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"Jig? We don't need no stinking jig". Yes, please!

Ace and Griz... I hear ya on that and agree. But this is what puzzles me in this instance: I'm not one of those types. Actually, I'm pretty anal about the details. Although not a trained mechanic, I own more tools than most of the mechanics I know- and I know how to use them. I never observed...

Guys- much thanks for all your replies and advice, and it will be heeded. Until the mad cow sets in. I guess now it's reading and researching to do a complete rebuild. And yes, I've been reading about the e-advance...

Xskid- makes sense. Soooo... After the rebuild, make sure timing is spot-on, and make sure carbs (jetting) are rich enough? Side question: anyone ever use the Gunson color tune?

Thanks Leo and Gary. For what it's worth, the Pamco with the new atu I bought from mikes three years ago, probably have less than a 100 miles on them. Maladjusted, perhaps; but not worn out(?). When I got the bike, the air box was messed up, so I removed it with the air filtering and put on...

Thanks ippy- I am really looking forward to a complete re freshening of this engine. I just wasn't planning on doing now, but I just can't let it sit like this...

Hi all, it's been awhile since I've been on here, and wow... I feel like I've forgotten everything I've learned. (Mad cow disease!) So, I'm hoping to be pointed into a direction- The issue is a hole in the right-hand piston, and what would have possibly caused it. After sitting for a...

Blessed are the meek, for one day they shall all work for me.

I purchased the $60 one from Mike's; and when using it to rivet a drive chain master, the threaded bolt snapped at the head. Part (B) in the below pic, between the hex portion and the thread portion. The break was such that I tig welded it back together, and it seems to be holding...

Ain't it amazing how all us... er... you... old guys come alive at the glimmer of hope that some young little hottie will pay you attention, and actually engage in conversation?!? :laugh:

Hey all- I'm sorry for the lame question: where can I read more on the Minton mods? I've searched here and haven't found any specific link. I must be a dolt. :). Thanks!

I went to Asheville once, but it was closed...

I understand that Hugh attended a Board of Directors meeting today for HHB, and had his a** chewed out by Michael! :)

Being dyslexic got me in trouble with the church crowd, as I told them that there's absolutely no way I believe in an Almighty DOG!! :laugh:

Welcome! As the others have said, this site is like the Library of Congress for xs's, and other info too. Please be sure to post lots and lots of pics! And maybe even one or two of your bike, also... :wink2:

Original Working 1981 TCI igniter (electronic ignition) 6-wire unit. This was removed from my personal 1981 Yamaha 650XS that I still own. Why was it removed? I upgraded the charging system to a Permanent Magnet Alternator and therefore couldn't use this TCI any longer. Good physical/cosmetic...

Has anyone mentioned that you can lean out your carbs a bit by LOWERING the fuel level in the float bowls? You accomplish this by adjusting the tangs on the floats...

My two cents: I drill the link ends slightly using a cobalt drill bit (Home Depot) to remove metal and create a hole... divot... crater... whatever you want to call it. MUCH easier to then flare the perimeter out like a bugle, for a secure link. The cutting of an 'X' with a dremel or...

To test for spark as well as the strength of the coil, try using this nifty little gadget from Thexton: it adjusts to test up to about 40,000 volts out of a coil...

I used to have a 1981 XJ650 (till my kid totaled it), and thats what that frame looks like to me; especially with those reflectors.