There you go! Much better now! 
-
Enjoy XS650.com? Consider making a donation to help support the site.
XS650.com receives a small share of sales from some links on this page, but direct donations have a much greater impact on keeping this site going.
Jim's 1980 SG Miss September
- Thread starter Jim
- Start date
Thanks Bob! Not sure how the neighbors will take it, but I'll let it be for now until I can make some new end caps. Puttered around the 'hood for a bit and they definitely turn heads. 
The factory chrome was pretty good. My aftermarket pipes and mufflers seem a little less durable. My shoe has put scratches at the side and centerstand locations. I am not complaining here, the pieces were not expensive.I’m always amazed at how well chrome exhausts can clean up.
Aa bit dusty and grimy, but I do prefer the look of the factory pipes.
Nice snort!
Those dilled mufflers will probably affect the carbs and jetting. I know they did on my '83. I thought it was all stock but upon closer inspection, I discovered the P.O. had drilled extra holes in the muffler end caps .....
This made the already factory lean BS34s even leaner, so I upped the mains one size (which I would have done anyway) and reduced the air jets 2 sizes. That made things all good again, lol.
This made the already factory lean BS34s even leaner, so I upped the mains one size (which I would have done anyway) and reduced the air jets 2 sizes. That made things all good again, lol.
Yeah, I think you're right. I'm already up one on the mains and pilots iirc, so I'll wait until I make new end caps and put some miles on her, then see where I'm at.
Think I'm gonna drill about 3-4 holes in the new caps and weld nuts on the inside. That way I can '' tune'' the sound. Once that's done I'll revisit the mixtures.
Think I'm gonna drill about 3-4 holes in the new caps and weld nuts on the inside. That way I can '' tune'' the sound. Once that's done I'll revisit the mixtures.
Well, if you're already up on the jets, you should be good. I thought you might still have the stock jetting. I didn't find the need for a larger pilot, just reducing the air jets was enough. The air jets are a cool fine tuning aid on the BS34s that many aren't aware of.
Thanks. Took it for another spin just before dark... the sound is growing on me. The volume that is.
Yes, the added holes in my baffle plates made it louder, but also very raspy. I didn't like it. I'd look into some real Commandos from YamahaXS650.com, they're the best. Get the 1.5" inlet ones so you don't need adapters.
My ‘81 looks like that. Fewer holes, but that’s it. I’m not going to fix it. My next door neighbor has a giant Peterbilt tow truck. He’ll always take any attention off of me.
Sounds great Jim!
Guess I should be flogged.... poor ol' girl ain't had a proper bath since the resto. There, nice and clean now.
Also pulled the sidestand off and stuck it in the orange beast.... took the factory(?) bend out of it. Now she sits about like she's supposed to. I'd already welded about 3/8" worth of plate to the bottom, which helped. But it still leaned a bit too far for my liking, so now it looks and feels about right.
The tires are well past their use by date.... 2014. Wasn't too concerned about it until this spring, but the front was noticeably harder than it should be. The rear still feels pretty soft, but it's got the same DOM, so I'm thinkin' I'll just order one for the rear and be done with it.
Anyway... new Dunlop 404 on the front.
After the cleanup, shot some grease in all the zerks, cleaned lubed and adjusted the chain.... all part of the annual.
Still need to fiddle with the throttle cable. If you turn the front end all the way to the right it pulls on the cable and gives the engine an extra thousand or so revs.
Not sure if I pointed this out before, but a 2X4 and scissor jack do a fair job of lifting the front end for tire changes and such. The back (aft) of the 2X4 is notched so it clears the centerstand spring and rests on the centerstand cross tube. Holes are drilled where the oil drain plug and two of the case studs protrude from the bottom of the engine. The front of it is notched and two screws to hold the jack captive... works a treat. I keep tellin' myself I need to make a proper one out of hardwood, but I'm still using this one made from knotty pine. One of these days...
Also pulled the sidestand off and stuck it in the orange beast.... took the factory(?) bend out of it. Now she sits about like she's supposed to. I'd already welded about 3/8" worth of plate to the bottom, which helped. But it still leaned a bit too far for my liking, so now it looks and feels about right.
The tires are well past their use by date.... 2014. Wasn't too concerned about it until this spring, but the front was noticeably harder than it should be. The rear still feels pretty soft, but it's got the same DOM, so I'm thinkin' I'll just order one for the rear and be done with it.
Anyway... new Dunlop 404 on the front.
After the cleanup, shot some grease in all the zerks, cleaned lubed and adjusted the chain.... all part of the annual.
Still need to fiddle with the throttle cable. If you turn the front end all the way to the right it pulls on the cable and gives the engine an extra thousand or so revs.
Not sure if I pointed this out before, but a 2X4 and scissor jack do a fair job of lifting the front end for tire changes and such. The back (aft) of the 2X4 is notched so it clears the centerstand spring and rests on the centerstand cross tube. Holes are drilled where the oil drain plug and two of the case studs protrude from the bottom of the engine. The front of it is notched and two screws to hold the jack captive... works a treat. I keep tellin' myself I need to make a proper one out of hardwood, but I'm still using this one made from knotty pine. One of these days...
Jim the bike looks great. 
Any chance you could add some dimensions to your 2x4? That’s a slick set up and I wouldnt mind making one up. Dimensions would help lazy ole me. Thx!
Any chance you could add some dimensions to your 2x4? That’s a slick set up and I wouldnt mind making one up. Dimensions would help lazy ole me. Thx!
Sure Vic. Gimmie a day or two.... and a reminder if I forget.
Yeah, should be.
Similar threads
