Way back when, I started looking for a manual. I found all sorts. The better were always the original Yamaha publications.

In 2008 here in Germany an engineer passionate about his XS650 wrote his own. Great colour photos and descriptions. Explained the various mechanical groups, their function and their wear. My favourite manual. Unfortunately, for many, not in english.

 

… original German version from 2008 …

 

2017, he published an English version.  Kool.

 

… English version, 2017 …

 

note … this is not paid advertising … many years ago I translated most of the original book for myself, this is not my translation

…  you would not regret having this.

I see he has reworked his German version. 2019. Quite a bit of new stuff. Including popular improvements.

 

… reworked German version, 2019 …

 

I hope 2019 has been good to you and yours. I’ve recovered from an accident 2018. Have recently been actively focused on the bikes. Installed PMAs and Electronic Ignition in 2 of my 650s. Cleaned and reset the carbs on all 4. Done the front disc brakes and a fork rebuild on 1 and the rear disc brake on another. Just sent 2 early SR500 crankshafts off for rebuilding and ordered 2 sets of gearbox bearings.

2020 will bring 2 new built SR500 motors (basically waiting for the above cranks, an oil pump, and to rebuild another head), 2 new XS650 exhausts and a finished 650/750 motor (need to do a head). I need to rebuild a 650 rear wheel and complete 2 SR500 rear wheel sprocket carrier bearing conversions. Been having visions of a double-duplex front wheel fitted to an R6 RJ05 fork, mounted, waiting, in an early SR500 frame … naja – there’s always next year.

End of summer 2020 I plan to ride the Norwegian Coastal Road then return to New Zealand – I can already feel the fish biting.

May 2020 treat you all well – ride in the light.

Don’t forget to dream

Enjoy …