Carb float level setting

MikeCas

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I am rebuilding a 1983 XS650 SE and need some direction:
  • What is the carb float setting? My Haynes manual says 25mm. Is that right? The carbs are Mikuni BS 38's according to the manual.
  • I don't like the 16" rear wheel. Will a 1973 rear wheel fit my bike? Are any spacers required?
I really appreciate any help that you can give me.
 
Click the Tech button, find the link to the XS650 Garage USA Carb Guide, and read same. The SE was 1978 model year, but in some places bikes were titled by the year sold. The SE has a disc brake. All XS650 18" rear wheels have drum brakes.You'd need a compatible brake pedal, pivot, rod, etc.
 
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You will need to positively identify the carbs you have. A 1983 model would have BS34 carbs with plastic floats. A 1978 SE model would have BS38 carbs with brass floats. Both have different float setting specs, and neither is 25mm like the Haynes manual is telling you.
 
Click the Tech button, find the link to the XS650 Garage USA Carb Guide, and read same. The SE was 1978 model year, but in some places bikes were titled by the year sold. The SE has a disc brake. All XS650 18" rear wheels have drum brakes.You'd need a compatible brake pedal, pivot, rod, etc.

Isn't the torque arm on drum braked underneath the s/a and on top for a disc?
 
A picture, my kingdom for a picture!
An american 83 Heritage Special is 48 spoke drum rear, the 73 wheel would be plug and play. Use the axle spacers from the 83.
83 008.jpg

PS Mikes XS sells all the parts to convert a 48 spoke rear wheel to 18"..........
 
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Yep, if the OP has a '78 (E-model)Special II with spoke wheel and drum brake, the conversion would be pretty easy. But if the scoot is a straight SE (as per the first post), it will have cast wheel and disc brake, and the whole wheel and brake system would have to be swapped.
 
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