alternative carburettors ?

peanut

peanut

XS650 enthusiast & inveterate tinkerer
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well I've searched for a couple of hours or so and not found anything very helpful on this topic but maybe I'm using the wrong search criteria.

I was wondering if there were any reasonably priced alternative carb options for the XS ? that don't require extensive machining,... frame alterations and the like.

It seems to me pretty pointless in spending $200+ on a used pair of carbs that are going to need a further $400+ of parts to end up with a 35 year old pair of tarted up carbs that are still going to be worn and needing constant fettling to keep in tune.

Surely there must be a newer carb off a more modern bike that would be compatible and not require too much modding to fit .?
 
cheers Clive interesting link although 38's look like they'll be a bit expensive what with the shipping and import taxes on top.:yikes:

I'll request a quote tomorrow :thumbsup:
 
600 for stock carbs? That's a massive exaggeration. You could easily get a pair and new parts for a hundoid

Edit: ooh you're in the uk
 
ninskrillz said:
600 for stock carbs? That's a massive exaggeration. You could easily get a pair and new parts for a hundoid
Click to expand...

new diaphrams alone cost $130 each here in the UK :doh:
A set of junk carbs will set you back a minimum of $250 then there is the jets , gaskets throttle bushes, choke seals floats needle valves needles possibly slides etc etc
 
Here's a 39 page long thread on putting the carbs off a Kawasaki EX500 on the XS. Those are available used. I haven't read the thread but, since Mikuni makes lots of the OEM carbs, unless Kawasaki did something weird, they could be made to work on the XS. "Making carbs work" can be a hassle because there are so many variables but, if someone else has gotten a pair working, you could copy their work and give it a try.

http://www.xs650.com/forum/showthread.php?t=13070

I used Google to search for XS suppliers in England and found a few. The UK's M/C country and the XS fits in with lots of the classic British stuff. Isn't there a good XS supplier in England?

(Update: I now know that the EX500 carbs are Keihen and not Mikuni. I think ya'll get the idea, though.)
 
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now thats what I was hoping for ...fantastic ...thanks jbenedict :thumbsup:

I'll have a good read over my breakfast.:D

I've even been looking at all these banks of carbs off the triples and fours selling really cheaply and wondering if there were any possibilities. :wink2:
 
Hey Peanut, are you looking at different carbs full stop or is there another reason to bin off the originals. I'm just thinking if it's diaphragms, you can order the replacement ones from JBM Industries for something like £15. They ship real quick and they work well - I've had a few sets.
 
Paulrxs650 said:
Hey Peanut, are you looking at different carbs full stop or is there another reason to bin off the originals. I'm just thinking if it's diaphragms, you can order the replacement ones from JBM Industries for something like £15. They ship real quick and they work well - I've had a few sets.
Click to expand...

Hi Paul
I guess what I was considering is trying to find some used carbs from a 2000 bike ,or later, that are going to be in better condition (and presumably better design) to invest some money in rather than throw a lot of money at some 36 year old carbs that are worn out and have lots of stripped threads!

I have come across JBM recently but don't remember seeing such an incredibly reasonable price. Thanks for the link I'll take a look.:thumbsup:

I think given enough time care and money my carbs could be overhauled and work reasonably well but I'm not sure I have the patience :laugh:
I love riding the bike so much I just want to bolt something reliable on and ride it before Winter comes .

I saw your stunning cafe for sale recently . Have you started on a new project yet ?:wink2:
 
Hi Peanut, yeah I've been looking at the VM34 styles recently, for no other reason than they are different.
Yeah I sold the cafe, just ran out room really. I built a Harley last winter and I'm having a laugh on that.
Yep, this winter I'm thinking a radical hardtail, board tracker style, or something along those lines, with XS 650 engine but modern twist - usd s, discs, air ride, rephase, 750 bore etc
Maybe ??
 
crikey you don't sit still for long do you :D

I hope you manage to find time to do another build thread on the UK forum :thumbsup:
 
peanut said:
new diaphrams alone cost $130 each here in the UK :doh:
A set of junk carbs will set you back a minimum of $250 then there is the jets , gaskets throttle bushes, choke seals floats needle valves needles possibly slides etc etc
Click to expand...

JBM Industries have BS34/38 diaphragms for $19.50 each and freight to the UK is $30.00, Grand total US $69.00, Even if you Tax doubles the price you'll save $120 and that will pay for any jets/needles and seals...................:shrug:
 
Just whack in a pair of VM34's Peanut, theyre much better performance-wise than standard BS carbs, less parts too which makes 'em easy to tune or diagnose.
I had GPZ/ER500 carbs on one of mine, they were pretty good,took a lot of work/time though to get them jetted correctly (sold mine eventually over on Customxs650)
 
that looks like a simple carb. Just like the Dellortos on my Lambretta .
Thanks for the suggestion I'll check them out .:thumbsup:
 

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