Recent content by KendallT

I think I found this "ground wire"... this is where my electrical ignorance comes into play (looks like the previous owner's too). I assumed when you mentioned a ground wire that you were talking about the negative battery cable. I removed both battery cables (the positive and negative)...

Thanks for the tips... don't worry about "dumbing" it down for me. My electrical expertise is nonexistent. We're headed out to a concert tonight, but I'll take another look in the morning. I know that the negative battery cable is directly connected to a bolt on the engine. I don't remember...

Yes... very confusing.... at first I thought I was seeing things out of the corner of my eye. The seat is up, bike is idling and everything looks fine. Roll on the throttle and both hinges start to spark (as the metal on the seat starts to vibrate against the hinge post on the frame).

No, I don't believe so. The seat is up and the bike is in neutral on the center stand. I don't see anyway that can be coming from the battery itself. Thanks though.

First, I'm worthless when it comes to electrical stuff; I have no idea where to start diagnosing this problem. I have a 1972 xs2 that I bought as a non runner. I've replaced all fuel lines, petcocks, plugs, filters, rebuilt the carbs and got it started today. I have two problems and I don't know...

Thanks for the info...cool document .

Just curious is anyone on here is in the Tulsa area and has any recommendations for as far as motorcycle mechanics go. Many years ago, I used to take my bikes to the Kinetic Playground; I've never had a problem with them and was always please with their work... but they were really expensive...

I'm in Sand Springs....(outskirts of Tulsa).

Thanks... filters and carb kit will be here today. With any luck I will be riding this weekend (around the block that is...until I get some new tires).

Thanks guys. To be honest... the whole reason I started looking at XS650s is because of Brat Kit. However, after getting this bike I just don't think I could bring myself to hack it up. As of right now, I plan to get familiar with it and keep an eye out for a a project XS650 . Carb kits, oil...

Awesome. Thanks for the confirmation and great advice!

Thanks for the advice. Tires are definitely getting swapped out. It looks like someone must have serviced the bike before selling it to the previous owner (states he put less than 200 miles on it). Oil looks fresh and plugs are new, but I do plan on servicing it regardless. I hate to admit it...

Thanks. I was pleasantly surprised when I went to pick it up. I had committed to buying it, based only on a couple of pictures. The price was right, so I wasn't expecting too much... My jaw about hit the floor when I saw it in person. The tires look like original Sears bias ply tires...but they...

Would someone please confirm that I have the fuel turned off and not on reserve? I am starting to 2nd guess myself... but I i think I may have to rebuild this petcock valve. I've got a small gas leak and can't seem to get the gas to shut off completely. Thanks in advance, Kendall

Sorry if I've posted this in the wrong section, but I could not find an introductions area. Yesterday I picked up a 1972 XS. To be honest, up until a couple of weeks ago... I knew zero about XS650s (in fact, I'm not even sure what the correct model title is for the 72. Is it XS2, XS650 or are...