Manky's XS650 Yamaha

[Dslam]

Spent some time on the XS today. Carbs sorted. Runs fine, ticks over fine but a tad loud.
The engine itself is whisper quiet. Quietly whirring away and sounds great when revved. The new Premier Amal (Spell check wants to insert 'anal'!!) carbs are so much better than the previous offering.
The indicator, near side rear, seems to have succumbed to the vibes and heat as its rather close to the exhaust outlet so I shall cobble something together for the MOT. Just waiting on the MOT-able number plate then it's MOT time.

[Manky Monkey]

Want me to go Ebay shopping for some aluminium ones Andy?

[Dslam]

Found some of the same on ebay for £7 so they will do for now. You can change/adapt at will after. I have a few ideas that I will pass by you when I deliver it back home.

[Manky Monkey]

Okey doke.
I might just go for something boring but reliable, like these. Used them on several trikes & bikes. I've powder-coated them black a few times & fitted amber lenses from Halfords dashboard warning lamps into the back of one pair so I could see they were flashing.
Of course, being a 1980 registration, it doesn't actually need indicators, ('86 onwards), but in the murderous mayhem of modern traffic, they just make self preservation sense. I do plan to re-register the bike through MSVA, but will ride it for a Summer first to iron out any teething problems, (& get some enjoyment out of the thing after several years of building), then get it tested over next Winter.
Already thinking of riding it down to Romsey in Hampshire on Boxing Day morning for the annual classic car & bike meet as I won't be taking the Pop out now till the Spring. Seriously considering developing an illness in June to take a few days off work for the Flanders Chopper Bash in Belgium too.
Getting back on a bike after 6 years away from them is a little daunting, but I really want to clock up some proper mileage on this ride. 
 

[Manky Monkey]

I can't take any credit for the engine. I've delved into it to replace the clutch & gearchange linkage, as well as fitting new filters & an oil change, but that's all. It's all looked very clean when I've removed any covers -no burnt on black oil deposits or anything. I bought the original donor bike from a car dealer in Yorkshire, who took it in part exchange from an old man who couldn't ride any more & needed a car. So hopefully it's either very low mileage or well looked after.

[mrhutch]

I'm actually gutted that you've finished this one Andy...  I look forward to the updates and moody photos mid-push through suburbia.

I wonder if Mr Dslam can be persuaded to drop a few washers in the crankcase?? 

Well done and have loads of fun riding

[the coppersmith]

That is some Chris****s present to ones self Sir 

[Manky Monkey]

 
My only worry at the moment is that it's taxed as a disabled vehicle, (free tax), which was presumably because of the old guy who used to own it. I'm hoping changing it's tax status will just be a matter of ticking a box on the online form, but with my luck it'll mean getting the bike inspected or something.
Really looking forward to getting back on 2 wheels -loved hotrods since I was a school kid, but my first experience of the road was on a bike & they've remained my true love ever since. I know I'll be extremely slow & wobbly to begin with, but can't wait for that first ride in the Spring sunshine.
Other people take their dogs out for late night walks around the neighbourhood -you think I should take the bike out for a stroll instead?

[Dslam]

Put on a limp when you tax it. All will be good

[Manky Monkey]

  Can you still tax vehicles at Post Offices or is it all online now?

[Tony oily bike]

Can you still tax vehicles at Post Offices or is it all online now?

Can do at Post Offices............. 

As the XS will not have had a reminder through the post (V11), I think you need log book (V5C) and MoT. Worth taking insurance too.


DVLA webpage re changing details on logbook
https://www.gov.uk/change-vehicle-details-registration-certificate

And these pages for changing your vehicle taxation class
https://www.gov.uk/change-vehicle-tax-class

https://www.gov.uk/change-vehicle-tax-class/tax-due-to-run-out-or-changing-if-vehicle-is-exempt

[morrag]

With those sentiments, this deffo applies to you Mr. M!!

[Manky Monkey]

  These days I do have other interests besides vehicles, but that was definitely me when I was younger.
I'm insured with Bike Sure & don't have a paper copy of the insurance policy. I guess they'd send one if I asked, but that link looks like you only need to show it if you live in Northern Ireland. Thanks Tony.

[BikerGran]

I think as long as you have a V5c you're ok with just that as they can look at the insurance AND MOT online - but it's the 'c' that's important!

[Tony oily bike]

I think as long as you have a V5c you're ok with just that as they can look at the insurance AND MOT online - but it's the 'c' that's important!

Agree you'd expect the post office to be able to look up the MoT online, but following the example of my friend only a couple of weeks ago, I'd still suggest taking the MoT.

This friend needed to tax his car which was on a SORN and for some reason this couldn't be done on line.
A phone call to Swansea (and a genuinely helpful person) did some delving and revealed the ref number on the V5C wasn't, for an undisclosed reason, being recognised by the system.
Friend was told in order to tax the vehicle he needed to go to the post office and take the V5C and MoT.
Road tax was successfully purchased.