This type of educating video is what i'm searching for. Most XS has this problem. Most XS-riders are kicking nowadays. This is the solution. Next summer i will re-install my E-starter by fixing this
I was having the same problem and while restoring my 75 XS650 took the starter off and it was working as it should but still grinding. After watching you video I had the gained the know how to repair my grinding while starting. When I went to squeeze the starter spring I found that gear had excessive wear. I have a extra parts motor so it took 5 minutes and now I have a replacement gear. After replacing the gear and squeezing the spring the starter is working as it should. Thanks for the knowledge I enjoy all your videos
It works better, if you tighten the spring After the loop radius. Imagine a bolt or something similar, each side of the spring while in the vice, immediately in front of the bent end. Then you end up properly tightening the radius. The method shown can work, but can also lower the tension. You can also place a smaller diameter bolt in the eye of the bend to avoid breaking it
Very well done !! This information was most valuable. The instruction on installing the kick start was very much appreciated too..I'd been lost without that detail. It would be helpful to some (like Me) if you didn't speed up the clutch basket assembly. It was ok though, I'd just stop and start repeatedly so I could see clearly which part went where. Now that I've done it it'll be easy peasy next time. Thanks again !!!
Yep my 78 xs500 E start doesn’t work. I’m glad you touched on the kick start. That’s probably all I’m going to be doing for a while anyways. Great video man!
put new wishbone Bendix in and it did the same bloody thing. so out she came again and all the splines and teeth look good so I sprayed silicone lube spray in it while hitting the starter and WALLAH the fucken thing sprang into gear so to speak. not to be outdid i kept trying it trying to get it to shit itself again and it never bloody did. serendipitous so trendsetters after you've watched this great video spray some spunk on it and give it a test run. worked for me and I've done quite a few starts since. nightmares over. thanks again 2 WHEEL WORKSHOP.
excellent series of videos..... .Always worth filing the clutch basket fingers whilst you had it off the engine. The ridges caused by the clutch plate tangs have left some deep grooves which will reduce smooth clutch plate separation . A dab of grease or Vasoline is great for holding shims and washers in place. I Didn't see you fit the Thrust washer on the kick start shaft before replacing the cover ?
I have a 1974 TX500 that I have a similar noise…I would like to send you a video of what I have and let you help me diagnose the issue…let me know if your willing…love your videos…I have done a lot of the things that you have done in my build…Thanks Blake
Hi Blake. The tx500 and xs650 are entirely different engines. The 500 has a chain driven starter clutch but I have never worked on one. If you want you can send the video to the email listed on my channel but I don't know how much help I will be. I found this thread in a forum that may help. www.classic-motor.bike/viewtopic.php?t=357
Thanks for the video - not sure if this is going to fix my starting issue or not, but I'll give it a shot. My knowledge is pretty low here and I am learning as I go, so I have a couple questions 1) Is this more or less a onetime fix, or something you need to do occasionally? Wouldn't mind doing it once or twice, but if I have to do it every season or something I may as well just keep kicking. 2) When you press the starter after reassembling, why doesn't the bike start? I'm assuming it has to do with the clutch being removed or something, but don't know why. 3) On that note, is it safe to be hitting the start button like this after you've drained the oil? Something you can do once or twice to test but no more, or is it fine seeing as the bike isn't actually starting?
one my 650,s growl like this one the other the starter has issues do u do a video on removal of the starter for overhaul? cheers,Al, good to hear aussie accent
all good i have done that but must have moved the kicker shaft after replaced the worn gear (starter works now) and the cover wont fit snug at kicker end
You have to set the spring and rotate the shaft while pushing it in and it will drop into place. I demo it one of my videos in the engine rebuild series.
@@2wheelworkshop thanks brodie i now have a xs650 that will start with electric start yahoo cheers, Al,, (the cog was very badly worn worse than expected)
This is a really crappy design from the Yamaha engineers. I replaced my friction spring and gear with one from Mike's XS, it was supposed to be heavier duty. It worked the first few times and started doing the same thing again. Now I am back to kick starting it. Really poor design! The charging systems, wiring, and fuse box are also weak on these bikes, however I still love riding them (I have 3 of them).
@@2wheelworkshop If I could send pictures I will send you a screenshot of the Bolton. The bulletin shows the new position, again, to the right of where you have it. The reason being is because the new clip is a lot thicker and it will not fit in the saddle that you have it in even if you squeeze the clip. Go on 650.com and click or search for starter issue and they were like eight pages that talk all about it.
I don't think I've EVER seen a motorcycle mechanic remove a drain plug with an adjustable cresent wrench....same with not using a snap ring pliers, then keep turning the engine over with the electric starter with no engine oil in it , 2 week's after putting the spring in the vise and squeezing the shit out of it it's going to break then hey , let's repair it properly with a New spring 😢 the morel is the story is don't make videos showing people how to be a Hack😢
The original place for it was in the casting slot specially provided for it. Later Yamaha upgraded the design to a thicker spring and advised it wouldn’t fit in there anymore. Hence the new location. Top and bottom of it … it doesn’t matter.
