Kale Yarburro 81 Special II Project

[Kale Yarburro]

Hello all,
Great forum, I have already downloaded most PDFs and am sure I will use them.
A little background:
Bought a low mileage (6500 mi) bike for $850. I figure I will spend more than that in fixing it up. I don't like the word "restore" because that is a narrow definition.
Repaint tank, New handlebars, rework seat, small windshield, other stuff. Am almost certain I will get get the PAMCO with the advance.
Started taking it apart, no problem finding grommets for the side covers at reasonable prices. No luck with the tank dampers though. Fronts are still usable, the one rear is shot.
Has anyone used a standard industrial/automotive grommet for that?
2L0-24182-00-00
TIA

 

[spectra]

Welcome to the forum!

As for the grommet I just grabbed one at a local hardware store that was close and I has worked for me.

Post up some pics

 

[xschris]

If your bike is an 81 it already has a tci ignition. If it works there would be no need or benefit of a pamco. Those are for bikes that came with points or has a broken factory tci ignition. Post a few pics of the bike.

 

[Kale Yarburro]

Sure,
I realize, I rode the bike home about 40 miles, seemed to run OK at lower RPM. Could not notice any speed or RPM difference between 5th and 6th gear.
Just think that new tech will upgrade 36 yr old stuff. http://xs400ignition.com/index400E.htm They claim the mechanical advance is not as reliable as electronic. Maybe I will get it and only install if needed. Companies like PAMCO frequently discontinue things if sales are light. Might need it later.
I will check out the grommet section at Home Depot or Lowes and probably find an equivalent grommet.
Picture coming,

 

[Kale Yarburro]

Sure,
I realize, I rode the bike home about 40 miles, seemed to run OK at lower RPM. Could not notice any speed or RPM difference between 5th and 6th gear.
Just think that new tech will upgrade 36 yr old stuff. http://xs400ignition.com/index400E.htm They claim the mechanical advance is not as reliable as electronic. Maybe I will get it and only install if needed. Companies like PAMCO frequently discontinue things if sales are light. Might need it later.
I will check out the grommet section at Home Depot or Lowes and probably find an equivalent grommet.
Picture coming,

One last thought;
I drove a 93 Mercedes around for the last 9 years, just sold it a few months ago. If something failed , I bought 2 replacement used on ebay, or a new ones if I could find it at reasonable price. I kept the spare in my garage so I had one on short notice if needed.
I used most of those spares over the 9 years, and when I sold the car, I passed 4 or 5 hundred worth of unused parts to the new owner.

I got more than my moneys worth out of that car, and letting those parts go with it did not bother me a bit. It was cheap insurance as opposed to being forced to use expensive MB mechanics in a pinch.

 

[xschris]

The 81 doesn't come with a mechanical advance unit. Just a pickup, same as pamco. Don't spend money on things you don't need.

 

[Kale Yarburro]

Pics

 

[spectra]

Looks like a TCI to me from the wires coming out.........

Don't get a Pamco..........you font need one.

 

[NewHavenMike]

Have you gone over the basic maintenance stuff? Did you get new correct plugs and gapped properly? Valves adjusted? Have you checked to see where the timing is?

A lot of people never check these things since they probably used the bike a few times in the summer and only cruised at low speed with it.

5th and 6th gear are very close together on my bike. I need to be doing about 65mph before making 6th gear useful.

at 65mph in 5th, im getting 6500rpms. At 65 in 6th, im getting 6000rpms. its not exact, but its pretty close to a 500 rpm drop.

 

[Kale Yarburro]

Have you gone over the basic maintenance stuff? Did you get new correct plugs and gapped properly? Valves adjusted? Have you checked to see where the timing is?

A lot of people never check these things since they probably used the bike a few times in the summer and only cruised at low speed with it.

5th and 6th gear are very close together on my bike. I need to be doing about 65mph before making 6th gear useful.

at 65mph in 5th, im getting 6500rpms. At 65 in 6th, im getting 6000rpms. its not exact, but its pretty close to a 500 rpm drop.

No, I only drove it home.
I always planned this to be a winter project. Had a busy summer with other things.
Will build a stand for it, set up a couple heat lamps, and my garage will be comfortable in Dec - March.
Hopefully will enjoy it next spring

 

[Kale Yarburro]

Hello,
Update on the build. Did not like the King and Queen seats on the 81 Spec II.
Bought a nice platform and two vinyl covers of different styles on ebay.
Bought some high density foam and carpet tape. Had a heavy duty stapler.
Spent about six hours configuring and reconfiguring. About $200 total.

But........I like them both, probably will use the old school flat one.

 

[Kale Yarburro]

Continuing indoor, winter stuff;
Painted the tank and side covers;
Small can bondo
Fillable primer
Various grit sandpaper
1 can silver met duplicolor
1 can Spraymax 2k clear
inexpensive respirator

Less than $100
May wet sand later, as there is some orange peel..........but, not too bad.

 

[Kale Yarburro]

Removed the stock handlebars and two loose anti-vibration inserts came out the ends.

I doubt they were stock, but not sure. New Hbars have closed ends. Is it worth my time to cut off the ends and reinsert?
The new bars are plenty long enough. Does anyone have experience with and without anti-vibration?

Should I wrap these up in Duct Tape so they fit snug, if they go in loose?

 

[Kale Yarburro]

FYI,
The upper motormount rubber looked dry in my 81, I found a place called Sumo Rubber in Glasgow UK.
Had to buy about $90 US in order to get free shipping.
But the stuff arrived in about 10 days and looks OK.
They reference old Yamaha part #s in their website, so it is easy to see if they have what you need.

 

[Kale Yarburro]

Hey All
Just about done with the 81 Special II makeover.

New paint
New HBars
Reworked seat
New Taillight
New Mirrors
Moved Footpegs out a little
Made Footbrake a little bigger.
Serviced forks

I wanted a vintage looking bike for around town or country roads.
I like it