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Hi all, I'm presently running a pair of FZR 600 forks on my bike using the original top and bottom yoke and stem (which matches the XS650 stem). In the present setup there are a pair of locknuts that adjust the preload on the tapered headstock bearings. There's then a small gap between the two...

Got distracted and did a bit more pointless machining. The low-profile fuel taps that I found both have outlets facing backwards, but the tap arrangement is different on both sides (i.e. reserve faces the front of the bike on one side and the back on the other). I took the left hand tap apart...

More photos of working on the oil filter housing... As with everything I'm making at the moment there are plenty of mistakes with the design. I may have gone too deep on the 'fins' and left the wall with the bolt holes a little thin. I also need to have a good think about whether...

Hi all, I've presently got an RD350 PMA fitted to my bike but never got around to making timing marks on the flywheel. Can someone confirm that the only mark on the flywheel is for TDC? I'll also need to add timing marks to the engine cover. Please could someone confirm how many degrees...

Hi, thanks for confirming. I've seen lots of threads about using one or the other but not both together (although I've on doubt that lots of people do).

I've got a spin-on filter mounted to the sump plate on my engine and have just been given one kits that allows a small paper filter to be used beneath the side cover. My question is; can both be used together or does it create too much strain for the oil pump? Thanks

Hi all, I've got a bit too much lever movement using a 13mm master cylinder combined with a Yamaha FZR (3HE) four pot caliper. I'm therefore looking for a 14mm but want one that's not too large, doesn't have an adjustable lever and is designed for 7/8 bars. Btw, I'm aware that the XS650, and...

Managed to do a day in the workshop on Saturday. As I’m now back in London and away from the bike I was a bit limited on what I could do. I also fancied doing some machining so decided to make one of those ‘oil coolers’ that bolt into the right hand side engine case and allow for the use of a...

Here are the (uninspiring) photos from last time I was in Somerset. I'm just negotiating storage space in London so I should be able to bring the bike up soon. New rear shock washers made up in 304 stainless. Not much to look at but at least they won't rust. New folding footrests...

I'm hoping to get lots of work done over Easter as I've got a few days off. I've also booked the dreaded MOT for 26th March to give me some incentive. There are a few jobs on the list including replacing the exhausts with versions that have less kick up. Hopefully Ants will be seeing to that...

Nothing very exciting to report,but some progress nonetheless. After the advice I received on the forum I bought an RD350 dust cover for the headstock bearings (I couldn't seem to find one for an XS650). I can confirm that it fits fine. I fitted a new horn and button. Quite nice to only...

Tiny bit more progress. The TX650 tank that I bought had no taps, no cap and the cap mounting lugs were held together with Araldite. I figured that gave me justification to bastardise it a little bit. I welded up the original two bolt fuel tap mounts and machined new bungs that were tapped to...

Continuing the updates in sequential order...

Thanks for the comments. I figured I'd go overkill on my first caliper bracket. I may end up thinning it down at some point.

Ah, very true! Good local knowledge!

Hi all, As those of you from the UK may already know, the UK XS650 forum crashed a few months ago and was irrecoverable. A new forum has since been setup to try to keep us XS650 fans on the other side of the pond in touch with one another. During the fracas I know we lost contact with quite...

Will add the rest of the updates soon. I've been busy!

Lots of progress since I last posted. I'm aiming to get the bike back together and MOTd for summer (which would be novel). Firsly I welded on the spring retaining lug and the throw aduster for the rear brake. That was the last bit of the disk to drum conversion that I hadnt't gotten around to...

After fixing the Dremel and briefly polishing the hub (if it looks too nice it'll make the rest of the bike look awful) I built up the wheel with an "XS Performance" flanged aluminium rim and stainless spokes from Heiden. As it's the first wheel I've built, and it's a wee bit wobbly I'll get a...

I've now finished the caliper bracket and checked it for fitment. It took me absolutely ages to machine which I think is predominantly due to my inexperience with a milling machine. Hopefully the next item will go a bit more smoothly. I think it's probably an overkill at 13mm minimum thickness...