Much as I love these things, that is the most idiotic starter mechanism of all time. Before I owned an XS, I had a Honda CB-750 and the starter mechanism in that was infinitely superior. The CB and XS came out in the same year and Yamaha didn't think to fit an electric starter. They did with the third model but there was nowhere to put it so they reduced the volume of the trans and put it there. That's all fine and dandy but why not copy Honda's engagement mechanism?
Never heard a xs650 that didn't have this problem. Well done for making it look straightforward
Had two or 3 when I was young, they all had the issue. I own one again now.. and it has the same problem :)
Much appreciated mate great video! clear, strange to the point and kept it about the task at hand
Thanks mate
Man, you made that look straight-forward. I've been afraid to look in there.
This type of educating video is what i'm searching for.
Most XS has this problem.
Most XS-riders are kicking nowadays.
This is the solution.
Next summer i will re-install my E-starter by fixing this
Just picked up a 79 xs650 that's been sitting since 1987 , these vids have been a lifesaver
Thats awesome. Glad the videos are helpful.
I was having the same problem and while restoring my 75 XS650 took the starter off and it was working as it should but still grinding. After watching you video I had the gained the know how to repair my grinding while starting. When I went to squeeze the starter spring I found that gear had excessive wear. I have a extra parts motor so it took 5 minutes and now I have a replacement gear. After replacing the gear and squeezing the spring the starter is working as it should. Thanks for the knowledge I enjoy all your videos
Great video, covered all the important bits without we watching every single bolt being removed. Super helpful
Thanks mate. Glad it was helpful.
It works better, if you tighten the spring After the loop radius. Imagine a bolt or something similar, each side of the spring while in the vice, immediately in front of the bent end. Then you end up properly tightening the radius. The method shown can work, but can also lower the tension. You can also place a smaller diameter bolt in the eye of the bend to avoid breaking it
I will give that a go next time it needs fixing (I'm sure it won't be long)
Very well done !! This information was most valuable. The instruction on installing the kick start was very much appreciated too..I'd been lost without that detail. It would be helpful to some (like Me) if you didn't speed up the clutch basket assembly. It was ok though, I'd just stop and start repeatedly so I could see clearly which part went where. Now that I've done it it'll be easy peasy next time. Thanks again !!!
Thanks mate. Glad the video was helpful.
very good video, very well explained and good camera work.
XS Greetings from Germany
Thanks mate. I appreciate the feedback.
Thanks for sharing, it helped me a lot.
No worries mate. Thanks for commenting
Had the issue on all my previous xs. I own one again after decades, it has the issue as well :) Nice fix, will do. Thx !
Yep my 78 xs500 E start doesn’t work. I’m glad you touched on the kick start. That’s probably all I’m going to be doing for a while anyways. Great video man!
Thanks mate. I have never worked on an xs500 but I'm told they are very different engines from the 650.
Good video. Filming getting better each time. Not sure I get why crushing the tension spring loop creates more friction.
You're a bloody genius mate. all the best for 2022 n happy Xmas to yall. from Ravensthorpe wa.
Thanks mate. Merry Xmas
Great Job, Ty..
Thanks mate
These xs 650s are the best twin made...period.
I am a big fan also.
put new wishbone Bendix in and it did the same bloody thing. so out she came again and all the splines and teeth look good so I sprayed silicone lube spray in it while hitting the starter and WALLAH the fucken thing sprang into gear so to speak. not to be outdid i kept trying it trying to get it to shit itself again and it never bloody did. serendipitous so trendsetters after you've watched this great video spray some spunk on it and give it a test run. worked for me and I've done quite a few starts since. nightmares over. thanks again 2 WHEEL WORKSHOP.
No worries mate. Mine has the odd clatter again now. Might get a new friction clip and try the silicon spray next time.
Bought my 79 XS650SF new. Even on ten degree F mornings it would kickstart on first or second kick. I'd use electric starter in nice weather.
Nice. Do you still have it?
excellent series of videos..... .Always worth filing the clutch basket fingers whilst you had it off the engine. The ridges caused by the clutch plate tangs have left some deep grooves which will reduce smooth clutch plate separation . A dab of grease or Vasoline is great for holding shims and washers in place.
I Didn't see you fit the Thrust washer on the kick start shaft before replacing the cover ?
great video!!!
IT seems have the same problem, now I know how to fix IT 😁
I have a 1974 TX500 that I have a similar noise…I would like to send you a video of what I have and let you help me diagnose the issue…let me know if your willing…love your videos…I have done a lot of the things that you have done in my build…Thanks Blake
Hi Blake. The tx500 and xs650 are entirely different engines. The 500 has a chain driven starter clutch but I have never worked on one. If you want you can send the video to the email listed on my channel but I don't know how much help I will be. I found this thread in a forum that may help. www.classic-motor.bike/viewtopic.php?t=357
@@2wheelworkshop thanks man...I will see where i can go with that thread....
