Search results

I am trying to figure out why I'm getting such bad gas mileage with my 81 XS650. I just rebuilt the engine (new pistons, rings, valves, cam chain) and had some mild porting done while it was apart. I have pod filters and a 2-1 exhaust with a pretty free flowing muffler. I'm at sea level...

Looking to see what the general consensus is on this bike's value. Someone gave me an offer out of the blue (bike wasn't even for sale) and I'm wondering if it is a valid price or not. I'm beginning to wonder if I should take the cash and run or if I should keep the bike and keep riding it...

Today I ran into an interesting problem. My '81 XS650 had not been charging the battery and I discovered that the rotor was bad. The bike sat in my garage for about 5 weeks while I waited for time to fix it. I bought a new rotor and put it in yesterday and everything seemed to be good. I took it...

Hi everyone, I'm trying to track down what I think is a bad connection somewhere. The bike is an 81 XS650, all stock. It runs great, but every once in a while it will just shut off while riding, as if someone just cut power to the ignition, no stumble, no hiccup, just shuts off. The lights and...

I have to pull my engine apart and I'm really tempted to put a cam in while it's apart. I have been looking and it looks like the Shell #1 cam is the best option for a low cost street cam. My question is, does it really make a noticeable difference at low RPMs? I simply don't rev this bike up...

Hey everyone, I've been lurking here for a while, but I haven't posted much. Great site full of great info! Not too long ago I picked up an '81 XS650 special with 28K miles for $500. It ran, and was in decent shape. It burned a little oil, most likely from sitting for a long time. I stripped it...

Hi everyone. I'm new to the XS scene, and I recently picked up an 81 XS650 to turn into a street tracker. I've been plunking away and here's what I have so far. I stripped it down to the frame, went through the engine, then painted the engine flat black with high temp paint. I polished up the...