What have you done to your XS today?

Took my baby out for a 50 mile romp a little while ago. Purring like a kitten. Need to get a new rear tire and wheel bearings next week.

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The "SG" lives again! After replacing the float needles ,setting float levels and fixing a new fuel leak. All this have involved taking the carbs in and out of the frame/engine more times than I care to count. Not just today but over too much time to mention. After getting her started with not much problem, Setting idle speed and mixture each side. Since the cap was off the cam chain adjuster it was given some attention. Valves sounded good. I just might go for a ride tomorrow.
 
The "SG" lives again! After replacing the float needles ,setting float levels and fixing a new fuel leak. All this have involved taking the carbs in and out of the frame/engine more times than I care to count. Not just today but over too much time to mention. After getting her started with not much problem, Setting idle speed and mixture each side. Since the cap was off the cam chain adjuster it was given some attention. Valves sounded good. I just might go for a ride tomorrow.

Atta Boy Azman! You deserve to go for a ride!
 
Oh yeah, Owning one of these bikes means one will do the fettling needed to keep these classic's on the road. I've been doing this and many other maint. matters and mods to make "The SG" mine for almost 10 yrs. I love her. I had a XS650 back in the '90's and traded it away. Always regretted that action. In '09 the stars aligned and found this bike in great shape and price and bought her. No regrets now,
 
Winter work; wrapped up BS34 set #4 the other day,
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and started in on set #5 last night. The ultrasonic was busy today. With the cold and snow being in the room by the wood stove is a good thing.

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We did get out skiing today
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ahead of 8-12" tonight then REAL cold for the next 10? days. Chucking wood in the stoves pretty regular. 2AM feedings are the norm.
 
Pretty nice ,Gary. I wanted to ask you about a rotary paint/metal cleaning tool that you mentioned worked in just minutes. I remember you saying how it worked but I can't find the thread. Thanks.
tim
 
Pretty nice ,Gary. I wanted to ask you about a rotary paint/metal cleaning tool that you mentioned worked in just minutes. I remember you saying how it worked but I can't find the thread. Thanks.
tim
Dico abrasive wheels
The blue 4" is one I use the most, but also use the orange 4" for rougher work (thick paint, deeper corrosion, scrapes). also gray in 4" and a 6" blue in a grinder, one of the cup style, but those don't see much use. there are "Scotchbrite" type wheels at 320 grit that work well on alloy spoke rims. The dico tend to create ripples in the rim "gutters"
 
Didn't ride or work on the bikes but just spent a lot of time on the computer renewing bike registrations. Oh, did the boat too.
The state won't allow auto fill, so had to type in all the info five times.
Leo
 
Well, yesterday took her out for another 55 mile ride in 55 deg sunny weather ahead of the rain and sleet that came in today. Went to Crossroads Customs to get an estimate on paint. Asking him to do it in the same colors and graphics as my '73 TX500 that was stolen years ago (not going to have him paint the headlight bracket and bucket). I'm not a big fan of the stock '81 Black and Chrome color scheme on my SH. Do you think I'm making a mistake to do it in these colors? Oh, and what do you think would be a fair price for the paint job?

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Had a new rear tire put on today (old one was 14 years old - finally got around to looking at the code) and front and rear wheel bearings replaced. I think she's road worthy now and am thankful that nothing went wrong during the 500 miles I've ridden her since picking her up last month. All short, local jaunts, but am ready for a road trip now.
 
Spending time during the cold spell making 20190201_134104.jpg the '74 tank smooth. Nothing major, the marks looked more like storage dents than anything. Another coat at least to get it ready to prime.
 
Found the highway pegs I wanted and installed them. Then took her out on interstate and cruised on down the highway for about 40 miles. Leaning back on the backrest bag that I picked up last weekend and it was almost as comfortable as my Ultra Limited. Ready for a multi-state trip. View attachment 134296 View attachment 134299

Looks good Ramblin, when you go on trip, be sure to take photos to share here!
 
Took "The SG" out today for the first time in too long. She ran fine. It felt good to get out, even if it was a short trip. Damn adult responsibilities get in the way too much.
 
Took "The SG" out today for the first time in too long. She ran fine. It felt good to get out, even if it was a short trip. Damn adult responsibilities get in the way too much.

Good to hear you got your bike going again! That bike just suits you! :)
 
Found the highway pegs I wanted and installed them. Then took her out on interstate and cruised on down the highway for about 40 miles. Leaning back on the backrest bag that I picked up last weekend and it was almost as comfortable as my Ultra Limited. Ready for a multi-state trip. View attachment 134296 View attachment 134299

Great! We'll be looking for you at the Vintage Yamaha Rally...
 
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