sag/amount of preload when installing the mono shock? Did you just 'wing' it? I am going to use my angle finder to figure out what the angle of the swingarm is prior to the cut, and use that as my baseline.

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I agree the Suzuki tail looks a bit boxy.

I like the Bimota setup - I think it could be easily trimmed down to look pretty bad ass. Plus it has that little "pocket" on the back that would house a light perfectly. The R6 light you used on your bike - it does stop/tail/turn correct? What is the length and width of that light? Do you think it would fit in that rear section on the Bimota seat? I think there is about 6.5-7" of available tail light real estate on that thing.

I showed my wife about 10 tail section options, and without seeing your bike (or any other bike for that matter) she picked out the TZ750 Duck Tail as the one she liked the best......what are the odds? If that is the direction I go, I do appreciate your understanding. The duck tail is pretty hard to beat fo' sho.
 
Z
#38 ·
Project: XS Shaft

I was able to make the first cuts today! Right after removing the bulky rear section - I can already see the potential of this build.

I ran out of time, but reached a good stopping point. I need to pull the swingarm next, do a little more cutting and grinding to remove the nubs and tabs, and then it's time to start fabbing.

I can see already that before I really get into this I am going to need the tail section on hand. I am hoping to have one picked out and ordered on Monday.

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B
#39 ·
Nice job on the cut! Yeah, once you get your tail you can figure out how to do your subframe and shock mount and stuff.

The R6 tail light I used does have a Tail,. Brake and turn signals. I got it on ebay from china for like $20. It works awesome!

I used a Li battery on the CBR I built. It's a moty design battery. It cranks the cbr600 over just fine, I don't see it having any problems with your bike, in fact, I'm willing to bet it would do a much better job than the big heavy pos battery acid filled ones.

As far as the ride height, I really just winged it. I looked at what angle the stock swingarm was and set it the same, so basically the same thing you are planning on doing, only I just eyeballed it and didn't use an angle finder. I think I raised it mayb 1/2" higher than stock. But really as long as you are somewhat close it'll be fine.

Otherwise good progress! Love to see another old bike getting saved. Tell you what man, you ride around on a bike like mine and you will get looks from EVERYONE. Makes you feel important. lol
 
Z
#42 ·
I have decided to go with the Bimota tail. I've got to get that thing ordered! I will end up trimming it down to "flow" with the lines of the bike. We can't have two identical XS's running around! Haha!

I have been looking online for Li Batts. I found one here that I think would work nicely, and I think I may be able to tuck it in the tail:

http://www.ballisticparts.com/products/batteries/8cell.php

I can see what you mean about raising the rear of the tank up about an inch to get the right line going for the bike. Just looking at it, I may be able to hide some more of the electronics under the tank.....but this is just a theroy now. The heat from the engine may be a factor to consider also. Got to get the creative juices flowin' for that one.

I ordered the clip ons, new fork seals and a couple other OEM parts I needed. That should keep me busy until the tail arrives.

I am planning on ordering tires pretty soon, and am on the hunt for a new front master cylinder and tail light.

How wide is your R6 tail light?

Where did you score your steering stabilizer and hydraulic clutch at?
 
B
#43 ·
Just measured the tail light, it's 6.5 inches wide and 2 inches tall.

I think that bimota tail will be sweet.

I didn't end up using the hydraulic clutch, I couldn't get it to work right. The steering stabilizer came off ebay I think.

With the tank raised up there will be lots of room under the tank for stuff. My ignition box is under the tank, just above the carbs. I wouldn't worry about heat, it doesn't get too hott right there.
 
Z
#44 ·
Awesome, thanks man. I figured it was 6.5-7" - now I know.

Yeah, the Bimota will be awesome. i will need to trim that license plate/mudflap thing off, but it is going to look tight on there.

I have a hydraulic clutch on my KTM 450SX dirt bike and love it - I can only imagine what one would be like on a street bike.

You're right, heat shouldn't be an issue with all that air flow. I am going to try and hide everything - we'll see how that works out!
 
#45 ·
everything is looking great!!!! sub'd for sure. I'm working on an 850 as well..just much more slowly..and with less experience than you two. Either way, Black has helped out tons. I just ordered a set of carbs off a Triumph Sprint and hopefully will have a new tank won from gaybay within a couple days.
 
Z
#46 ·
Thanks n8! Start up a thread and post some pics! When I got this bike last year I really didn't know much about them - but there is definately a small community of XS Shaft Drive Lovers out there. More importantly all of the XS nuts seem more than willing to help and offer advice. BlackBII has been a tremendous help with my project. I only hope I can do the same for someone else someday.
 
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