I just ordered some new parts for my motorcycle from Mike's SX on-line. No one around here sells parts for the vintage 1980 Yamaha XS650 Special II.

The Yamaha got a little banged up when I took my spill the other day. The bulk of the damage was restricted to scratches on parts meant to be scratched in such an instance. I did manage to break one turn signal, bend and scratch another, and tweak the brake lever a little bit. I ordered three new turn signals; one not damaged in the accident is obviously not original either (or it's the only original one and the other three were replaced) as the chrome is completely pitted and the lens is opaque. I'll replace the two on the headlamp and the one at the back that is completely broken at one time.

I also ordered a replacement brake lever, but not a replacement clutch lever. They're both scratched up from use over the years, but the brake lever is bent out of shape from both this accident and when the bike tipped over the day we took it to the cycle shop. My buddy says he's confident we can replace the lever with no difficulty; one bolt, one tight cable, and a little help from a vice grip is all he claims we'll need. I thought so, too, but I'm a little hesitant to deal with what may happen if that cable gets away from us...no more front brake is bad.

For fun, I also ordered LED replacement tail lights. They just replace the standard carbon-element bulbs that are in there now. I tried to get some for the turn signals, too, but they're out of stock. I'm a big fan of LED, and hope that they'll better signal my intentions. Most of the LED replacement bulbs I've seen are much more expensive than the $5 Mike charges for these.

I held back from ordering a replacement seat (mine was covered in vinyl by the friend from whom I purchased it, to cover some tears) and side panels (one of mine flew off while riding some time ago). The seat would be nice for texture, but I'm looking at a different "touring" replacement seat, that gives a little more cushion to the front seat, and a little more lift to the back seat. Mike's seat price was $99, while the other is $199. The panels are also $89, but I'm not sure I'll keep the bike long enough to warrant spending the $200-300.

The signals, lever, and bulbs were just $50.

They said the stuff would be delivered FED EX, and everything was in stock, so hopefully it won't take more than a few days; I should be riding with my shiny and new parts next week.