XSwheels

Here you go.

As you probably know, the earlier TX500 had design issues resulting in overheating problems. The cylinder heads were prone to damage. Since you have the heads off, clean the combustion chambers well,and with a magnifying glass take a good look at the area between adjoining valve seats for cracks. Check the gasket surface for warpage as well. I always like to give credit to those who restore these unloved 500 twin orphans. The mid 70's TX/XS500 had a bit of a bad reputation so I am always pleased when someone takes on a nice restoration of this model.

My XS360 has a 1.85 rear rim, and I suspect yours is the same. Spooning a 5 or 6 inch tire onto a 1.85 rim is crazy. If you want the fat tire look you have to buy a larger width rim. Do you have a cast or spoked rim? Try a XS650 Special rim,it is a 16 inch cast rim, and is 3.00" wide. This rim would be a perfect size for a 130/90 16 tire. This will give you the fat bobber look. Yamaha uses this rear with a 19" front.

10 seconds shouldn't damage things. I ran my stator unhooked for almost a minute with no resulting damage.

In North America it was sold between 1981-1983. If you recall, this was the era for poor motorcycles sales. Just about all the manufacturers were caught off guard by the down turn in the economy and the ridiculously high interest rates. It was common to see 1982 motorcycles still on the dealers floor several years later. It is my thought your bike was not purchased until 1987 and was likely registered as such. This was a common practice done more in the 60's.

Hey BRB it sounds like you are well on your way to a nice cafe. My electrical system is stock with the separate adjustable regulator and rectifier. When I got the bike the regulator was burned out. I got lucky and got a NOS for $10 plus shipping on Ebay. The XS400 used the combination reg/rec so it is likely an easy upgrade. These bikes are a natural for a cafe style mod, but I am going with a military mode.

Hello and welcome to our forum. When I was starting my XS360 for the first time I put an ounce of Seafoam in the cylinder to free up stuck rings. When adding fresh oil, I took off the tappet adjustment caps and put in half a liter through the head. You may want to replace the fuse box with modern blade type fuse holders. When you get it started check the charging system, the reg/rec is a bit of a problem on the XS. You are right about using other models for parts. 1976/77 RD and the entire XS line share a lot of cosmetic/chassis parts.

I think it is a 180 Street Scrambler. It was also called a Bonanza in North America.

The tread pattern is different. I'm thinking the K70 is a better bet if you are actually getting sideways in the dirt because of it's lug pattern. As well it looks better standing still, because it's more dirt oriented.

I agree, crank seals.

Looks like a Twin jet 100.

I just measured three XS gas caps. The 360 and 400 measure the same. A 1978 XS650 Special cap measures 8mm longer.

I wouldn't say the entire XS line is a problem. In fact it was a dam good model line up for Yamaha for a long time. The XS500 and the earlier TX500 of 1973-1975 did have serious problems, as did the TX750. These two bikes did have a bad reputation and had several recalls from the factory. IIRC the head was poorly designed and frequently overheated. Also the heads were too thin between the valves and often cracked there. The 1978 model was the last produced, and I don't know if Yamaha ever addressed the problems by then. People that ride a TX/XS500 should use a quality synthetic oil to help keep temperatures down.

All my life I called it a compression gauge. I just went into my garage and looked at my gauge, and sure enough it read compression tester. You learn something new everyday.

Check the easy things first. Unhook the throttle cable and check for smooth/unrestricted movement. Lube it with light oil at this time. Check for proper routing as well. Make sure your carb slide moves up and down with out getting stuck. Stick your finger in there and move it and make sure it returns all the way down.

You have an air leak at the carb or manifold or vacuum line.

I think if you buy a bike that is too small (under 350) you will eventually not be happy with the missing acceleration. I concur with the XS400/360. it has enough speed to get you anywhere, but if you need more grunt then try a XS650. Both XS models have an excellent parts availability.

I think this guy has just about had it. Of course he could have picked a better model to work on. Put him out of his misery and buy this bike

Why don't you use a 16" wheel that comes with all 1980-1983 XS650's?

If I were you I would spend more time on getting to know your engine before you start buying cafe bits and interviewing powder coaters. Your engine starts easily, but does it idle smoothly and rev to redline perfectly? Any strange noises? Did you do a compression test? Was it at least 140 and equal? Does the transmission shift smoothly? Does your charging system work? Are you getting about 14.5v at 3000RPM? What is it charging at idle? Have you checked the valve and ignition timing? I'm just suggesting you should first spend money on your engine so you know you have a solid motor to build around.

On the bottom half of my 360 crankcase I have a 38mm round boss cast into the case with a flush fit aluminum plug evident. You might have your case turned around because mine is on the left rear quadrant. The oil drain plug should be on the right side.

Start it, and check if the charging system works. Put a volt meter across the battery terminals. You should see around 14.5v when you rev it.

Yeah that is my plan to get a lever fabricated and welded. I need to also make up some brackets to mount two small cases, so when it is time to weld those, I'll get my welder to fix the center stand.

I think the warnings you've received about the TX Yamaha's are correct. It was a pretty bad bike from Yamaha. If I remember it had steering geometry problems and cylinder heads that were poorly designed that overheated and cracked. It was one of the first motorcycles I knew of that were recalled. But if you have room in your life for some extra grief, then go ahead and get them. I too just added some grief by getting a '82 XZ550 Vision. I understand your need.

Hey I wonder if this is another common fault with the 360. When I got my 360 the foot portion of the lever was snapped off. There is just a little stub extending from the stand leg. It's quite an act getting the bike onto the center stand with just your toe holding that little stub.