Gearing up for another cross country trip

[diab]

I'm planning for another cross country trip on my XS and am coming into some money to do things on my bike I haven't had a chance to get around to. I ride a 1980 XS650 Special and had a few questions. First, I want to put a PMA on my bike. Does the kit from Hugh's Handbuilt have everything I need to do the swap? If not, what else would I need to do. Also, how many miles do you think i can go without getting first oversized pistons. I'm sitting at 23,000 at the moment and expect to start my trip with around 25,000. I want to make sure it will make it to 35,000 miles without many problems. Do I need to be concerned about the wear on the cylinder at this point? Any other modifications I should consider before a ~10,000 mile trip? Thanks all.

 

[weekendrider]

I hope you are planning a southern route.?
Sounds like a fun way to pass the winter and wish I could go.
Sorry no advice for your trip other than take a connected piece of hardware so you can give a shout out if problems arise.

 

[CDNTX650]

Thats a pretty vague question. Cant judge engine wear without tear down, unless you have visual signs like oil burning or filings in your oil or it has low compression numbers.

 

[diab]

What should the compression look like? I'd rather test that then open up the engine again.

 

[CDNTX650]

Id say 130 to 150, 130 is a bit low, but as long as both sides look the same.

 

[diab]

Thanks. I'll check it this weekend. Can anyone tell me more about the PMA kit?

 

[jamesgs4]

you will have to upgrade your ignition system if you go PMA, as it does away with the stock pick up coil and trigger. the Pamco is a great system, and I have heard good things about the new electronic advance kit that you can get with it.

 

[diab]

Would this be what I need to install along with a PMA? http://www.mikesxs.net/product/14-0902.html

 

[OakBehringer]

Would this be what I need to install along with a PMA? http://www.mikesxs.net/product/14-0902.html

Yes- the only problem with that kit is the advance rod. Some people are having problems with them binding. Find a used original if you can. The swap is easy.

Regarding the HHB PMA, I just did the swap on an 81. I have a few minor issues with the product, but overall I am VERY happy with it. I'm planning on writing a review after I get some more miles on it. The swap is very easy. The only problem you may have with a bike you want to keep stock looking is that the reg/rec did NOT bolt into the stock location on mine (even though he promises that it will on his website). The holes were about a 1/4"~1/2" off. I relocated it to the bottom of my electronics box--my bike isn't stock so this wasn't a big deal for me.

Cheers,
Adam

 

[diab]

How are they binding? Is it something that can be fixed with the mikes rod? I'm always a bit skeptical buying used parts.

 

[OakBehringer]

How are they binding? Is it something that can be fixed with the mikes rod? I'm always a bit skeptical buying used parts.

Search the forum, I can't remember. That's a solid piece of metal that barely moves - not something to worry about buying used. OEM will be better than Mikes!