Ouch!!!! Right in the Keyster

I'm new to XS's, I found a ratty non running one (1975 B) local last week that I just couldn't say no to and had to bring it home. I bet some of you know the drill....I have PLENTY of other projects to work on but for some reason I can't get this one out of my mind and have spent the last week trying to sort it out. Tear into stuff.....order parts and while you're waiting on them....get into something else. I'm close and one by one I'm sorting the bike out. Been moving forward at a pretty good pace, trying to learn as I go. Lots of reading, print a sheet off and then back to the shop to see how it works.

The carbs were a mess.....they've been sitting since 1985. I'm a BSA singles guy (since 1968) and know Amals front to back. This is my first time around these type carbs but once I got into them.....it wasn't bad at all. I took one apart and left the other alone so I'd have something to go by when I put the cleaned/rebuilt one back together.

With all the other research I was doing I didn't do any "CARB REBUILD KIT PROBLEMS" since I was buying my bits from someone who seemed to be one of the best.....I just ordered a couple of kits that the web site said were for my bike.

Live and learn...."you need to slow down Gordon and research "EVERYTHING FIRST"...and brother I do mean EVERYTHING."

IF.....I would have torn into the carb first and recorded all the jet/needle sizes, and if I would have seen the chart first that showed the stock settings, and if I hadn't.....oh heck. You guys been there...you know what I'm talking about.

Leason learned......at least I have some shiney bits on the work bench I can roll around. But I gota order the stuff again. Armed with the correct information...it should turn out better this time.

What hurts is that today when I did a search on this site about my problem.....I see the same thing talked about 2-3 years back...and nothing has changed.

I don't expect someone to do all the work for me......heck, if I did I wouldn't be messing with old bikes. But when you advertise something for the bike I'm working on....and I pay you for it....It would make life a lot easier if the stuff in the box was at least close to what you said it was.

Sorry for the LONG whiney post......just had to get it off my chest.....or off my Keyster

Gordon in NC

1975 XS 650B
and a few BSA unit singles

Too bad it's not just them that sells "wrong" parts. But it sounds like you are gaining fast. Good on you and post up some pics?

gggGary, this poor thing was in a garage where some painting was being done.....it is/was cover head to toe in grey primer. I took some "before" pics and will post some "after" when I have it back on the road. I've never been the restore type even though I admire those kind of bikes......mine are more like 25 footers....get any closer and you'll see all the ugly stuff.

I do thousands of miles a year on my bikes and my main ride is a 1967 BSA Victor Roadster.

I've always wanted an XS.......I raced small Hondas (SL125)in the early 70s and AHRMA observed Trials (TL125) in the early 2000s. Owned a Super Hawk and a baby Super Hawk for awhile....every thing else I've owned has been British. This XS is a BIG bike for me and I've been pretty much all smiles since I got it. Not sure how it'll be when the honeymoon is over...but right now...I can't keep my hands off of her!!!

Take care......spring is just around the corner....Gordon

1975 XS650B
and a few BSA unit singles

Gordon in nc said:

.....I raced small Hondas (SL125)in the early 70s ...

Click to expand...

Oh, man, I loved those SL125s. Had several. Turn back the clock and we could've set you up with a simple 145 kit. Overbore for a Hawk 305 sleeve, CB750 piston, drops right in. Install the piston backwards and you've got a nice little torquer...

Gordon in nc said:

gggGary, this poor thing was in a garage where some painting was being done.....it is/was cover head to toe in grey primer. - - -

Click to expand...

Hi Gordon,
before you get medieval on your new find's primer-contaminated paintwork, try giving it a quick wipe-over with an acetone soaked rag.
For sure the bike's paintwork wasn't prepped for a repaint and you may be pleasantly surprised by how well it cleans up.

TwoManyXS1Bs said:

Oh, man, I loved those SL125s. Had several. Turn back the clock and we could've set you up with a simple 145 kit. Overbore for a Hawk 305 sleeve, CB750 piston, drops right in. Install the piston backwards and you've got a nice little torquer...

