Dirty

The only thing I have found on this bike so far that doesn't need to be replaced or refurbished is the battery. The previous owner really does not have a whole lot of experience with anything mechanical. He is a musician by trade and he studied playing guitar and writing music instead of how to fix or maintain motorcycles. So he thought that leaving the bike unattended for three years, all you would need to do to fire it up was to get a new battery and she would come to life. And if it was stored properly, this bike probably would have.

I have done a bit of researching of this model, the Yamaha TX/XS 500 line and found, while still having a few issues, most of the bugs were sorted out of this bike by '78 So with proper maintenance, this bike should have enjoyed a long service life. Some one put twenty seven thousand miles on the clock, so it was looked after for a while. The problem here is, after the last owner lost interest, the bike was forgotten about and left to rot. Which will happen is very short order if left to wallow in Michigan's changing weather conditions. He was probably completely unaware of the damage this would cause to the bike, because his ad stated like so many others, "that to get it running should be an easy fix". After being shown just how bad his bike had got, he started to get the picture. Not that that is a bad thing, some people get no joy out of working on bikes, cars etc. I can dig that. Most times that's how we find so many bikes in dire need of attention. And it really explains the condition of this bike.

I may be completely out of my mind, but despite everything I have read and heard about this model and the condition of this bike. I'm giving it a go anyway. Starting with the carbs. Since this bike had 2007 vintage gasoline in it, varnish is all that is left. The carbs, while not as dirty on the out side as the 650's were, are an absolute mess on the inside. The needle valves, jets and slider boots are in need of replacement, I have a line on a couple of kits, just want to make sure they are the right fit. I'm not to keen on going the a'la carte route and paying twice as much at my local purveyor of Yamaha's. It is going to be an interesting couple of months coming up. I have a lot on my plate already, adding this project to it isn't going to endear me to the wife. I guess she knew what she was getting into, she has hung around twenty three years so far. This bike might have her packing her bags before we hit twenty four. At least I get a new battery out of the deal.
The left carb after it's cleaning, the right one waiting it's turn.

Till Next Time..................