restoration

I'm starting a rebuild of a 1975 xs 650 B motor. Now, What I'm looking for, and I would think this would help others in the forum as well. I'm looking for the top ten or more things that you wish someone told you about rebuilding this engine before you started. Not the obvious, new...

Hello, I recently started my motorcycle was checking to see if the bike was getting warmed up. I touch my Right side pipe, and it's hot enough to burn you pretty bad, but then I touch my Left side pipe and it's cool enough to keep your hand on it. (Keep in mind this was after about 15 minutes of...

I got a new to me right bar control that is in excellent shape. I worked on the swap and noticed that there is a difference. My existing control has an off/on switch for the light where the new one does not. I assume this a difference in model years. I still want to use this switch. Given the...

So the early rear fender mounting system is a bit hmm let's say hokey, or maybe shaky yeah that's it, it's all kind of shaky. Most have had sissy bars, luggage racks or other "improvements" kludged on top of an already sketchy system of mounts. Has anyone done some (re)engineering? cracks...

This may be a dumb question, but I'm looking to bead blast my engine during my bike build and have a question. Is there any parts of the cylinder and case I shouldn't blast? I understand that I should block off any blind holes, but what about the inner chambers. The piston sleeves will be...

Hi all, So the previous owner obviously overtightened the heck out of this bolt (which applies pressure via spring to the neutral detent assembly, as I understand it) and busted the engine casing. You can see in the photos how big a chunk's been taken out...My question is what to do and how...

I'm looking for shops, last plating I had done was in the 70's LOL (I checked, that shop is gone) I think regs for handling chrome waste have really thinned the field. Nasty stuff. Thought a picks and fails thread would make a good resource here. Reply with Shop, location, experience? Fire...

Spray cans get upturned noses on the internet. This is probably partly due old style can nozzles, trying to paint large panels, or just basic poor attempts at painting. My recent experience is that at least for something small like a tank or side cover you can get a finish with cans that's...

Hey All, I have an 82 XS I picked up that the previous owner overtorqued the Neutral Detent bolt on. The assembly (spring, bolt, and detent itself) is there and there is just a milimeter or so of thread left on the housing so I can kind of hand screw the assembly in and it holds...Obviously...

Check this set of Shoei hard bags out. In Canada, found by a friend. http://ontario.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-motorcycles-motorcycle-parts-accessories-Hard-Saddle-Bags-W0QQAdIdZ539281737

just got a new seat cover looking for installation tips ( 78 650 special ) I have installed many dirt bike covers which are stapled on, with these metal spikes look like it is a one chance ordeal

I tried to start my '78 XS 650 Special again today. The same grinding noise was made. I couldn't hold the camera and aux fuel can at the same time. Would the zerk/grease fittings have anything to do with starting the bike? When I get some help, I'll post a video with sound.

Can someone tell me how to read the VIN numbers on my XS650?

Mike's rubber o-ring #20-0021 for tank to petcock sealing will also fit the stock vacuum petcock fine. It's advertised on the site as a replacement for the o-ring on the vacuum petcock replacement manual petcock. It's only $2.20. It's been suggested to use cork to make a gasket for it, but...

Saw a basket case 76 Standard advertised, so went and bought it to add to my projects, the frame and engine no's match - 447-205xxx, ownership says 76 too, even has that little handle on the frame to get it up on the centre stand. Nice fellow I bought it from said he had been eying a brat kit...

Painting Badges / Emblems I discovered an easy way to restore side cover badges. You can buy repro badges, but you get two right side ones. 1. Clean the badge with dish soap and a brush, let dry. Don't do any sanding. 2. Spray the whole badge with gloss black lacquer. Let dry for an hour...

Earlier this year I acquired an XS650 for $700. It was in horrible condition, and probably was sitting outside in the woods somewhere for many decades. I was completely fine with that, since I wanted a challenge to completely restore the engine, customize the frame, etc. I'll try to post as many...

anyone have suggestions where I can order a café gas tank and seat combination. I only see mikesxs.net and I really didn't care much for that option.

Does anyone know of a chrome headlight bucket that would be a switch out with a 72? Has anyone had one chromed? What would be the going rate ? thks jack

I'm looking for a book or preferably a video series that completely rebuilds an xs 650 engine and trans. Something that is idiot proof. You guessed it, I'm the idiot. I'm excited to rebuild the engine, or at least disassemble it for a good cleaning and powder coating. I am strongly considering...