Tim Louth

Many thanks for your reply. I did think about restoring to original but parts are very rare and I am in the middle of a mid life crisis, part of which makes me not want to conform!!! I know it is a bit sacriligous to chop up an XS2 in fair condition but I have the urge to be a rebel, most definitely without a cause. I have started stripping it down and the list of requirements is growing by the minute. I think the RD switchgear is compatible, the rest I will make up as I go along. Is there a UK owners club? Tim.

Help, I have just bought a 1973 XS2, at least I think it is an XS2. The frame/engine numbers are S650-114544 but it hasn't got electric start and I thought the XS2 did have electric start. Can anyone help? Will it run okay on unleaded. Also, is there a good source of XS2 spares in the UK. I want to built a flat tracker but I do need some genuine XS2 parts to overhaul the engine.......50000 miles so it will need a bit of TLC. I also need switchgear and the knob from the damper adjuster on the headstock. Can any one help? Many thanks. Tim.

Sorry, all the parts were taken away this morning.

I have a load of Thunderace parts in my shed and I need the space so if anyone wants them free and can pick them up from Fareham, near Portsmouth, get in touch. Tank Fairing Seat panel Belly pan v-piece Wheels Some other bits and pieces. Must take them all though. Tim.

Hi, I have just changed the brake pads on my Thunderace and they are now binding a bit. The front wheel is difficult to turn. I guess I will have to strip the calipers down to free up the pistons so they travel back into the caliper freely. Has anyone done this recently and, if so, did you get away with using the old seals? I don't mind buying new seals but it takes ages to get parts in my area and I need to get back on the road ASAP. Any advice gratefully recieved. Many thanks. Tim.

I have just ordered new wheel bearings for my Thunderace spare wheels. The ones that arrived are 20x42x12mm, the ones in the wheels are 44mm, measured with my Vernier calipers. Have M and P cocked up or did Yamaha change the spec? The wheels appear to be the same size as my other set. Can anyone advise? Many thanks. Tim.

Does anyone know of an aerosol spray paint that is compatible with the paint Yamaha use on Thunderace wheels. I need to respray mine and I don't mind rubbing down but I would rather not have to prime, etc. Thanks. Tim.