Great video...think I have same problem with my xs. Well give it a go this winter . cheers
Mikesxs has complete gear assy with clip for about 50dollars. I may try that.
Ok good to know thks
Thanks for the video - not sure if this is going to fix my starting issue or not, but I'll give it a shot.
My knowledge is pretty low here and I am learning as I go, so I have a couple questions
1) Is this more or less a onetime fix, or something you need to do occasionally? Wouldn't mind doing it once or twice, but if I have to do it every season or something I may as well just keep kicking.
2) When you press the starter after reassembling, why doesn't the bike start? I'm assuming it has to do with the clutch being removed or something, but don't know why.
3) On that note, is it safe to be hitting the start button like this after you've drained the oil? Something you can do once or twice to test but no more, or is it fine seeing as the bike isn't actually starting?
Great video, lots of useful info and tips but still quick and to the point. Thank you
You're welcome. Thanks for the awesome review.
Loving the videos mate.
Great stuff mate. Working on a xs650 myself
@@2wheelworkshop you are making a better job of it than me but it’s great following
@@2wheelworkshop nice!
Awesome
Thanks mate
one my 650,s growl like this one the other the starter has issues do u do a video on removal of the starter for overhaul? cheers,Al, good to hear aussie accent
Sorry. I haven't done a video on overhauling a starter yet.
all good i have done that but must have moved the kicker shaft after replaced the worn gear (starter works now) and the cover wont fit snug at kicker end
You have to set the spring and rotate the shaft while pushing it in and it will drop into place. I demo it one of my videos in the engine rebuild series.
17:30ish in this video th-cam.com/video/oUqhvd0fh6E/w-d-xo.html
@@2wheelworkshop thanks brodie i now have a xs650 that will start with electric start yahoo cheers, Al,, (the cog was very badly worn worse than expected)
Great video for newbiee like me..What engine oil did you use?
Thanks mate. 20W-50. Can't remember the exact brand
@@2wheelworkshopwhats the best oil use for this bike is it mineral oil or synthetic oil?Thanks
This is a really crappy design from the Yamaha engineers. I replaced my friction spring and gear with one from Mike's XS, it was supposed to be heavier duty. It worked the first few times and started doing the same thing again. Now I am back to kick starting it. Really poor design! The charging systems, wiring, and fuse box are also weak on these bikes, however I still love riding them (I have 3 of them).
Why did you put clip back in the OLD position?? Yamaha released a bulletin around 75 that says it should go on the ouside of that saddle.
@@2wheelworkshop If I could send pictures I will send you a screenshot of the Bolton. The bulletin shows the new position, again, to the right of where you have it. The reason being is because the new clip is a lot thicker and it will not fit in the saddle that you have it in even if you squeeze the clip. Go on 650.com and click or search for starter issue and they were like eight pages that talk all about it.
@@benjaminsalopek3394 and of course you crimped the old spring si it HAS to go back in old saddle
You’re not gonna start it up after it’s back together??!! That hurts, man.
@@2wheelworkshop thanks for the vid man. I have the same problem with mine. Feeling more confident about the repair. Nice content.
Amigo la mía hace lo mismo crees que sea el mismo problema es modelo 1978 saludos desde León gto México!
gracias amigo. gracias a dios tienen un buen comienzo
I don't think I've EVER seen a motorcycle mechanic remove a drain plug with an adjustable cresent wrench....same with not using a snap ring pliers, then keep turning the engine over with the electric starter with no engine oil in it , 2 week's after putting the spring in the vise and squeezing the shit out of it it's going to break then hey , let's repair it properly with a New spring 😢 the morel is the story is don't make videos showing people how to be a Hack😢
The updated place for the clip is on the other side of that casted saddle....is it not?
The original place for it was in the casting slot specially provided for it. Later Yamaha upgraded the design to a thicker spring and advised it wouldn’t fit in there anymore. Hence the new location. Top and bottom of it … it doesn’t matter.
It's a poor design. My '80 special II has the same problem, and it's so bad that the electric start only works about 10% of the time.
They are the worst. Good thing they retained the kick starter.
Much as I love these things, that is the most idiotic starter mechanism of all time. Before I owned an XS, I had a Honda CB-750 and the starter mechanism in that was infinitely superior. The CB and XS came out in the same year and Yamaha didn't think to fit an electric starter. They did with the third model but there was nowhere to put it so they reduced the volume of the trans and put it there. That's all fine and dandy but why not copy Honda's engagement mechanism?
I completely agree. Very frustrating!
Yamaha TR1, XV1000, takes Idiot starter-mechanisms to another Universe, a kick-start with a motor attached !......almost.. Dave, NZ
Okay that did make me cringe just a bit
What a terrible way to go about repairing the poor thing 😮
Let's crank the engine over 15 times without any engine oil in it , hopefully you don't repair motorcycles for any customers, Hack repair