I searched some threads on cam chain guides and found some information suggesting that guides for "early" (70 to 73?) bikes are different, possibly due to clearance issues. Online parts sellers like Partzilla, CMSL, and Mike's indicate one guide for all years (not that I trust these sources 100%). However, the parts list I downloaded off biker.net indicates a different guide for just the XS1. Curious what is correct, and if there is a difference, what is the difference?
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Early Cam Chain Guide
- Thread starter NP2650
- Start date
The early XS1 guide was flat... no curve in it. As far as compatibility between the two styles, I don't really know.
Iirc, @Mailman either has or did have an early flat guide in his hands. Maybe he knows the answer?
I’m not sure if this is what you’re referring to….but Steve asked me to photograph my XS2 chain guide when I had my motor apart. Here is the photo album,
https://www.xs650.com/media/a2933c12-f517-4605-bf35-f7a803044a44.27408/
That's the tensioner Bob. Thought it was you that had an old style guide. Maybe just my faulty memory... 
This part manual lists 256-12231-00-00 for the XS1, and 256-12231-01-00 for the XS1b, XS2, and TX650. 256-12231-01-00 is also the number for all later models. The "01" digits indicate a modification of the original part, which suggests some change was made. It's possible the change was small enough to allow the modified part to fit all years including the XS1(?)
Interesting…
We’ve seen a lot of xs2 and tx here, no real mentions of the guide being different.
Would lead to believe they interchange?
I was scoping csml when looking at numbers. They are usually pretty good at referencing superseding parts but seems not in this case.
We’ve seen a lot of xs2 and tx here, no real mentions of the guide being different.
Would lead to believe they interchange?
I was scoping csml when looking at numbers. They are usually pretty good at referencing superseding parts but seems not in this case.
My guess is the newer one will work in both engines... 256 and 447.
