Recent content by vaquero

Very cool. Well done.

Ratranger, what swing arm is that? Also from the Kawi? And nice use of a tail tidy! That is a cool looking bike. Did you do all the frame mods? What makes the XS frame so flexy in your opinion? I've definitely read the swing arm is, but haven't actually read what the main culprit is...

Nnnnice gggGARY! I love those rims. They have such an English vibe. I've heard about the spoke angle thing. Adds an air of intimidation. Are those the upgraded EBC rotors from Leo at 650 Central?

While were at it, what rims do XS owners like? Lets narrow that down to the cafe and tracker crowd. Chop guys will have way different sizes and needs. I would be interested in 18 rear, 19 front. Excel vs Warp 9 vs Sun?

I had one custom made. Easy and not too pricey. Send them the bolt pattern and the center hole diameter and they can do whatever hole pattern you want. I got a 32 tooth. I did some math on the whole thing a while back when I got the wheel. Its also for a 520 chain so I can take some weight off.

59Tebo, you have your work cut out for you. I'll look forward to seeing you pull that off. Ratranger, did you ever map out the offset #'s on the stock vs ZX6R forks? I've seen some of the parts Cognito Moto sells and that whole front end swap is so tempting... I live in a small town and...

Here is a shot of the bike on the stand, and a shot of the new upper shock mounts. Hoop came out well I think.

Man I love forums. I'll do a diameter check of the old 16" wheel vs the new 18" for giggles, but the head tube as it sits is 26.7* with the top tube of the subframe at dead level, so just under the published stock 27* (based on Jim's drawings). And if Ratranger's suspicions are correct that...

THX for these drawings Jim. That helps a lot. Sounds like Ratranger1 found his bike close to stock in the end. I'll also work on uploading some pics.

Ok, first things first, thank you all ya'll for just being here!! I have been going round with this one, so here's the long version: I am in the middle of a complete build- my first- something probably in the middle of a brat and a tracker, but kinda Euro too. Narrow Avon MK series...

Hey all, I have a Hugh's Handbuilt PMA kit for sale. I fitted the flywheel and the rectifier and that's as far as I got. Had to can the project, so the PMA kit is for sale. It was never on the road, so basically in "as new" condition. These are good for all years, but I ordered it for a...

First time poster! So much great advice and beta to be had!!! I am attempting an 18" rear wheel conversion on my '80 XS650S. I have a wheel from a '79 XS400. It is a mag. I am using the larger axle from the 16" wheel (19.8mm) and have found bearings that will fit the new wheel with the...

Hey y'all. Newbie on the forum. Got my first '80 XS recently and am plotting and scheming for the build. Has anyone modified an OEM upper triple clamp to fit a new/different handlebar mount? I was thinking of machining pieces that fit into the holes where the way-too-large OEM rubber...

I am in the same boat as you wannabridin. Noob here, and just picked up an unmolested '80 special- my first XS. Mostly a dual sport guy, but very excited to be going this route. Have been taking small shite off the bike trying to visualize the entirety of it. I'm in Flagstaff, so winter is...