patentgeek
XS650 Addict
I bought a very crusty 1970 XS1 a couple of weeks ago and am planning to build it up as a street tracker for my girlfriend, who has several vintage 1960's Hondas. A few questions/comments:
Engine:
The engine is currently stuck and will need to be gone through. I'll probably run an MZB / Powerdynamo ignition system as I've had very good results with them on other bikes. I might try a single carb conversion as well.
I've sourced a compression release and am planning to use a post-72 head to make kick starting easier. Will my XS1 cam and rockers swap over to a post-72 head and rocker box, substituting a post-72 rocker arm for the compression release?
When rebuilding vintage engines, I prefer to use low compression pistons to account for > 100F summer riding temperatures and lower octane modern fuels. Does anyone know of a source for low (8:1 to 8.5:1) compression pistons? I've read about lowering compression by doubling up head gaskets, but I'd rather find appropriate pistons if available.
Recommendations for a reputable engine rebuild shop would be appreciated.
Suspension
The original fork is pretty rusty, but I have an NOS Red Wing fork that should swap into the stock 34mm triples. Or alternatively, I could install a later 35mm triple-clamp (swapping the steerer tube from current triple clamp) and use a set of Ceriani GP forks I have lying on a shelf.
Tapered steering bearings and new swingarm bushings will be installed as a matter of course.
I've read some comments that say very early bikes had "significant" handling issues compared to later bikes. Any thoughts on that, and if true, recommendations for improving handling?
Brakes
I might substitute a 4LS Suzuki GT750 front brake I have lying around for the original 2LS, but the Water Buffalo hub is really heavy. I'm not really interested in upgrading to a modern disk brake setup.
Engine:
The engine is currently stuck and will need to be gone through. I'll probably run an MZB / Powerdynamo ignition system as I've had very good results with them on other bikes. I might try a single carb conversion as well.
I've sourced a compression release and am planning to use a post-72 head to make kick starting easier. Will my XS1 cam and rockers swap over to a post-72 head and rocker box, substituting a post-72 rocker arm for the compression release?
When rebuilding vintage engines, I prefer to use low compression pistons to account for > 100F summer riding temperatures and lower octane modern fuels. Does anyone know of a source for low (8:1 to 8.5:1) compression pistons? I've read about lowering compression by doubling up head gaskets, but I'd rather find appropriate pistons if available.
Recommendations for a reputable engine rebuild shop would be appreciated.
Suspension
The original fork is pretty rusty, but I have an NOS Red Wing fork that should swap into the stock 34mm triples. Or alternatively, I could install a later 35mm triple-clamp (swapping the steerer tube from current triple clamp) and use a set of Ceriani GP forks I have lying on a shelf.
Tapered steering bearings and new swingarm bushings will be installed as a matter of course.
I've read some comments that say very early bikes had "significant" handling issues compared to later bikes. Any thoughts on that, and if true, recommendations for improving handling?
Brakes
I might substitute a 4LS Suzuki GT750 front brake I have lying around for the original 2LS, but the Water Buffalo hub is really heavy. I'm not really interested in upgrading to a modern disk brake setup.
