'74 TX650 Build (monoshock)

looks good, you might want to put an idler wheel for the drive chain with the rear axle sitting lower the chain will get progressively looser as the swing arm rises,,(fit the chain and take the shock off to check the action) i can show you my simple fix for the issue if you like.


Heck yeah, throw up some pics
 
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here ya go, method is... adjust chain to correct tension (say 1 inch freeplay)when at max travel position(shock fully compressed), then reset swing arm to unloaded postion(shock at full extension) temporarily clamp jockey wheel directly below swingarm pivot so chain tension is correct again( something with good sealed bearings,skateboard wheel or similar, i used a 60mm elevator guide wheel i happenned to have.
Mark the spot and drill a hole for the jockey wheel spindle bolt. Make sure you use nylock nut etc . i find that the chain mostly only rides on the jockey when shock is at full extension and chain progressively lifts off the jockey as shock compresses. Done a few 100 klms no dramas at all. i hope thats not too hard to understand.
 
That's a terrific idea and an ideal location.

Doing some wiring today. I feel like I'm missing something, what should these three go to? I can't quite track them down in the wiring schematic:
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Judging by the location, the brown and yellow are probably rear brake light switch.. No idea on the blue.:umm:
 
There's a bundle out of focus right behind it, and my understanding is that those are for the rear lights. I'm stumped but pushing on lol
 
Well, it runs!
It wouldn't start initially. Had fuel, pulled plugs and had spark (albiet a loose coil wire), and it was back firing but no start....scratched my head....has to be something simple...ooo! Swap plug wires!!

Fires right up. Unbelievable.

No air filters so it won't stay running. My guess would be the uni filters or fork out the cash for k&n. I wish I could upload a short video here.
 
when you say wont stay running, what does it do ? filters wont make it change symptoms, maybe fuel supply ?to confirm, give it a squirt in the intakes of wd40 or similar as its conking out to see if it keeps running
 
It's running now. The choke is very finicky...

I have a lot of smoke coming out of the left cylinder. Maybe oil passing by the new head gasket? It has great compression. Maybe the piston rings aren't clocked properly. I torqued down the head bolts properly and in the right sequence however I didn't use any sort of gasket maker sealant on the new head gasket....big rookie mistake?

And yes the rear wheel is lined up. I put the stock wheel back in and made spacers.
 
Big day today. I finally got it insured and registered!
Huge downside is I smashed my "STOP" tail light. Balls. Thankfully Amazon Prime has next day delivery so I bought just the light! Today I'm wiring up all the lights. Nevermind the buggle gum in the middle - had to fill giant hole. It was like welding exhaust and watching it disappear haha
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Now I need to make a bracket to mount the tail light/plate.

Once I decide on filters, she's ready for a tear down and paint!!
 
I bought a new 552 flasher, orrr was it a 522 flasher, from napa. It has the two prongs. Stock has 3. Br, Br/w, and Black. From my understanding, I can just use the brown and brown/white?

Also the stop lamp is flashing constantly. Not sure if it's because I don't have the rear brake switch hooked up yet.

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BOYS!! BOYS!!
My scooter, scoots! Also learned that my speedo is in MPH

No air filters so I suspect that is effecting how choppy is running, also need to mess with points to dial them in. I do have a cracked mechanical advance housing so it's dribbling oil out...

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My bike is running like a poop while riding.
Big note, I have no air filters yet. Just putting around the neighborhood, working out kinks.

It will idle fine, sometimes it works great but then spits, sputters, and back fires, and dies on me while riding when I roll on to the throttle. The choke has to be on. I haven't tried the wd40 yet as it idles fine for the most part lol.

I'm going to get a test light and check points setting. I really hope it's not my new battery but I'll meter it out.
Edit: not as disappointed
 
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im no expert on XS650 carbs, but its never going to run well with unfiltered CV carbs, they need a plenium chamber, near impossible to tune a GPZ900r with pods for example
 
So, I got an offer today..what do you think?

Turns out, the fella I bought the bike off of up on a farm west of Morinville, has 3 more xs650's...
All 3 are basket cases. One frame has been chopped a bit. Also has a ton of goodies.

His boy wants to trade everything they have for my bike now that it's basically completed and is rideable.



I think I should go for it lol. But then I'm building 3 bikes!! Haha. I can have 3 different styles

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