What have you done to your XS today?

Winter down here so the old girl been covered for 3 months.... Quick check over.. full choke...third kick fired up....then half choke to warm up!
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That’s a lean, clean looking bike. I really like the side exit slash cut exhaust and how it hugs the frame. One of the things I’ve always loved about these bikes is the symmetry. All the lines of the frame and engine flow down and back.
 
Today I cleaned my bike up, the last time I had it out , it rained on me and left the bike covered in road spray and sandy grit. I got all the nooks and crannies cleaned up. Who’s a pretty girl! :D

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Then I wanted to do a little job I’ve been meaning to get to. My left cam seal weeps a little, not much, but I could see what looked like little drops of oil on my Pamco ignition circuit board, and I wanted to clean it up. So I removed my Pamco rotor and packed towels around my cam seal housing and sprayed it off with electrical contact cleaner.
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Interestingly enough , what I had thought were oil droplets, didn’t come off. What I now believe they are is solder flux that has dried and discolored into this brownish looking stuff. Harmless, so I buttoned everything back up,
then aired up the tires on both of my bikes, hooked up the battery maintainer, checked my oil and put it to bed.
Ready for the next ride! :thumbsup:
 
OK - now I know that this is a bit off-topic - but check it out.

There are good ideas, so-so ideas, dumb ideas, stupid ideas, bad ideas....and then there’s....off-roading on a Gold Wing.

 
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That’s a lean, clean looking bike. I really like the side exit slash cut exhaust and how it hugs the frame. One of the things I’ve always loved about these bikes is the symmetry. All the lines of the frame and engine flow down and back.
Hey TZ i liked the side slash too. I had some Hot Dogs on it but didint suit the style and frame. I am not that old yet to hate loud pipes These were cheap about $150 all up.
 
Should probably start a build thread but not doing anything that hasn't already been done before....started with a $50 Special with frozen motor. Rebuilt the motor over the winter. Project pics attached showing progress and where I'm currently at with it.
Just thought I'd provide a progress update. Finally got this build about 95% done. Put about 100 miles on her, time for a first oil change. Rolled the dice and put in MikesXS 5th gear overdrive with a 31 tooth rear sprocket, knowing the entire bike would weigh a lot less. I'm really pleased with how it runs. After initial 50 miles, I just clocked 56 mpg, and it runs about 3200 rpms at 55. Doesn't lug going up inclines and seems to have plenty of torque off the line to get up to speed quickly. 20190720_173906.jpg 20190721_121635.jpg 20190721_121625.jpg 20190721_121644.jpg
 

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Sorry for posting more than one of the same image. Shouldnt have clicked "post thumbnails only" more than once.
 
Thanks, Bob. It was an adventure in creating my own wiring harness using all LED lighting, including turn signals, and eliminating all but the essentials. Not the most comfortable ride, but was what I was after for vintage bobber look. Perfect for short jaunts less than 30-50 miles a stretch. Ton of fun, and going 4th oversize on pistons with free exhaust and intake gave it a bit more power. Still have my stock 81 for the cushy rides.
 
XS engine wrestling match on my garage floor last nite,
It’s a draw but I won. Good shoulder exercise :confused:
I now understand the threads regarding engine removal and even harder, installation !
Still sourcing parts and “recycling”some too .
It’s part of this crazy hobby
New to me 13 1/4” Triumph shocks feel great. I’m excited to make proper size bronze bushings at work.
-RT
 

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