My 20+ year project

The new clamps worked perfectly on the mufflers, no leaks:)
Couldn't help myself and had to go for a little ride around the block.:bike:

Feels really good, plenty of get up and go, I'd forgotten how nice these bikes are to ride, revs were hanging a bit when shutting off the throttle so I think I may have to go up a size or two on the pilot jets, does that sound right?
Had to slightly advance the timing when I checked it after I got back when it was warmed up.
Brakes felt really good, no noise from my sanded rotors.
I will report back further after a longer ride.
 
Yes, for your basic "pods and pipes" mod, a small amount of re-jetting will be needed. Yes, try one or two up on the pilots (30 or 32.5). Three up (35) would most likely be too much. You will also probably need to bump the mains a few sizes. I would start 2 up at a 140. You could eventually try a 142.5 as well to see if it's any better but I doubt one up (137.5) would be enough. The larger mains may require leaning the needles a step. They usually do on a completely stock set of '78-'79 BS38s but you have different slides and needles. That 4N8 needle you're running is a MM longer than the 4M1 that was in there to begin with so it's leaner already. Adding larger mains and pilots may just make it right without having to move it. In the mean time, you could try raising the needles a step (lower the clip) to make them richer. That might cure the hanging revs.
 
Meddy said:
I'd forgotten how nice these bikes are to ride
Click to expand...

ZACKLEY!

Everyone can do their own thing...but, anybody who has an XS650 but has never actually ridden it should really try hard to do that before considering cutting it up.

I have ridden a lot of bikes of all kinds and sizes from Harleys to sportbikes to various cruisers, nakeds etc. I've got a big Honda ST1300 which is great for the long distances and a nice new Suzuki SV650 which is terrific for commuting. But, for just general booting around on a Sunday afternoon, even for several hundred miles, it is hard to beat the ergonomics and sound of an XS650 Standard.

Everything feels like it is right where it should be and the performance is not too slow, not too fast, but juuuuusssstttt right.
bowls.jpg
 
VERY nice Meddy - but holy cow, you were on the wrong side of the road for almost the entire ride! :yikes:

.....oh....yeah....you're in the southern hemisphere. :D

Congrats - and I really dig that digital dash!

Pete
 
Thanks fellas.
I forgot to mention how good the brakes are with the smaller diameter master cylinder and braided lines, very good feel and stopping power.
I also noticed when turning round in my shed with the engine running the revs jump slightly on full lock so I will have to double check my throttle cable routing.
The bikes been through a few warm-up cycles now so I will re-torque the head today and check out the valve clearance's.
 
I won’t repeat the whole gory-story here but suffice to say that having the throttle cable routed incorrectly (as evidenced by the bike revving when turning the bars lock-to-lock) will definitely provide some excitement - and the need to change one’s pants following the ride.... :yikes:

DAMHIK. :sick:

So - all you folks who are waking up old bikes - for God’s sake - route that frickin’ throttle cable properly - and also the clutch cable (it goes BETWEEN the carbs not down the outside of the LH carb).
 
Oh, not to worry Tebo - but really, I will NEVER EVER move a motorcycle again after removing and re-mounting the fuel tank without a test which includes moving the bars from side to side while the engine is idling.

If the RPM stays constant, all good, but if the RPM changes while moving the bars - DO NOT RIDE the bike.
 
Another milestone today, took the bike in to get the roadworthy check done and passed with flying colours.:thumbsup:
Just have to get some forms signed now for club registration and I will be on the road.:bike:
The downside is that it was pissing down rain today and even though the bike was on the trailer it is now filthy, looks like I am spending tomorrow cleaning and polishing.
Doesn't matter, I'm stoked.;):).
Almost forgot, the mechanic who did the roadworthy had to take it for a test ride, said he couldn't believe how good the front brakes were. That smaller master cylinder and braided lines sure make a difference.
 
Meddy, Great News! It was pissing down when I took mine for road worthiness testing too. It was my first test ride also and the original brakes were crap. I have since gone to 12.7mm, not a big change in piston diameter but a substantial change in braking.
 

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