Click to expand...

Man oh man.....Two Many, you're the first person I've talked to in a LONG time that understood what you could do with those small four strokes. I was 100% a four stroke man and always have been. I raced for a local Honda shop and one Friday when I was picking my bike up for a weekend race....the owner said " Well it looks like you'll be riding a 2 stroke next year!". Like hell I would!!!! was my reply. Well....the new Elsinores showed up and that was the end of my racing days. I'll never forget the first time one of them passed me.....damnit.

fredintoon, yep already went through about a half of can....got about 90% off but all the nooks and crannies will have to wait for a complete tear down.....and unless the engine is toast ( it's a non runner) that's not going to happen any time soon.

Thanks for taking the time to reply fellows.....it's nice to have somebody to talk to that understands....all I get at home are those blank stares.

Spring is just around the corner.....Gordon in NC

1975 XS 650B
and a few BSA unit singles

I to remember when the new Elsinores showed up. For me it was a love affair though.
I wish I still had mine.
I think once sorted out you will simply love the XS.
Good luck on your build.

I've had my 650 for a bit over 10 years now. The carb kits were bad for the most part when I got it, and they still are today, lol. I don't see this ever changing unless we all band together and start a petition or something, lol. About the only ones out there now I'd take a chance on are the ones from this guy .....

http://stores.ebay.com/cruzinimage-...amaha+xs650+carb&submit=Search&_sid=526414511

I have some of the cruzin kits for BS34s and they look good but I haven't put any in yet. They do have a needle with clips.

Carbon, I have to admit, the Elsinore was and still is a beautiful machine.

5twins, it doesn't take long for me to figure out who to listen to...your one of the people who's opinion I'll always be interested in.

I've used Keyster kits before and never had a problem with them.....of course I wasn't asking much out of the motorcycles I used them on but still they were good enough. I have a good set of "go" - "no go" pin gauges and most of the time the jets were....again "good enough" when checked. Now this time around....all I got out of the kits was a float bowl gasket, idle screw w/ spring and a couple of washers. None of the jets were even close, wrong float seat and same with the needle....oh and a 7 hole choke gasket instead of an 8. At first ( my fault because I didn't do enough research FIRST) I just figured my carbs were jetted wrong....even though they looked like they had never been apart. But.....with a little more research I found where you had posted a chart that showed the stock set ups and the light bulb came on.

REALLY bad part is......Keyster sells a kit for the 1975 XS650B......with all the stock jet sizes, correct needle and even the correct spray tube. Wouldn't it be just as easy to sell that instead of mis leading poor (in many ways) saps like me?

Oh well......live and learn. Thanks for the heads up on those kits from Japan...fair price even with shipping.

Take care....."it's never to late to start wasting your life"

Gordon in NC

1975 XS650B
and a few BSA unit singles

Has anyone got anything good to say about the kits offered at 650 Central?

Just wondering.....Gordon in NC

1975 XS650B

Unfortunately, 650Central sells many of the same items Mikes does. But, with 650Central, you can call and ask about the stuff. Like whether the jets in that kit are genuine Mikunis or aftermarket knock-offs. Or if the needle is that generic Y-22, which is nowhere close to being correct for the '74 thru '77 carbs (even though many of those carb kits come with it). Needles don't usually need replacing but it's just the principle of the thing. You paid for and would expect to get one you might be able to use if need be, not one that's 5mm too short, lol.

I really don't understand it. These companies make and sell carb parts. How can they know so little about carbs? Like how a needle so different in length than the original just plain won't work. It's silly, like selling inner tubes with holes in them.

5twins said:

<snip> It's silly, like selling inner tubes with holes in them.

Click to expand...

I read this just before I left work for home......I'm still laughing

Sad thing is.......there's people out there that would buy the darn things...and the fellow who sold em would sell them the patch kit too.

Take care, Gordon

1975 XS650B
and a few BSA unit singles

Not trying to hi-jack.. here's my 1974 CR125M Elsinore,
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/mcy/4827384897.html

Thought you guys would dig it..