how to

  1. Signal

    Bead to Vapour Blast Conversion.

    I think this should be in the Garage but if the MODs think it should be in the Lounge that’s all good. I was never really that happy with the job I did setting up my bead blaster, after a few months it started to leak beads even though the joints had been sealed after assembly. Now with a bit...
  2. TwoManyXS1Bs

    Yamaha XS650 Experimental Clutch, version 2.0

    Experimental clutch, version 2.0 Last year, I made the version 1.0 experimental clutch mod, using adjustable features that I felt was not suitable for others to implement. After determining the settings and measurements, I made the parts for the version 2.0 earlier this year. Now that I've...
  3. member3480

    BUYING a BIKE

    I get a lot of questions on what to look for or what to ask when buying a bike. So I am going to give you my two cents and I know there are others on here that will fill in the blanks that I left. First it doesn't really matter what the seller is telling you because YOU are going to be the NEW...
  4. B

    um, newbie here, mixture screw?

    Just inherited a beautiful, virgin '78 Special II. I ride vintage dirt bikes, so I am somewhat familiar with carbs, especially Mikunis. The bike is great, but it backfires coming down from speed. I cannot find the mixture screws - anywhere. I've searched The Garage high and low, and no one...
  5. JRay77

    Pamco repair

    How I fixed my basic Pamco This is how I fixed my basic Pamco. Hopefully this helps someone. If you already have a few tools, why not? Easier for me just to post this in a series of videos. I'm not on often but I'll check at least once a day for messages. I'd like to thank everyone for helping...
  6. J

    Need help with static timing...

    Hey guys. I'm rebuilding my first bike (1979 xs400F according to title). It hasn't ran in a little over 30 years, so things are a little guess-and-check, but it's been a fun learning experience. I'm finally getting to the ignition timing tonight. I have the gaps at .015 inches and am using an...
  7. K

    Side stand switch??

    Bear with me, I'm absolutely new to the XS world. I was barely used to the dirt bikes I had. I picked up '77 already on a weld on frame with a PMA kit installed. It would barely start and after some carb tweaking, I have it starting solid. I didn't get to talk to the PO much about it but...
  8. C

    How to: get my XS650 running

    Just purchased a non-running 1983 XS650 Heritage Special with 9.5k miles for $500. It is missing a few things, including a headlight and turn signal, but it is in great condition otherwise. Supposedly rebuilt carbs, slightly leaky petcocks, and a messed up wiring harness are what I have to...
  9. michaelpthompson

    Bleeding the front brake

    OK, trying to bleed the front brake on my '75 XS650B. PO said it worked fine when he parked it (of course), but the reservoir was dry. I put a wrench on the bleeding nipple (looks like a grease zerk, is that right?), got a tube onto the nipple, other end in the standard peanut butter jar. Filled...
  10. JRay77

    Pamco Pete....

    Has anyone had difficulty contacting Pamco Pete? Guy promised me a new plate 2 weeks ago and I haven't heard shit back. Getting pissed. :wtf::banghead:
  11. M

    ? about fuse sizes I need?

    I'm being lazy, but I searched and didn't find an answer, my original fuse box is AWOL, my repair manual doesn't seem to list much info. Can anyone recommend fuse amp size(s) for my bare bones xs650 chopper build? I'm running the following: 12 volt system. Mini-blade fuses. Tail light and...
  12. TwoManyXS1Bs

    Custom Aluminum Steering Damper for 70-73 XS1 XS1B XS2 TX650

    A couple months ago, one of our members asked me to make him a metal steering damper knob for his early XS. Quote: "Functional and similar to the original, but with a polished metal chrome look." Searched the web and found a likely candidate, 3-1/8" diameter cast aluminum knobs with 9...
  13. Y

    Rear Axle Length - TC Bros Hardtail

    TC Bros hard tail installed on my '72. Anyone out there know what length rear axle I will need as my stock one is too short??
  14. Gcraay

    $@@/$$/$"$ Starter!

    :banghead: Im missing something here. I have a starter that won't react at all. It worked a couple times then nothing. I did all the usual stuff even rebuilt it. I did the car battery thing, but squat! Heres the odd thing. I get no reaction with the car battery. Not even a little spark. The...
  15. G

    Vibration issue

    Hello fellow XS650 enthusiasts, I am having an issue which I don't know what causes it. My 1981 xs650 vibrates like crazy. I have just finished another tune-up: adjusted cam chain tensioner, adjusted valves, tried adjusting timing with a newly bought strobe light and realized that my model...
  16. E

    Shoots out carb, unstable idle - I have tried everything.

    Hi guys. I am so lost! PMA installed, New coils, New plugs, new caps, new points and condenser. Cleaned carbs several times, also ilde screw hole. Cleaned the really filty petcocks, new gaskets in them. Also changed fuel filters. No air leaks. I re-checked point gap, and found out that the...
  17. michaelpthompson

    Replace the foam inserts in air filters?

    Getting this '75 XS650 ready to ride, I took off the air filters. The boxes and screens are fine, but the foam inserts are pretty rotten. Looked on MikesXS, but I don't see just the foam inserts for sale, and the boxes are too expensive to replace for no reason. Can I just cut some furniture...
  18. M

    breather 'upgrade'?

    This might sound dumb BUT... I wanted a single breather tube and didn't wanna pay the big bucks for an original one, so I did THIS: I didn't realize it but the two tube style breather on my bike comes apart! You can pull that Y out of the box / collector / filter. OK, cool! I pulled it out...
  19. gggGary

    Are my fork tubes bent?

  20. C

    Paint Rust Look on Tank

    I am doing a build where I want the tank to look rusted, but I also want the look to last. I have been doing research on it online, and I can see different ways to actually rust the tank, from using chlorine, salt/vinegar, etc. to just leaving it outside for a week or two, which is also fine...
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