Newly purchased non running first jobs

[ollieburton]

Reasonably new to the forum, and I’ve just picked up a non-running XT600 project that has been sitting for the last 5 years. The plan is to do a fairly full restoration over time, but for now I’m focusing on getting it registered and up and running.

I wanted to get a bit of advice from those who know these bikes better than I do — just to make sure I’m starting off on the right foot with the initial overhaul.

Before attempting to start it, I was planning to go through the following:
• Engine oil and filter
• Full carb rebuild
• Clean and possibly seal the fuel tank
• New battery
• Bleed brakes front and rear
• Check all wiring and connections
• New spark plugs

Is there anything else you’d recommend tackling early on — either common problem areas on these or general good practice before firing it up for the first time?

Thanks in advance for any pointers,
Ollie

[firestarter_phil]

I would take a fairly pragmatic approach with all of these bikes which is that "if you touch it, it may break, so be prepared to replace it". In other words only tinker about with things that you will happy to replace / repair.

First thing is to get it running and I would get remove the tank from the equation altogether. If it's been stood a long time then your carb will likely be gummed up, but no reason not to try it with new fuel and a new auxiliary tank. You might be lucky and the floats etc work ok. If it doesn't then you will need to strip the carbs and I would be pretty certain the inlet rubbers with them.

Before you ride it, make sure your brakes work well enough for the speed you might end up riding, but I would get it running, work out if the gears are all OK etc before you start dismantling further.

The less you can take apart the better........then you can 'choose' to do what you want.

All fluids out and then back in makes sense.

[donnybach]

Agree, try to fuel it first. Then I’d order the rubber parts anyway, a couple of new float bowl gaskets to keep handy for when you clean the carb, or make adjustments. (Hopefully all is still adjusted fine since last ride). Get a good grease gun for the suspension. Makes the difference between MOT pass and fail.
Once it runs( or if it doesn’t), I’d inspect the electrics, and clean all the connectors.
Like you said, a good service, and she’ll run.
Probably time to change the brake lines too. And you’ll still need to think ahead when stopping
Always best to make sure it’s set up running right before we rebuild them.

[charliext1vj]

looks like my old XT B600***

YAMBITS good for service items

- Engine oil and filter - which oil - could consider semisynthetic or full Mobil good
• Full carb rebuild - ultrasonic clean a must and careful attention to rubbers and their condition i.e expect its the earlier carb both same size - new carb inlet boots TOURmax or equivalent a must.
• Clean and possibly seal the fuel tank - leave to the end but if no rust holes a chemical clean is possible
• New battery - yep
• Bleed brakes front and rear - like to see you bleed the rear! but handlebar resevoir degunk and front caliper pump the piston out to its max carefully and see how rusty it is - if not to bad just change seals.
• Check all wiring and connections - dip connections in white vinager and salt for 20 secs and clean off with brake clean and use switch lube.
• New spark plugs - 1 for use and 1 as a spare!

also
Front fork seals are easy and cheap to do
grease suspension linkage and check for play

where abouts are you in the UK?

[ollieburton]

Thanks for the advice.

Will get cracking later this week, get some parts ordered and report back!

Based in south Cotswolds.

[Scumfrog]

Why isn't it registered?
What documents came with it?
Could be an issue.

[gil_m]

Strangely enough I'm in exactly the same boat, with the same model, so watching with interest

When I bought mine, about 5 years ago, I was told there was an issue with the decompression lever/switch?

Mine was a US import, I have the NOVA but much like yourself I need to get it dated and then approach DVLA and get a plate for it

All things I will do once it's running and I know it's sound, much like yourself, watch this space

...plastics removed for deep clean

[donnybach]

Auto decomp is easy enough to sort. I don’t measure it (1/2mm), as soon as it has any movement felt at tdc, it’s good.

[cadno]

If your intention is to run it legally on the road I'd get it started as cheaply as possible and make sure you can register it before spending a lot of money.

[ollieburton]

Why isn't it registered?
What documents came with it?
Could be an issue.

It came with a recipe and thats it! I bought it as I "I will take it off your hands for x deal"