Finally got it running! My 81 XS Build Thread [Pictures and Video]

I've heard from a lot of people that they're doing something in a similar style, maybe people are starting to move away from the crazy OC chopper style bikes and towards something a little more functional.

We should start a thread just for sharing minimal stripped down builds, no choppers, trackers or cafe's allowed, see what other people are doing.

And do you have any tips or links on removing/plugging the starter? I haven't gotten around to doing it yet.
 
Very cool build and a great way to document it. I'm a picture whore as well, and mess around with some time lapse stuff as well. Thanks for sharing all the pics and having some foresight to document in a cool way. What did you shoot the time lapse shots with?

Kent
 
poorman9 said:
I've heard from a lot of people that they're doing something in a similar style, maybe people are starting to move away from the crazy OC chopper style bikes and towards something a little more functional.

We should start a thread just for sharing minimal stripped down builds, no choppers, trackers or cafe's allowed, see what other people are doing.
Click to expand...

Sounds good to me!

And do you have any tips or links on removing/plugging the starter? I haven't gotten around to doing it yet.
Click to expand...

Most practical solution I have heard so far was to simply use the frontend of the starter itself and plug the shaft hole by using a threaded plug in the provided shaft bearing lock nut threads.

I will try to find the link where I saw it.
 
Hey guys, I sorted out my charging problems (PO had the brushes installed wrong) and I just got back from a ride. This things got some get up and go! I don't know what most XS's are like, but it mine really pulls. I've getting some backfiring, but I'm guessing I just need to adjust my timing. Anyway, awesome mid-night ride.

sgallaty said:
Poorman, are those 1" bars? I thought the bildrite grips were 1" - for harley bars.
Click to expand...

They're selling 7/8th in right here -
http://www.biltwellinc.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=96
That's what I ordered

AgWagon said:
Love this bike and best build post/documentation ever. EVAR! Hat tip to you, sir.
Click to expand...

Haha I don't know about ever, but thanks buddy

Ford40 said:
check these threads out if you want to remove the starter
http://www.xs650.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7658
http://www.chopcult.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9079
http://www.xs650.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7652&highlight=starter+delete
Click to expand...

Alight, basically remove it and find a 1 53/64" freeze plug, I should be able to get it done this weekend. Thanks for links!
 
poorman9 said:
Alight, basically remove it and find a 1 53/64" freeze plug, I should be able to get it done this weekend. Thanks for links!
Click to expand...

You also might want to add some sealer around the edges of the plug and if your removing the gears I think you'll need to replace the gear train cover gasket.
 
For the starter deletion, I don't really like the freeze plug idea. I strongly prefer the method whereby one takes the front cap from the starter and puts it into place with a threaded plug in the centershaft hole.
 
Well since this is my build thread, I figured I'd post a build related update. After riding for about a half hour my battery dies, after a bunch of test and going through Curly's troubleshooting guide turns out my alternator is dead.

I plan on doing a PMA conversion, since at this point it's not really that much harder. I've got another thread going where I'm trying to get some details of how to do it, any advice would be appreciated.

http://www.xs650.com/forum/showpost.php?p=108637&postcount=7

Thanks guys, the sun finally came out in Portland, (that's right, it's been raining for two weeks) so I wanna get this job done this weekend if I can.
 
If you go with a PMA, you will need to get a Pamco ignition system, with everything for the point's, as Mike's has a total kit available. Your TCI won't work because there is no place for the pick-up to be located. There was one listed in the Classified section, for $399.00 free shipping. Looks like a nice set-up, with all new part's. Bolt's right on, even has the regulator. If I was to do a PMA, thats what I would do.
 

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