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If you haven't already got it, the XS 650 performance portfolio is I think worth a read. It is essentially a collection of reprints of contemporary magazine reviews bound into a book. About 12 quid if I remember correctly. And of course a Haynes manual :)

Had this issue on one of mine. Shimmed out the lateral free play in the shift shaft (behind circlip on the LHS of the case) and 5th was back! Try pulling the shaft outward while shifting by hand (and turning the rear wheel by hand on centrestand) to see if this makes a difference. May not but...

Terry - I made my own from the back end of a Suzuki fuel tank and some aluminium sheet for the base. Don't know where you can get a 'bolt on' in the UK but they were at one time available from Mikes XS or xs650 shop.de in Germany; I think there was at least one other European supplier as well...

Not really necessary but depends on the look and riding position you are after. You can always build it up and then see what you think. If you need to quicken the steering you can always drop the yokes down the forks a few mm. My '79 special cafe rides fine with the stock set up; I'm running...

If you go much more than about 360 mm you may have issues with the chain rubbing the top of the swingarm; clearance will vary according to sprocket combination, weight of rider etc. Mine cleared (just) with 360 mm with me sitting on bike but over crests when no load was on the rear the chain...

360 mm rubbed slightly on the top of the swingarm on a closed throttle but can't remember what sprockets I was running at the time. I changed to 330 mm with no issues. Larger diameter shocks may require the chainguard cutout to be dressed and there's not a great deal of chain clearance (based...

I stand corrected! Nice to know that effigy burning is still popular around the world:D

Thanks mate. Not sure it will mean a lot to our overseas friends, but I may be wrong...

On my cafe I welded bolts to a small section of light channel, which was then riveted to the top of the seat base. The bolts poke through the base and through a plate on the frame. Course it's easy for me to say this now you've got your seat cover on:wink2:

My extra disc came from an autojumble and was allegedly off an XS1100 (early model - the later ones were thinner and slotted). I assume these are SE mag wheels? - the front smaller disc is IIRC the same as the single rear, i.e 267 mm. Only mag wheels came with a rear disc. What is your plan...

BTW probably easier to get another 297 mm disc, then should be able to use the XS750 caliper to convert to twin disc. Larger discs should give better braking, and you can always drill them to lose a little of that unsprung weight :)

Yes, the Special had a single 297 mm disc, the Euro roadster model had twin 267 mm discs (as did the XS750). You need to match your fork lowers to the correct sized discs.

I dualled my '79SF and I was a lot happier knowing I could stop quickly when I wanted. I already tried stainless lines, different pads etc on the single disc. It stops better than my other XS, a twin disc Euro model, but you would expect this as the Special discs are larger diameter (298 mm...

I've got some sportster shocks on one of mine but they are about 13" long. Had to file a mm or two off the bottom eye to make them fit. They seem to handle OK, and are firmer than the stock shocks, which is a good thing.

Suffolk division here, born and bred.

Hi CP, look forward to the cafe build. Did the same myself a few years back, also a '79 special. Tis currently being refettled to it's former glory after a few salty winters. Should be back on the road about the same time as yours:)

I'm in the middle of rural Suffolk, few potholes up here as well. Be interesting to see how your suspension works out, mines past it's best on my roadster so I need to have a play (already tried the cheapskate option of stuffing scrap metal on top of the springs to increase preload!). Was...

Life would be duller without custom builds, whatever your perspective and personal preference. Imagine a world where no alterations to Mr Manufacturer's vision were permitted...this forum would be somewhat less interesting

Hello and welcome, always good to see pics of a build. You're right about the UK site being quiet, but hopefully it will grow. I'll try to post something when I get a min to do my bit. This site conversely is as you know very busy, a font of knowledge and all that. Your 'inspiration' bikes...

Hello and welcome. Have you played with the adjustment as per the manual? Also, any stiction at all in the cable doesn't help. Might still lag a bit behind the 'Blade even with the clutch sorted, but XSs are kinda addictive...might be an illness....