Tire Choice

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I posted this some time back (June 2019??) and have been riding these "Challenger" tires by Kenda and not at all happy with the squirrely ride around corners. Anybody else been riding these treads? Comments? Suggestions for improved performance?

THX
 

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I had a Honda 500 four and it to was very squirrelly. Like riding a skateboard in the corners. Get the front wheel off the ground and latch on to your forks down by the wheel. Try to pull and push on em. If they move tighten the steering stem. See if that helps. You can overtighten but it will fight you in the corners. As far as the swing arm, cut the shocks loose and try to to push,pull, twist and shake. Correct as necessary. My 500 had all of it.
 
Not often explored; I suspect my fork slider bushings on Madness are worn and need attention, perhaps I'll explore further this winter. I'm getting a light clicking during on, off load transitions, that's not brakes or steering bearings. Fork is "minton modded" internally.
 
Not often explored; I suspect my fork slider bushings on Madness are worn and need attention, perhaps I'll explore further this winter. I'm getting a light clicking during on, off load transitions, that's not brakes or steering bearings. Fork is "minton modded" internally.


So, thanks again G's. Appears I have some play in the swing arm - thats not good. Might be done for the season as time is a restraint. Also have some clicking going on in the forks myself. Will be investigating/repairing as necessary. Appreciate the kind words - many hours spent on bringing it from boxes to a head turner.

Cheers
 

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What are the torque specs on the swingarm bolt? Might look into that.......

Hi nj,
to polite description of the XS650 swingarm pivot design is "Less than optimum"
If the swingarm bolt ain't torqued enough to lock the bearing sleeve into the frame so it don't turn with the swingarm
The "bearing" is between the throughbolt'd OD and the sleeve's ID and that's an ~040" clearance.
 
Torque to spec, no more, too much torque won't fix worn composite bushings or a not to spec aftermarket bronze bushing either.
Yes the swing arm pivot is sketchy by modern standards but works well if side play is properly measured and set.
 
Torque to spec, no more, too much torque won't fix worn composite bushings or a not to spec aftermarket bronze bushing either.
Yes the swing arm pivot is sketchy by modern standards but works well if side play is properly measured and set.
There's the issue of the original bolt, necked down for the threads. A super experienced mechanic that I respect told me he'd never seen one of those bolts without a crack. I didn't see one in mine with my untrained eyes, but I opted for the mike's upgrade bolt with no neck anyway. actually if you replace the bushings and reuse the original bolt and it develops a crack at the neck when you torque it down you aren't going to know it then.
 
You got dirt on minton mods? Dish!
These were done when I opened them. I'd have to recheck the maintenance book but removed air caps, installed "Sportster springs", new seals and reassembled.
Far as I can tell they work as well as "Mike's" cartridge emulators.
 
For swingarm torque specs, refer to the '77 manual listing. It is given as a range, not just a single number. A single number torque spec for this assembly is ridiculous given all the clearance factors that can vary. The '75 manual does give this spec as a range but it's too high in my opinion.
 
...I've been looking at the Avon Speed Master and Safety High Mileage (front and rear, respectively) tires for "The Basketcase". They are an old-school, classic design, and reviewed very highly. If anyone has heard otherwise, let me know, and I'll start looking all over again... :shrug:
 
...I've been looking at the Avon Speed Master and Safety High Mileage (front and rear, respectively) tires for "The Basketcase". They are an old-school, classic design, and reviewed very highly. If anyone has heard otherwise, let me know, and I'll start looking all over again... :shrug:

Avon makes great tires. The two you mention are popular with the customizer crowd because they look cool. I’m sure they are very well made , just be aware that ribbed front tires get very wiggly if you’re ever riding on a highway with rain grooves. Even the Dunlop K70’s ( what I have on my XS2 ) which are also a vintage tread pattern , but not ribbed, feel extremely unsettled on rain grooves. In the end , get whatever makes you happy, but if you opt for looks over a modern thread design, there are trade offs.
 
I’ve always run Avon Speedmasters on my bikes. A little pricey. But what’s more interesting is that I’ve been told it’s more of a European look tire on a Japanese bike.
 
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