Here is a 1979 xs 250 that I picked up for £100. The plan is to get it up and running as cheaply as possible, and then at a later date maybe flat track it. The guy I got it off had started to hack away at the frame to make a bobber so after making sure I have a running engine suring up the back end will be my first job.

the backend is always the first to go when modding the xs, tracker, cafe or other.

makes it easier to mount an alternative rear guard on.

there's an article in Classic bike about tube bending

Good to know thanks drewpy.

Do you have the rest of it or just the rolling chassis?

Got an engine and some other bits and bobs but my basic shopping list is getting rather long. I'm starting with the absolute basics (battery, oil filter, gaskets, spark plugs etc.) just to see if it runs. Then I'll look into the good bits. Gonna need a rewire too. On that point how little can I get away with being connected to see if I have a running engine? If you haven't alrwady guessed I'm a complete novice. My first project so willing to listen to any advice/tips and generally any basic advice offered.

Drewpy is probably your man. Check out his blog for inspiration. LINKY Nice pictures at the bottom.

you could do worse than to go to your profile and fill in the info so people know where you are and stuff..

It's been very quiet in my garage! I have a question please about this picture...

I'm trying to find an acceptable replacement part for this clutch tension spring. I assume it's the same part that goes into the pretty much all models but I the only part number I can find (90506-10023-00) seems to be an obsolete part. Does anyone know what I can use instead, and where I can get it from?

Thanks for any help you can offer.

not too hard to find

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NOS-NEW-OEM-FACTORY-YAMAHA-TENSION-SPRING-DS6-TD-R-TR-2-3-5-TX-650-750-TZ-250-/190783456849?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2c6b948651

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/YAMAHA-TZ250-TZ350-YDS-YR-R5-XS1-TX750-XS650-CLUTCH-TENSION-SPRING-90506-10023-/321129838943

http://www.classicracing.nl/spring-tension-90506-10023-p-1988.html

http://www.mikesxs.net/products-22.html

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Yamaha-vintage-motorcycle-xs650-yr1-yr2-xs400-xs360-tz-250-350-tx-tr-td-r5-ds-/120941664771

expensive with the postage though Drew! I thought you would be able to pick one up from a local motorbike dealer/shop

hey drewps reckon even I could have found one of those at Stafford.

Yip tommy " i got a full box of springs at Staff show, for A tenner, all sizes,

bargain!!

Thanks all. I'm sure it won't be the last part I'm asking for help with!