Recent content by authenticnovelty

Thanks for the link TwoManyXBs! WOW. finally a cut and dry thread on the topic. Every thread I found was pre 2016 with a lot of opinion mixed in. I appreciate the similar reluctance to install mini gauges in the thread. I ended up installing everything and seems good so far. No long trips to...

I know this has been asked a number of times on this forum causing various users to chime in with inconsistent answers, but i want to double check... Please forgive me. The standard speedometer on an xs650 with a 19” front wheel is a 2:1 gear ratio. Correct? Between posts on this forum and...

I’m assuming the stripper at home depot is not intended for automotive paint. May work just as well, but i’ve unanimously heard “aircraft stripper” from every person i’ve ever met who’s taken paint off a bike. The side of the container says: “Intended for use on automotive surfaces. Designed...

That tank is beautiful, ThatXS650Guy. Did you use the Spraymax brand 2K? Any other prep before application?

I found a super cheap set of side covers on ebay and badgeless tank on craigslist and tried the brushed metal experiment over winter. I used several passes of aircraft stripper on them, then wirebrush, 200 grit sandpaper and scotchbright. I painted the underside of the tank and backsides of...

Lane splitting (or lane sharing for those with fears of negative connotations) is only legal in California and Utah. It doesn't stop most motorcyclists from doing it when necessary, but you have to pick your battles between getting ticketed or sideswiped or rear-ended. Haven't yet reached the...

For the morning of the incident... I had just done timing chain, valves, point gap and engine timing (with a light) and changed the oil the previous day, before getting an annual inspection. I agree I probably do not have the right bike for the my riding scenario (air cooled) around New York...

Mike's got back to me regarding the points. They say they have sold almost 100 with no complaints since receiving this batch in spring . They believe the engine is operating at an abnormal temperature or that a cam bearing failure could be transferring additional heat to the points chamber. I...

I have not had a chance to contact them regarding the product failure yet. I do plan to address it this coming week though. Considering the potentialy serious repercussions, had i been passing around a tractor trailor or finally had broken down a quarter mile later, in a tunnel at rush hour...

650 Trader - I'm not aware of the affiliations of fuji, I'm only speaking from my previous experience with this specific product. Several months ago Mike's sent me two different sets of deformed fuji sump and side filters. All filters also had screens with unsealed seams leaving up to 1/4" gaps...

Thanks a lot for all the feedback. I must admit I've had about a 60/40 success rate with products ordered from Mike's. Some of the stuff that you really can't mess up is fine. Some of it is poor suppler choice by Mike's. In other incidents it is simply that the product is only made by one...

I haven't skimmed through this thread very far, but was recommended to share an unfortunate experience of the insulating/ pivot plastic on both my breaker points from Mike's XS melting and my bike dying while riding on the highway in 90 degree direct sunlight. I was incredibly fortunate to have...

I know... :unsure: I assumed worst case would be the springs would be weaker or surfaces would wear more quickly. I never considered the possibility of them liquifying! This is also part of why i wanted to check around to warn/question that it’s just related to buying from Mike’s vs an actual...

It’s been pretty hot in New York City the past week or so. Unexpectedly I had both of my breaker points melt in traffic yesterday morning. Doing about 70mph on the highway in New Jersey for an hour before hitting stop and go rushhour traffic for 45 minutes in direct 90 degree sunlight. Very...

Just wanted to give an update. I think the engine project is complete. I took a look at the timing plate screw lengths and filed them down again for safety, as per 2M's suggestion and experimented with 5twins note about the shifting the timing plates from side to side when setting timing...