RonXS' Build Thread - The Soft Cafe

I tried moving the gas cap from the '78 XS to the '77 RD tank. It looks like it should fit, but it doesn't latch. The latch on the cap appears to be short 1/8". Are the XS Special caps different from the Standard?
Are you trying to use the same key? I took the tumbler out of my XS650 tank and used it on the XS750 gas cap.
 
Thats my plan... It looks like you can easily remove the key 'cylinder' and move it to the new cap... at least from one OEM cap to another. I'm not sure about aftermarket/Ebay/reproduction stuff.
 
Yes... dinged is fine. Any idea how much? I've found complete seats on eBay with the cowl for $120 shipped.
I need to paint it anyway.
 
MotoCycle, give a call. They stayed open.
Cheap deals. They are not into vintage. They part out mostly newer sport bikes online.
Few Yamaha bits around there to be picked. The SR500 cowl is the purple color and the seat is rotton.
Cheap :)
 
Thanks to Machine's 'steel trap' memory, he helped me get a SR cowl. Thanks Randy! :thumbsup:
Oh when I mentioned to Carter that you (Randy) are the 'redhaired XS650 guy'...he laughed and knew exactly who you were... lol
Being shipped from NW Moto Cycle in Vancouver... $35 shipped.

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It's a little rough but better than starting from scratch. I can fix the cracks and it's being painted anyway...
 
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Another package arrived... I'm gonna need this to locate the DT250 front fender. That fender will offer no fork bracing at all...
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I tried to contact the Scott guy, but got no response...
 
I ma
That is certainly an option. But where could a guy find a set? Those are nearly all gone..
Except there just may be a set in WA state
:whistle:
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I may have a spare set of these brackets too. LMK if others don't turn up and I'll do a search in my parts bin.
 
I may have found the issue that was affecting the PO... He said that the bike was running on only one cylinder (don't know which one wasn't running). I drained the tank through the petcocks and fount that one just dribbled fuel when in the ON position and didn't flow any on reserve. Fingers crossed that it was that simple. Didn't take them apart. It was dinner time and I didn't want to come inside smelling of gas. The wife has me trained. :)

Almost have all the seat bumpers in place - 2 at the tank, 2 under my butt and one at the top of the loop. I think I've touched every piece of rubber in my collection - more than once - to come up with a solution this puzzle.
 
Made some Moto Lanna styled turn signal brackets. I would have rather used theirs, but no response to my email. I was hoping that they could mail small parts. Anyway, I found a stainless bracket from an old exhaust. Cut, welded and drilled and now have these. Not perfect but they will do... With the turn signals removed from the headlight, I can work on mounting up the fairing.
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Got the SR500 cowl. Fixed the cracks, stripped the paint and sprayed some primer on it. With the seat rubbers in place, there is enough clearance that nothing needs to be trimmed. Woot!
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I really like the Q-bond plastic repair product. You can even make parts from the stuff. Read about it in Motorcycle Consumer News I think.

Drilled out the pins and replaced the foot pegs with these for a Honda VTR1000. I used them on my old Moto Guzzi V11. Should be fine on the XS...
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I am leaning towards a Daytona Special paint scheme for the RD650.
Imagine a black bike with a chappy red stripe flanked by two white stripes...
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I have something different planned for the tank paint job. Definitely outside the 'box'. I'm gonna need to see it on the tank first before I share. Quite possibly it will fall into the love-it/hate-it category. However, In my mind it looks great!
 
Used Weekendriders tip to shortened the stalks and fix the floppy turn signals. Now using LEDs. They tuck-in nicely. Definitely going to get some red lenses for them...
I had Motolanna mounts for my front signals when I first relocated them off the headlight but wound up replacing them with some easily-made custom "mule ears" that allow for a grommet-and-sleeve mounting - otherwise, too much vibration transmitted into the signals.
The bike reminds me of the RD400 so much... Thinking I'll put RD650 decals on the side covers. :)
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A real RD...
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I'm working on turn signals for the front. The fairing prevents turn signals in the original spot. Will probably use smaller signals with the Motolanna fork bracket.
 

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Used Weekendriders tip to shortened the stalks and fix the floppy turn signals. Now using LEDs. They tuck-in nicely. Definitely going to get some red lenses for them...
Virago lenses and trim rings look really smooth on our 650's - plug-and-play - red lenses for taillights are available aftermarket.
The bike reminds me of the RD400 so much... Thinking I'll put RD650 decals on the side covers. :)
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A real RD...
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I'm working on turn signals for the front. The fairing prevents turn signals in the original spot. Will probably use smaller signals with the Motolanna fork bracket.
 

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I didn't get an exhaust with the XS, so I will need a complete system. That's OK as I'd like something chrome for this build. IMO the exhaust is like motorcycle jewelry and should be bright and shiny. It (and the tank) are the first thing(s) people notice.

I would like an exhaust that is:
  • Reverse cone style - My favorite style of exhaust muffler.
  • 2 into 2 - I like the balanced look from either side, right or left.
  • Mid-length system - The end of the muffler stops at or just before the rear axle.
  • Keeps the center stand - Makes servicing so much easier.
  • Slight rise at the back - I like the look and adds ground clearance.
  • Affordable - $400 range.
This is the overall exhaust look I'm after, but in chrome or polished SS...
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I have not found an exhaust that hits all my bullets. I've found two exhausts that are close...
MAC Standard 2 into 2
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Mikes XS Commando type system for '78-'84 Specials
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If you know of other exhausts that I've overlooked please let me know.


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One of the differences between the bike you posted and the two systems is the way the header tubes bend. The stock system has a more rounded contour while the aftermarket systems follow the lines of the frame. It's a personal choice but I prefer the aftermarket bends.
 
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