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Well, since doing the static ignition timing the other day and finding I had to rotate the points back plate right across anti clockwise - I have been wondering if there's an issue here that I wasn't looking for? The engine in the XS650D has clearly been apart before my ownership. It obviously...

Setting static timing this afternoon. I have a question about points gap please. (cam chain tensioner set statically first, engine rotation by hand). My eyesight isn't what it used to be and I'm not confident I have set the points gap at the best position on the cam. I have gapped the points to...

Having tried and failed miserably today to bleed the front brake on my bike, I think the new master cylinder I have might be faulty. Using a vacuum bleeder, I have put more than a litre of fluid through the front brake system but there's zero pressure building in the master cylinder. Everything...

I have a load independent turn signal relay that as far as I can see just plugs into the three way socket for the original turn signal relay. Please see pictures below. I think the L terminal is in the correct position. But I think the + and - terminals are switched left to right, right to left...

Does anyone know the diameter and pitch of the rear wheel spindle castle nut please? I can't find my metric thread gauge this morning or I would sort it myself. The nut I have has been cross threaded at some time. Fortunately, the rear wheel spindle itself looks like it can be dressed up and...

A bit more progress on the bringing back from the dead XS650D project. It seems this bike (no history) had a number of new parts fitted before it was sold. Today I found new sump strainer and side oil filters installed. All screws in place but not tightened. Oil drain plugs finger tight and...

Considering buying one of these to replace the 47 year old rectifier on my 77 XS650D. Described as "3 Phase Diode Bridge Rectifier 35A 1000V". I think this will do the job, but could anyone confirm it looks OK? Thanks. Picture below -

Moved on to looking underneath the recently acquired XS650D, specifically at the starter motor. I have been half minded to pull the starter motor off the bike to check it. As I'm working through this bike it's become very clear that the previous owner has done some work on the bike before...

Just continuing working through the electrics on the recently acquired 1977 XS650D that came to me with zero history. Previous owner seems to have enjoyed cutting wires and splicing them together wrapped in PVC tape. Checking in the headlight shell the front indicator feed isn't connected left...

Having read with interest the threads about using a standard automotive voltage regulator, I've been looking into what's available here in the UK. The often recommended VR115 and similar are not so readily available here so either paying an inflated UK price or buying and shipping from the USA...

Just to share, 77 650D tank cleaned and sealed with Flowliner tank treatment. Before and after.

Making progress with the 77 XS650D I have acquired. Latest foray is into the alternator. Good news is there's no visible oil leaks from the crank seal, clutch pushrod seal or sprocket seal. Quite surprised at that. Front sprocket, nut and tab look fairly recent as does the chain and rear...

I have just reassembled the carburettors from a 77 XS650D after cleaning and fitting new wear parts throughout. I didn't fit new diaphragms to the slides. Look as hard as I could, I can find nothing wrong with either of them. Before stripping, I noticed if I lift the slides together with my...

I can't believe my luck this morning. Opened up a set of carbs from a XS650D with completely unknown history. The carbs had fresh fuel in the float bowls and everything looks almost as new. I was thinking I was going to find a total disaster in there. It's my lucky day. One question, the float...

Good morning, having stripped the XS650D master cylinder down this morning, as expected, it's really mucky. Pretty much as per other people's findings that they've posted. Question is, best way to clean up the 14mm bore of the cylinder? Has anyone used a 14mm diameter brass brush? Used in my...

Cross threaded front caliper bleed nipple, it seems. Anyone successfully removed one without breaking it? Thanks.

Can anyone confirm what I think is an XS850 mudguard (fender) on this XS650 please? Thanks.

I have a recently acquired XS650D in bountiful blue colour scheme. The tank is quite badly faded and scratched on the decals and paint but otherwise sound, if rusty inside. It's going to have to de-rusted, sealed for E10 and repainted. I am not especially keen on the blue colour scheme. I like...