lopejd01
XS650 Enthusiast
Hi guys, just bought my first xs650 last week. This is my first bike and I am a new rider. Really enjoy the look of this 650 and I thought it would be fun to do some work on as I learn to ride it. But..I need a little advice on getting it road ready. I've looked around and done some research but without alot of knowledge on motorcycles, I need some professional help. I would appreciate anyone's two cents.
Context- This is a 77 xs650 standard and I'm looking to (eventually) give it a cafe racer look.
Advice:
It needs turn signals (im in indiana). It has no electrical equipment on it right now. The guy I bought it from put a headlight on it and I believe it also has the factory switch (on the right handlebar). I dont think this switch controls the signals though? It has no left switch (which I am to believe is where the signal switch is supposed to go).
It also has to speedometer. There is a mess of wires in the front that have been tapped together and I have not yet messed with them to examine what I believe they are for.
So the question is------Where do I buy the signal switch and how to I wire the signals??? I'm planning to use some very small led lights for the signals so they stay as hidden as possible..but How do I wire them and where do I find this switch??
Questions #2
I need a speedometer. My understanding is that all late model speedos will work. Are there other options? aftermarket ones not made by yamaha? All the ones I find on ebay are pretty beatup and NOS are like 150$ additionally- I know I need the cable to attach it to the front wheel but alot of the speedos I see also have a set of wires running from them, what are these for? to light up the speedo?
Question #3
I need new tires. Pretty sure the rims are stock. Any advice on tires? again-looking for a sweet cafe look. Looking for a nice place between look and price.
Question #4
Less important right now but still curious. I want to lower the bike (The picture of the bike on the truck shows it to be about where I would want it, the straps are pulling it down). I understand that honda rebel rear coils will lower it to about there by simply bolting them on. BUT the forks? I came across a user selling lowering kits on here. Not sure how to use them though. any advice on lowering the front end? Not a welder so an easy way would be great.
finally! Last Questions:
Bike ran good all week till the other day. Now it wont idle. Sounds funny and you have to give it gas to stay running. Guy I got it from said it was in need of larger jets in the carbs because it was backfiring a litte but would still run fine, and like I said, ran good all week. Don't know what happened. I was probably ridding it high in first gear alot- could have done something? I have a feeling the problem is in the carbs but not sure what to do. Called him for his advice and he said it might be a worn out gasket.
Again, any advice, and/or links to pages or videos, on any of these issues would be great.
Thanks!
Context- This is a 77 xs650 standard and I'm looking to (eventually) give it a cafe racer look.
Advice:
It needs turn signals (im in indiana). It has no electrical equipment on it right now. The guy I bought it from put a headlight on it and I believe it also has the factory switch (on the right handlebar). I dont think this switch controls the signals though? It has no left switch (which I am to believe is where the signal switch is supposed to go).
It also has to speedometer. There is a mess of wires in the front that have been tapped together and I have not yet messed with them to examine what I believe they are for.
So the question is------Where do I buy the signal switch and how to I wire the signals??? I'm planning to use some very small led lights for the signals so they stay as hidden as possible..but How do I wire them and where do I find this switch??
Questions #2
I need a speedometer. My understanding is that all late model speedos will work. Are there other options? aftermarket ones not made by yamaha? All the ones I find on ebay are pretty beatup and NOS are like 150$ additionally- I know I need the cable to attach it to the front wheel but alot of the speedos I see also have a set of wires running from them, what are these for? to light up the speedo?
Question #3
I need new tires. Pretty sure the rims are stock. Any advice on tires? again-looking for a sweet cafe look. Looking for a nice place between look and price.
Question #4
Less important right now but still curious. I want to lower the bike (The picture of the bike on the truck shows it to be about where I would want it, the straps are pulling it down). I understand that honda rebel rear coils will lower it to about there by simply bolting them on. BUT the forks? I came across a user selling lowering kits on here. Not sure how to use them though. any advice on lowering the front end? Not a welder so an easy way would be great.
finally! Last Questions:
Bike ran good all week till the other day. Now it wont idle. Sounds funny and you have to give it gas to stay running. Guy I got it from said it was in need of larger jets in the carbs because it was backfiring a litte but would still run fine, and like I said, ran good all week. Don't know what happened. I was probably ridding it high in first gear alot- could have done something? I have a feeling the problem is in the carbs but not sure what to do. Called him for his advice and he said it might be a worn out gasket.
Again, any advice, and/or links to pages or videos, on any of these issues would be great.
Thanks!