Long distance ride

[stevey425]

hey everyone, so im fairly new to the xs650 world. I bought a 1977 xs650 just before winter here in PA and i want to do a cross country trip over next summer on it. its completely stock and has 6k miles on it. is it a bad idea to think i can ride it that far? or is there some things i may need to look into first? thanks alot

 

[jamesgs4]

Replace both oil filters, adjust the valves, adjust cam chain tensioner, carry an extra set of points/condenser, new tires and tubes, new chain, check and repack or replace wheel bearings and steering bearings, replace rear sprocket with a 32 or 30 tooth sprocket for highway speeds. Those are the things that I can think of before I would ride.

 

[gggGary]

Have a contingency plan it is a 34 year old piece of machinery. Things age by the clock as well as the odometer. A good thing is to get a thousand or two miles on it before the "big trip" That should show up most of the gotcha's that you can fix ahead of time. Charging and electrical components are poor "agers" new headlight, extra taillight bulbs new and extra alternator brushes. ohm the rotor. Carefully look for areas where wires might have rubbed or chafed, perhaps a new voltage regulator, consider an electronic ignition like Pete's. Set up a thread on here, before you leave, you have a lot of friends nationwide when you ride an XS650.

 

[XSLeo]

All good replies. Giving it a good going over is a good idea. Start at the tail light and work your way forward checking every wire connector for a clean tight connection. Any place a wire may get chaffed. At the grounds, fuses any where electricity flows. This can fix problems before they happen.
Welcome to our little slice of heaven.
Leo

 

[stevey425]

hey thanks guys, yea obiously i knew there would be things that will need replacement. im currently putting all new cables, filters, sprockets, chain, tires, and other wear items first. im checking out the electrical system too, its currently working fine but like you said it is 30 years old. i do plan on replacing alot of the other things that you both suggested over winter here. and yea in spring im going to do alot of warm up runs before the big one. im only 19 and it will most likely be a solo run because my friends are lame but ill keep you guys updated

 

[roadcall]

Hop on it and GO! No guts, No glory!

 

[gggGary]

I bought a 1971 XS650 I found in a snow bank, got it running, hopped on in mid March and rode it to Florida and back with a couple of buds, about a 3,000 mile trip. Small stuff fell off for a bit but then she settled down and ran like a tank the whole trip. That was in 1975 Ah youth.

 

[hamamatsu]

You are getting good information on this thread. I bought my 1981 XS650H at a garage sale back in 1995 and until 2003, it was my only bike, I put many 400 mile days on the bike during that period with only the factory tool kit with me. Like the man said, going to a 32 tooth sprocket on the rear or going up one tooth on the front is a must. My XS650H burped up the oil seal behind the front sprocket one day when I was about a hundred miles from home, I understand that is a common problem. It's not a big fix, it would be a good idea to take one along. Assuming your charging system is up to par, be sure to check all the wire connections for rust or oxidation. You need to have a good ground. The old XS650 vibrates a bunch, so don't be surprised when both arms go numb after 400 or 500 miles.

Just kidding...you will be fine. Enjoy the trip, I wish I were going too.

My old XS650H:

 

[Growl]

Heck yeah the 650 is up to touring, i've done many 500 mile weekends and a few longer tours - about 550 in a day being the max... bike was very reliable but take some tools to deal with what may come... adjusting the chain, fixing flats - whatever. The XS is most fun on slower back roads but the 550 mile day was all freeway... having an alternative foot position really helps. I'd put fresh alternator brushes in before leaving and an O-ring chain.

 

[weekendrider]

Stevey425 Welcome to the site!
19 and FREE, +1 on the "wish I was going".

All good suggestions. I would caution about overspending, save your cash for the trip.
Your cables may be just fine(better than some new). Lube and look at them after your clutch is adjusted how much adjustment is left? The same with the chain and sprockets. The 32 tooth rear will make for more comfortable high speeds. After 30-40K miles on these I finally wore the others out and tried one. Love it.
+1 on the alternate foot position, money well spent.
Check your drive sprocket torque.
Check the tourque on the head bolts, copper/brass washers instead of the OEM rubber/steel is a good mod.
Replace the phillips head screws with allen head. Especially the carb bowl screws.
Flush the brake system with new fluid.
For long days I would want a back rest of some kind but you're 19 so....
Did I mention I wish I was going

As far as what to take for tools, again all good suggestions but all you really need is an internet connection and cell phone. Post up I'll bet you'll have help within 12 hours of you no matter what roads you ride.

You need a shop and tools stop in SW MO let me know.

 

[5twins]

I recommend a nice tank bag of some sort. Besides the carrying space, most have a clear map pocket on top so you can read and follows a route as you're driving. I would also recommend a luggage rack and some saddlebags of some sort .....

 

[xjwmx]

I like to stay on back roads. I make a sketch of an interesting route using google maps and note way-points. I have a pocket compass. I gas up at every opportunity because stations can be few and far between. That also gives you a chance to play checkers and whittle with the local boys. Oh wait, you're 19. Take a couple quarts of water. Round canteens with the opening on the side are easiest to fill from sinks (and shallow streams as well). On a motorcycle the thing is the trip, not the destination. That's why motorcyclists wave at each other and cars don't. Ain't nothing happening with the car until it's at its destination. The big roads are to get you to a destination.

 

[stevey425]

so thanks for all the advice everyone, just all this talk of stuff i want to get and planning of my route is getting me excited and its only December, but i know i have a lot to do yet. i drove cross country last summer with a friend and i learned alot that i can apply to this trip. i do like the amount of people willing to help me if i get a problem somewhere, thats really awesome. for all of you wishing you could go, well i wish you could too. let me know if you can, or maybe if im in your town we could go for a ride and you could show me around or something. but for now im just sittin and saving..

 

[xjwmx]

now im just sittin and saving..

One of the most useful things to have along is a fat wallet. It can always get you out of lots of trouble.

 

[jamesgs4]

I drive old cars, so having AAA is also convienient for the bike. I lost my chain in the middle of nowhere, AZ, and had to call AAA to get a flatbed to the nearest dealer to buy a chain. That saved me 160 miles of possible hitch-hiking/roadside camping on that trip.

edit: bring an extra masterlink for your chain lol

 

[xjwmx]

When I belonged to AAA around 2000 just two or three AAA hotel discounts paid for it. After that it was free money.

 

[TwoJugs]

I bought a 1971 XS650 I found in a snow bank, got it running, hopped on in mid March and rode it to Florida and back with a couple of buds, about a 3,000 mile trip. Small stuff fell off for a bit but then she settled down and ran like a tank the whole trip. That was in 1975 Ah youth.

You had me thinking I should try that too but then I got to the last sentence and it brought my senses back to reality.

 

[tx650]

Yep I agree with the previous comments and I wish U good luck and happy safe riding.
Just be a bit wary of the bloody occy straps cause I have seen the horrific consequences as a result of one "Letting go" not very nice at all.Just remember one thing Live to Ride and Ride To Live.

 

[AceofSpades]

South Bend, IN has a crappy garage and some tools at your disposal.... as long as you hit town when I am home

 

[pumps]

Fuel filters. Install some. Have extras. You never know the quality you'll be getting. If you run out somewhere and get some out of Uncle Jesse's lawnmower gas can it might have some extra additives in it.
If you get somewhere here abouts and need some info or break down I'll try to help.