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Does anyone have the rear section of special frame with that has not been detabbed for a "push in, press down" seat (1980 or later) they want to part with? Photo of my frame attached. Thanks!

Apologies in advance if this topic has been covered to some extent, but I think my issue is at least somewhat unique. I need to transport eight complete motorcycles from Houston to western North Carolina within the next six weeks or so. We are moving and I will take the whole stable with me...

I have what I believe is an '83 XS650K Special that I need to get a bonded title for (not that hard in Texas). The serial number sticker is there as is the serial number. The number as best as I can make it out is JYA5V4009DA - 106xxx. I'm certain about the first five and the last 6. The in...

I have an XS engine (on a stand) and four tubs of XS parts that I need to get from my brother in Pennsylvania to Houston. PODS gave me a quote of $3500 which is only 5 x what it's all worth. I know that a crate could be built and shipped, but I would not ask my brother to do that - he's busy...

I purchased an exhaust on their website in April. I got an automated reply promising more info when it is shipped. So far, crickets. I've tried calling and e-mailing them without success. Are they still in business?

My apologies - I know that this has been done to death.... 1980 XS650 Special II. Just reassembled after changing the front cam guide and tried to adjust the tensioner. Haynes says tighten it until the rod is flush with the top of the threaded piece. I do that but it feels way tight, so I...

I'm in Houston and Craigslist has quieted down to a whisper. I have a couple of bikes that I would like to sell, but the middle of a combined pandemic and recession seems like a very bad time to sell. But the boss (my wife) wants me to sell before I buy. How is the market out there? The...

I bought a Special II a year back with the intention of flipping it. It's stock and even still has the cowhorn bars. Once the carbs were cleaned it fired right up but the cam chain was very noisy. I got the engine removed last weekend and got the forward cam guide replaced with one of Gary's...

My new to me 1981 XS650H. I got the choke detent balls fixed using a Zerk fitting ball and spring (thanks to the forum and Gary for the steer). Took it out for a short ride yesterday and noticed a clatter in the engine. The valves are right on spec and the cam chain tensioner is adjusted...

I'm recussitating a '81 Special II. The enricher knob on the BS34 carbs will not stay pulled out. This is only an inconvenience since when it fires I can release the knob and it will keep running. When I had the carbs out to clean them I looked to see if there was a way to adjust the drag...

Back in the day, the motorcycle magazines would sometimes describe brakes as "wooden". I had always wondered what they meant. When I resuscitated my '78 SE last year the front brake had no feel and did not stop well. I replaced it with a set of EBC brake pads (organic, I think) and they felt...

These 750 pistons and cylinders were on my '78 Special when I bought it this spring. They will fit any 447 engine. I gave the cylinders a light hone with a 3" ball hone. The pistons measure out to 79.98 mm and are nicely tight in the bores (I can barely slide a 0.0015" feeler gage between...

New to me 78 XS650. The PO's dad put a 750 kit into it (80 mm bore). The cylinders need at least a honing, but I cannot find new rings to fit the vintage 80 mm pistons. I would like to take it back to stock. I think the cam is stock, but thought I'd ask the group if it truly is. Is my cam...

In my new to me '78 XS650. Inside the piston it says Yamaha and 80. I need to know what piston it is so that I can get new rings. Thanks!

New to me '78 with 11,000 miles. I got this bike as a short term project - my wife says that 1 vintage motorcycle (my '74 RD350) is enough (and I agree). It had light smoking from one cylinder so I tore down the top end yesterday so that I can replace the valve seals. While I was in there, I...

I am resuscitating a new to me '78 XS650 E. It has sat for at least 6 years. I got to the point of adjusting the cam chain tensioner. When I kick it over the tensioner intermitantly pops out 1/8 to 1/4" and goes pop pop pop as I kick it over. When it's still, the tensioner is even with the...