Need arizona advise

Ok, here goes. This seems like the most appropriate forum.

I got a 1980 650 for $200. After 2 hours of work had it running well enough to move under its own power.

I live in Phoenix AZ. I have read many of the threads and would love to do the work myself, but I just dont have the time. The skill is there (used to be an aircraft mech) but I have to get this thing tuned up enough to get through emissions.

I have taken it to a shop highly recommended by the Yamaha dealer. He has dissassembled, cleaned and re-installed the carbs but is still having a tough time getting it to run well enough to pass. He seems very knowlegeable, but Im beginning to think he is just not that familiar with YCIS bikes.

Is there a reputable place here in the valley to take my bike to? I dont want everything fixed on it right now, just need to get it thru emissions. Perhaps Chacal can chime in? I may just have to take my losses and try to find the time to tackle it myself.

 

I'm a beginer as well in Phoenix AZ. I've been doing the work myselfon my xj650H(not YICKS). The only place I can think of that knows older bikes is:

Bob's Used Motorcycle Parts
(602) 243-4241
1325 E Elwood St
Phoenix, AZ 85040

Just give em a call and see if the'll work on the bike. They are a salvage yard with a vast amount of old Yamahas. They are a mom and pop shop and they've always treated me right when I look for parts. If they dont work on it they can at least point you in the right direction.

ASH

 

Ive been to Bobs. Lots of parts. I was able to get the stuff that was missing from my bike there. Ive been riding for 30 years and have learned that motorcycle shops can really be crooks, just like tranny shops. They tend to be a bit arrogant too, not like the good people on this site. Im glad I found it. Stay in touch, maybe we'll meet at the pavillions some time.

 

Here's what I'd do.

Take 2 Legal envelopes to the Bank.
Give the Teller a 20-Dollar Bill and have her give you all singles.
Put the 20-Singles in the envelope.
Seal the envelope.
On the face of the envelope ... write: Rainy Day Fund

Now give the Teller a C-Note.
A hundred bucks.
Get (4) - $20.00 Bills and (20) - $1.00 Bills.
Put the 4 - 20's and the (20) - Singles in the 2nd Envelope.
Put the money in the envelope so you can see the 20's in the 'V' part.
Don't Seal it.
Practice the move once or twice.
Take the UNSEALED Envelope and Thumb - 3 of the 20's showing the 4th one and all them other bills behind it.
Get good.
Out comes the envelope. Show off the first 3 - 20's and all their friends.

Go get the Bike Inspected.
Bring BOTH Envelopes in your back pocket with a shirt-tail covering the two.
You have a Pen or Pencil behind your ear.
Find the guy who is going to Inspect the Bike.
Ask him what he's going to do if it rains later.
Pull-out the open envelope.
Do the flash.
Say: "It looks like it might rain if my Bike passes inspection.
SEAL the Envelope.
WRITE ... Rainy Day Fund on it.
Fold the envelope in half.
Put the Envelope in your back in your pocket.
ASK: "Does it look like rain to you? Cause I'm pretty sure its going to rain if my Bike passes inspection!"

There you go.
I think your bike will pass.
Don't give him the envelope with the 20's in it.

 

Good advise. Unfortunately we are all computerized here and you need the computer print out to get the licence plates. Oh how I long for the old days!!

 

Some closure to the emission issue. He came thru and got it tuned and passed thru emissions. He does use the YICS tool to do his balancing. Picked it up yesterday and it runs very strong. So strong in fact that it highlighted how bad my clutch is. Cant goose it above 4k rpm, just slips. It still gains too much rpm when warmed up so I will have to figure that one out.

So he was slow, but got the job done.