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New to me 1978 XS650 running rich. Let me start by saying i'm not technically savy (YET!) but my beast is running rich. Black spark plugs, backfiring, lost of power etc. After almost every ride, i clean out the spark plugs. The air/fuel screws are about 2 or 2.5 turns out of the...

So I need to replace my solenoid. Clicks like crazy when I press the start button. My question is do I have to buy a solenoid specific to xs650? Mike's xs sells them but shipping to me costs more than the unit. If I can, what do I look for Quick search on Amazon and there are several on...

Yes I realize that this may come across as a rather stupid question but I need to ask. I have found some 11inch shocks to put on my bike (I am a short dude). I have ready everywhere that my side stand needs to be shortened. My question is by how much?? I have to be sure before I have...

I met a guy that has Burly Slammers shocks 10.5 eye to eye willing to sell for really cheap. Did a search her and there weren't many postings. Do these shocks install easily or are mods needed?

After spending weeks rewiring, I am on to the next 'to do' on my list. I never wired a motorcycle, created a electronics box and taken apart switches before so it was nice to get that under my belt. Next are the carbs. The previous owner had straight throug long pipes wrapped from end to...

This is a newbie question that may seem like a no brainer... But I have to ask... The bulky plastic connectors (example 6 pin) on my bike are so old and corroded. Plus they take up space... My question - are these plastic connectors really necessary? Can't I just bypass them and connect...

After searching the forums and going blind on wiring diagrams (some differ from others for the same year 1981) I still can't figure out which wire/s actually provide power to the left side switch (headlight/turn signals) Anyone?

Over the past couple of weeks I have been in the process of totally rewiring the hack job that the PO had in place. Basically cleaning it up. I have read over wiring diagrams but have am stumped. Here is a pic of the connector out of the indicator display. Need help identifying some of...

Quick reminder. I am a newbie and this is my first bike. That out of the way.. Woke up this morning and decided to take out my battery box. I had an electronics box made so I had to take it out at some point. The box came out relatively easy but I had to unplug a bunch of things I have...

Hey all I have heavily corroded...and I mean heavily corroded rear wheel. I have started the clean up process on the cover by having to wetsand 220, 400, 600. Before i even try polishing them, I will go to higher wetsand grit. Has anyone sandblasted their aluminum rims? My hands just...

Folks First off. I am a newbie. Not overly mechanical but trying. I have an old spoke wheel that I want to mount. Local powder company recommends taking everything apart before I send over. Started to take the drum cover off. Is this wheel too far gone to bring back? The cover...

Not the swimming kind.. Looking at changing out my Speedo and Tach to something a lot smaller and sleeker. Something in the 2inch diameter range. Saw some cheap on ebay from China. Any recommendations?

When I got this bike one of the first things I did was trash the massive ebay one size fits all seat. Over the weekend I was able to cut and shape a seat pan. I will be adding high density foam then wrapping it in leather. I cut it just short of the gas tank bolt as I didn't want it to rise...

I recently got new rubber on my spoked wheels to replace my current wheels. I have very very limited workspace (and tools) where the bike is. Is it possible to change the wheels while on the center stand? I don't have a jack... And don't really want to buy one. When I swap the front wheels...

I have read threads but am still unsure about the wheels I have. The previous owner gave them to me with the bike saying they were from an older model and SHOULD fit with no issues. I don't know what year they are from but would love them on my 81. Just want to see if anyone out there can...

Since I have no time this weekend to tinker with my bike I have another random newbie question as I stare at it. The previous owner took off the stock mufflers, made it I to a straight pipe and wrapped it up from end to end. I am not loving the look - looks to long to me. He provided me...

I have had my bike now for 2 weeks and loving the journey. There is a lot to do since I bought it as a running project. So far -fixed electrical for lights that weren't working (tailights, signals, flasher). Lots of diagram reading to do this! -got the electrical starter to work...

My newbie question #3. My brake light doesn't work with either lever or foot brake. Took off the seat to investigate and came across several 'abandoned' wiring. Male, female and then 2 wires. Here are the pics. Any ideas on what these are for? Any basic areas I should check as to why my...

Newbie question #2. Previous owner replaced stock rear shocks with aftermarket, raising the height of the bike. I sit fine on it BUT I am a shorter dude and would like it lowered a bit. What is the shortest rear shock that can be installed to lower the bike but won't have tire rub on frame...

New to this forum. New to motorbikes.. Been riding mountain bikes for years. Excited to learn more about my 1980 xs650 as I make modifications, upgrades and repairs. First question. It may be a dumb one. (forewarning I will have a lot of dumb questions). On my handle bars between the clutch...