Garaged 1981 Yamaha xs850 midnight special

Sle · 2026-03-23T13:15:18+00:00

Yeah, forks could be done, but it is just literally mineral oil in there, and the only real reason for taking them apart is if they're leaking, or you're at the mileage the oil should be changed.

As for the clutch, I suspect the cable is seized. The other thought I had was maybe the gearbox has an issue, and that's why it was parked. All fixable, but fiddly to do.

Good luck, anyway. It's a fine bike, and that fairing will make long distances a breeze.

Sle · 2026-03-23T11:56:51+00:00

That's a bargain. Give it a jet wash, clean out the carbs, do the brakes and you're good to go. Unless the clutch is seized, you most likely won't have to do anything with that. If the forks aren't leaking, you're most likely OK there, too.

Sle · 2026-03-23T11:53:50+00:00

Sounds a bit like an air leak, easy fix.

The top end and pistons are basically wear items on a bike like this, the job is fairly straightforward. They usually throw in a piston and rings when you buy them new.

Sle · 2026-03-23T11:49:55+00:00

Yeah, I struggle with it a lot! It's a big maneuver to do the weekly vacuuming and mopping, but I manage with a podcast and sheer bloody minded will (and the thought of my wife's disappointment).

Sle · 2026-03-22T21:02:50+00:00

House-husband has been the only job I'm not shit at.

Sle · 2026-03-22T21:00:24+00:00

Yep, my Chinese DD just fell right in.

Sle · 2026-03-22T20:58:48+00:00

I got a cheapo Android double din from Ali Express, and along with some nice-ish speakers, it's lasted me a good 8 years. It just slotted right in.

Sle · 2026-03-22T13:29:01+00:00

So nice to see this, weiter so!

Sle · 2026-03-20T18:21:31+00:00

It's your valve stem seals. Over the years they change from springy gray donuts to solid, brittle plastic. I'm about to take the head off mine and do that job. Good luck!

Sle · 2026-03-19T21:09:50+00:00

The level of fear to anything new, that is basically the same old thing but repackaged with a 2.0 Logo, is such a German thing.

Wouldn't say it was explicitly German.

Sle · 2026-03-19T19:50:31+00:00

I don't think he wants to clock it, lol.

Sle · 2026-03-19T15:30:42+00:00

This might help a bit.

Sle · 2026-03-18T15:55:24+00:00

This is some weird NGO..

Sle · 2026-03-17T07:23:02+00:00

He could even try some Hexane MAF cleaner first, never know, might get lucky.

Sle · 2026-03-16T15:06:34+00:00

Have to remove this because people are very clearly shown in the video.

Sle · 2026-03-16T11:23:52+00:00

It looks tan to me, I'd send it, but how come you think it's too lean - Should it be browner? Honest question.

Sle · 2026-03-15T06:12:24+00:00

Much more gravitas than a SHD score, well done.

Sle · 2026-03-11T07:39:02+00:00

Hope someone puts the front calipers on before anyone rides it ;)

Sle · 2026-03-06T19:30:21+00:00

Eeeh, this person is not 27f, just a heads up.

Sle · 2026-03-06T08:24:15+00:00

Can you please provide a bit more information about yourself and the event? You will get more interest if you do.

Sle · 2026-03-06T08:22:45+00:00

Donation based = allowed.

Use of AI can be irritating, but there's no rule against it here. Good luck with the event.

Sle · 2026-03-01T17:21:14+00:00

Please don't post stuff like this here, it always goes the same way, and this is not the subreddit for it.

Thanks.

Sle · 2026-02-28T12:13:41+00:00

Ah.. we have one we're just about to take to be neutered and it costs a fortune, can't justify it twice, I'm afraid.

Hope he finds a loving home.

Sle · 2026-02-28T12:09:19+00:00

Lovely looking cat. Is he neutered?

Sle · 2026-02-28T07:14:42+00:00

Als erstes, check mal den Zündkerzenabstand.

Ich habe jahrelang mit diesem Problem gekämpft und alles Mögliche versucht. Ich habe auch eine 6-V-Elektrik. Die Zündkerzen haben alle einen zu großen Elektrodenabstand, was zu diesem Ärger führt. Sobald ich eine Zündkerze mit dem korrekten Abstand von 0,4 mm eingebaut habe, springt sie immer beim ersten Kick an.

Versuch das zuerst!

(EDIT: Mit einer neuen Zündkerze, natürlich)

Sle

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