1968 X5

yamasarus · Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2009 11:22 am Post subject: 1968 X5

Attached is a picture of my work in progress. I know something is missing, I just can't figure it out? Very Happy

Steve Searles · Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2009 11:38 am Post subject: X5? Yamaha didn't make an X5

X5?? Are you doing a Suzuki?? I thought you were strictly Yamaha. Switching teams are you? You will probably have to deal with Paul Miller and his young sidekick sooner or later. Looks like a first rate restoration. Nice!

yamasarus · Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2009 1:25 pm Post subject:

I pretty much am dedicated to Yamaha. The X5 was my first bike in 1967. I bought a new one while I was in High School. I never thought I would see another one, but found this one in Ohio last year and it followed me home. I also have one CB750 K5. Everything else is Yamaha. I am resurrecting a 1977 XS650D. It is not a restoration, just making it live again. And I have a 1970 XS1 that will be a frame up shortly. As well as a few more awaiting the wrench. I worked in Yamaha dealerships for many years when I was younger. They paid my bills and the loyalty remains.

Rizingson · Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2009 6:06 pm Post subject:

Very cool!! The X5 is a very sweet find, plus who wouldn't want to snag their first bike again? I don't see any pipes in the photo, is it the street version T200 "Invader" or the TC200 "Stingray" or scrambler type. Either way it would look good parked next to my X6. LOL Please post more pics if you can of the condition you got it in and your progress. I'm sure parts could be a problem to find if you need them. Looks like your progress so far is top notch. Good Luck!

yamasarus · Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2009 7:50 pm Post subject:

I was lucky with my find. It only has 1583 miles on it. A one owner, it had sat in storage for 20 odd years. The gentleman bought it new when he was 41 years old. He decided to part with it before someone diposed of it after he passes. As you can see, it was blue, but mine was red so I painted it Candy Red---a shade darker than original by choice. I got it running before disassembly to be sure of what I had. It has brought back a lot of memories.......things I had forgotten.
The pipes are in great shape as is all the chrome. Nothing to do but polish.

yamasarus · Posted: Sat Feb 20, 2010 9:02 pm Post subject:

My X5 is nearing completion. I have finally decided what I want to do with the fenders. I have a little to learn first and then I will paint them. And I am waiting on an Oring chain. Too much work to have chainlube getting thrown everywhere. I started on the seat tonight. I have a replica seat cover to go on it

05c50 · Posted: Sat Feb 20, 2010 9:10 pm Post subject:

WOW! Looks Great! Nice work.

..........Paul

dorT500 · Posted: Sat Feb 20, 2010 9:30 pm Post subject:

yamasarus · Posted: Sat Mar 20, 2010 4:48 pm Post subject:

This is my nostalgia bike. I bought one of these new in 1967 and we had some good times and "unique" experiences together. Anyway, the blue one is what I started with. I found it in Ohio. It only had 1500 miles on it, but had been in storage for about 30 years. This has been a frame up with a fresh top end. It is now red because mine was red. The tires are original, but it won't be ridden much. All work was performed by yours truly. It has been pretty neat doing this bike. If everything goes according to plan, it will be at Barber this year. Anyway.............

ol55 · Commuter Joined: Feb 09, 2009 Posts: 391 Location: VA

Beautiful

Larry

ZGrand · Posted: Sun Mar 21, 2010 7:37 am Post subject:

Fantastic! Nice job.

undertheradar · Posted: Sun Mar 21, 2010 12:33 pm Post subject:

Whoa....wish I had the cash for that level of restoration. Looks gorgeous!

yamasarus · Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 1:03 pm Post subject:

Guys, thanks so much for the kind words.
Undertheradar, it didn't take alot of cash, but it sure took alot of labor!