Update on the '79 Special

650SF · Posted: September 13, 2009, 2:44 pm Post subject: Update on the '79 Special

Thought I'd update what's happening with the bike since I bought it in June.

I haven't done a whole lot, but I took off the shorty mufflers and put the stock exhaust back on, mainly because the brake pedal was hitting the shorties.

So far I also replaced:

The buckhorn bars for a set of daytona touring bars from Mikes.

The seat latch was missing so I bought one off ebay and slapped it on.

The seat cover with a Saddlemen cover that I put on myself.

Chain and sprockets with a 33T on the back.

A couple wires came unsoldered on the turn signal switch so I replaced it with a new one from Mikes.

plugs, plug wires, and boots with silicone wires

stock rectifier and regulator for a solid state unit from Electrosport. I would've bought one from Mikes, but it was out of stock.

the stock fuse box had broken fuse holders so I put a new one in.

Picked up an owner's manual for a '80 Special II off ebay. (for 9.99 shipped it'll be close enough lol).

Put a couple of inline fuel filters on.

Changed the oil and filters.

Cleaned the carbs and tuned them up.

Gave it a nice bath, the underside was filthy.

I also threw on a set of saddlebags I had laying around.

There's various other small parts I replaced like the gauge bulbs and right side cover knob.

There's still a few things it could use like steering head bearings and swingarm bushings, but they're not bad.

It looks and runs great now and I love riding it, but it does have one problem. The timing chain guide plastic decided to disintegrate, but I can't justify tearing the top end down since it only has 14,000 miles and 130 psi compression on both cyls. Plus I'm in college so $ is tight.

Is there anything I can put in to help quieten it down until I can do the job right like Lucas or STP, or is this how it'll have to be until then? It's not bad once it warms up a little, but if there's something I can do I'd like to try it.

Well that's all for now. Here's some before and now pics.

Before:

Now:

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