restoration

Hey guys. I've been lurking around the forums for a good year now. Great source for any problems that popped up while I was building my bike. Now I've run into a decision I would just like some feedback for. So to preface this, I realize that paint is going to be a personal choice. I'm just...

77 xs 650 punched to .020 over and head valve seats had to be remilled. mikes heavy duty valves. 500 mile break-in up. Will the stock valve clearence setting still apply? If not, how do I set them up. Runs really good but seems one of the valves sounds noisey compared to the others. Any ideas...

I have some parts with light (surface) rust and some parts with serious rust. Looking for information on the correct way to use molasses. Sulfured/unsulfured? Molasses from the breakfast aisle or molasses from the farm feed store? Or does it make a difference? What is the correct ratio of...

After trying a few searches and not really finding what i needed, I figured ehh mine as well break the seal and make the first post....I just picked up an 81 Special a couple weeks ago as my first bike build project. It had been sitting in a garage for 20 years, everything was there, and the guy...

While I was cutting out the rigged fuse holders to install the new correct fuse box, my gauge lights came on when the wires touched the frame. However, once the fuse box was installed I still don't have electrics. I guess I'll have to trace the wiring out.

A few weeks ago I finally sealed the deal on a 81' XS650. This is my first bike and although I'm new to this, I have been building engines and working on vintage BMWs for many years now. I hope to learn a lot from you guys.

Hey guys, Restarting:banghead: my first project and am looking the best method at cleaning up some parts. What I have to clean up: Frame- want to take it down to bare metal to be painted Tank- want to take it down to bare metal to be painted Forks- want to knock off the surface rust...

I cannot find my main fuse. I have posted some pictures of where it could be. It is supposed to be on top of the battery.

I have a new battery, but no lights. I have zero electric knowledge. I've tested the battery, it is good. Where should I start looking for the problem? I just want to get this bike (1978 XS 650) started.

I was givin a 1979 XS650 by my father a year ago. With a little tinkering i managed to get it running. Mostly all stock so far. There was a ton of valve clatter and the left side spit oil as it ran. Well last fall while riding at excessive speeds on the highway my left cylinder died. A few weeks...

I got this XS1 in pieces about 2 years ago . I had it partially restored , and since I have enough bikes to wrench on I let this go . I thought the engine was good . Although it had a rough start . I just had to know if it would run . My gut told me it was a good runner . I'm currently...

I installed a new battery in my 1978 XS 650. I turned the key and had no lights or horn. I heard from a neighbor that it could be the fuse, so I replaced the fuses with 10 amp fuses. Still no electric. I checked the manual. The manual reads the XS 650 uses 15 amp fuses. What else should I...

Hi Guys I just wanted to say Hi and share with you some pic's of my recent purchase on eBay UK. Please check out my album. I Believe its a XS1B650. I wont be collecting it for another 3 weeks as its in the North of England and I'm in the south, Some 700 mile round trip. I Have bought this...

Seems MikesXS and XS650Direct have an agreement that doesn't allow MikesXS sell or ship to Canada. Is there any other distributors up here that has the parts for these old girls? XS650Direct only stocks a small selection of what is available through MikesXS and for sometime now a lot of the...

I have a new battery coming in. I've cleaned the tank and changed the oil. I've also cleaned the carburetors. My bike is a very neglected 1978 XS 650 Special. Is there anything else I should do before I try to start her? I've read other people check points and other things. I just want to get...

Just finished my restoration after 6 months, insured and registered so I took it for a test ride in my neighborhood. My helmet gets shipped later next week but I just couldn't help myself from a test ride without a helmet. After about 10 minutes I noticed the rear wheel making an unusual noise...

Picked up this 75 XS650 for $300 that had been sitting for 20 years. Complete bike a little rough on the cosmetics but only 10K miles. Tank is a bit battered but completely rust free inside. Put in some fresh oil, cleaned and set the points and plugs, carbs not gunked up so I just pulled the...

Hi there . just about to fit my starter motor to the casing and cannot find which way round the outer oil seal goes ? (between the starter body and the engine casing Haynes manual completely omits the starter motor from the engine assembly sequence because it was basically written for the...

First off let me say that I am by no means a chemist. If I had a chemistry class in High School, I don't remember any of it. This is a summary of what I've read. Electroplating occurs in an electrolytic substance of free ions which are the carriers of electric current. Here this is, Epsom...

Long time lurker, first time poster. After mashing the refresh button on Craigslist for 2 years, I'm happy to say I'm the proud owner of an overpaid XS650. I probably spent $200 more than I should of but after looking for a decent one for 2 years and traveling 4 counties to get it, well I...