northwest forum

Here I am going about my job delivering metal. As I approached the machine shop I eyeball the parking lot (semis will do a world of hurt on other vehicles). Whats this? An XS650? Cool bike, hey wait, I've seen this bike. It looks just like Ratrangers bike on the XS forum. Slam on the air brakes, Pull the jake brake slow this truck down! Back it into its slot, jump out, run inside and ask the first person I see "Who's XS650 is in the parking lot?" The nub answers back "Whats an XS650?" I go deeper into the bowels of the machine shop. The next guy I ask doesn't know either. Deeper yet into the recesses of the shop I go. Finally one of the guys I ask says, "I know who's bike it is. Come on I'll introduce you." So he introduces me to Ratranger. We talk XS stuff ... OOPS! I forgot I've got to unload the aluminum! Back to work I go.
Yea, we will have to go for a ride. I doubt my bike can keep up with the hotrod you built, but I'll try. If you haven't yet, you should do a write-up on it. Some of the guys here would love to know how you got the fuel injection to work etc.etc.
 
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I do have a build thread on here with the efi info, it's called sumotrack. I bet you'd keep up fine, other than the rephase the engine is basically stock. Bored 2nd over since the cylinders were worn, but that is it mechanically.
 
Hi Guys! StreetTraxx here, been lurking for some time, this is a great site! Built an Omar's based XS650 streetracker some years ago, working on another one now, may need an engine builder to do a complete rebuild for me.....can anyone recommend a builder here in the PNW (Ashland, OR)? TIA, looking forward to more discussions with the knowledgeable folks here....
StreetTraxx

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Hi Guys! StreetTraxx here, been lurking for some time, this is a great site! Built an Omar's based XS650 streetracker some years ago, working on another one now, may need an engine builder to do a complete rebuild for me.....can anyone recommend a builder here in the PNW (Ashland, OR)? TIA, looking forward to more discussions with the knowledgeable folks here....
StreetTraxx

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Bike looks rad! Nice work.

Might be worth calling 650Central or Hoos to see if they know of anyone local to you. I know some places down here in the Bay Area that would do the machine work, but not necessarily the rebuild itself.

What does it need?
 
Bike looks rad! Nice work.

Might be worth calling 650Central or Hoos to see if they know of anyone local to you. I know some places down here in the Bay Area that would do the machine work, but not necessarily the rebuild itself.

What does it need?
Hi Buzz! Thanks for the quick response. I'll check w/650 Central as you suggest....Hoos?
Not sure yet if this is gonna happen, but......
I'd probably be looking for a complete rebuild/check over: redo motor w/750 kit, cam, Mikunis (?), Boyer Brandsen ignition or equivalent, check over clutch and tranny, etc. Any experience with the "overdrive" 5th gear mod from Mike's?
Thanks
StreetTraxx
 
Hi Buzz! Thanks for the quick response. I'll check w/650 Central as you suggest....Hoos?
Not sure yet if this is gonna happen, but......
I'd probably be looking for a complete rebuild/check over: redo motor w/750 kit, cam, Mikunis (?), Boyer Brandsen ignition or equivalent, check over clutch and tranny, etc. Any experience with the "overdrive" 5th gear mod from Mike's?
Thanks
StreetTraxx

Hoos as in Gary from www.hoosracing.com -- he used to post on here as @hooser

I just bought all the parts from him to build my motor similar to what you're describing - sleeved 750 kit, shell #1 cam, VM34 carbs, VAPE ignition...

No experience with the OD 5th from Mike's, but there are some discussions of it in the Garage forum if you search. Seems to me some folks had issues with their bikes popping out of gear because the dog engagement wasn't quite the same shape / depth as stock on the Chinese OD gear.
 
+1 on Hoos!
Hooked me up with Vape 277 ignition, rephrased and welded the crank including all new main bearings and rods, and a Megacycle rephase ground cam.
Always super responsive and helpful.
And when I jacked up one of my ignition sensors he sent me a new one for cheap and quick shipped it.
Good guy to do business with!
 
Anybody else in the Tacoma area with an XS? Let's go riding, my bike is in the WHIP stage (Work In Progress) Got it up and running just in time for summer. Come winter it is getting BLOWN apart, frame painted etc. All the non-maintenance and poor craftsmanship of the PO has been rectified (I hope) for now.
I live in Bonney Lake and I'm always down for a ride. Just finishing up my first XS project. Hit me up
 
The 101/104 loop is also quite impressive. Lots of fun twists, and straights to rest on. Start in shelton, ends in gig harbor.
Crotch rockets love this route, just let them pass. You wouldnt like being stuck behind a geo metro would you?
The 101/104 loop is also quite impressive. Lots of fun twists, and straights to rest on. Start in shelton, ends in gig harbor.
Crotch rockets love this route, just let them pass. You wouldnt like being stuck behind a geo metro would you?
River View Cafe in South Bend for BBQ Oysters!
 
Just noticed this PNW sub forum!
78 XS sitting in the shed for 5 years (?) since i got it, should run (ran when parked LOL) with tender care and new tires, fork rebuild.
I am in Graham WA (SE of Tacoma)
 
Anybody going to the Oyster run on 09/25/2022 in Anacortes, WA? It's free, can't beat the price. Weather is supposed to be in the low 70's. Nice ride up there, lots of curvy side roads you can take if you want to.
 
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