Saying hi, my bike, etc

[Skookum]

Hi guys,

Thanks for the catalog of info re: carb syncing on this site. Really helpful, wanted to say thank you. Running well!

The bike is a ‘79 XS650 Special that I purchased from a relative after it had been sitting for many years. The horrible clanking noise causing the out-of-service was an easy fix…timing chain adjustment. I rebuilt, synced the carbs + addressed general maintenance issues. Runs great! Lots of fun.

Over the course of this summer I changed the cosmetics more to preference — slightly lower handlebars, standard seat, respray, different rear lamp configuration, LED front and rear turn signals. Little changes but a fun project.

Been having fun with it. Ridden 500+ miles in a month.

BEFORE:


AFTER:

 

[RustiePyles]

Welcome! Good looking Special!

 

[timbeck]

Also welcome aboard Skookum, great looking machine........

tim

 

[ThatXS650Guy]

Very clean and tastefully done. Welcome aboard.

 

[member28833]

Over the course of this summer I changed the cosmetics more to preference — slightly lower handlebars, standard seat,

Nice work on those looks ! And I'll bet that standard seat feels sporty.
Washington State sure has nice roads to run on eh?
-R

 

[Rhy650]

Welcome to the site. Great looking bike!

 

[X77S]

Welcome! Wish mine was like that when I got ahold of it.

 

[Mailman]

Very nice mods you did! I’m liking the black and white paint job, very tidy! Welcome aboard!

 

[Skookum]

Thanks all for the nice welcomes!

Anyone know of good quality mufflers that are QUIET (or quiet-er) that would look okay on this bike? If these mufflers are stock they're really blown out and don't sound wonderful...

 

[5twins]

This is about the best muffler available .....

https://yamahaxs650.com/product/commando-style-megaphone-muffler/

It performs well, looks and sounds great .....

 

[fredintoon]

Hi guys,

Thanks for the catalog of info re: carb syncing on this site. Really helpful, wanted to say thank you. Running well!

The bike is a ‘79 XS650 Special that I purchased from a relative after it had been sitting for many years. The horrible clanking noise causing the out-of-service was an easy fix…timing chain adjustment. I rebuilt, synced the carbs + addressed general maintenance issues. Runs great! Lots of fun.

Over the course of this summer I changed the cosmetics more to preference — slightly lower handlebars, standard seat, respray, different rear lamp configuration, LED front and rear turn signals. Little changes but a fun project.

Been having fun with it. Ridden 500+ miles in a month.

BEFORE:
View attachment 194510

AFTER:
View attachment 194514
View attachment 194513

Hi Skookum and welcome,
Nice looking bike.& has the same changes as I'd do.
I'd also add the left-side front brake disk & caliper that the stock lever's piston is sized for
OR
Stay with the single disk and swap to a front brake lever with a smaller diameter piston.
Whichever option you choose, drill the brake disks full of holes & swap the fabric brake hoses for stainless.

 

[650Skull]

Those mufflers look like the Dunstall wide mouth exhaust. Look at the rear and if they have 3 bolts that can be removed the baffle slides out. These get wrapped with exhaust glass wrapping.

 

[maico996]

Skookum, where in WA are you located?

 

[Skookum]

Maico996 -- I'm located in the north sound. You?

650Skull, thanks for the tip. I pulled one of the baffles and the glass wrapping is shot. I'll repack them.

 

[ThatXS650Guy]

Maico996 -- I'm located in the north sound. You?

650Skull, thanks for the tip. I pulled one of the baffles and the glass wrapping is shot. I'll repack them.

View attachment 194536

More on that beauty in the background please

 

[maico996]

Maico996 -- I'm located in the north sound. You?

Currently in Puyallup but relocating to Renton while my fiancé and I try to find a house together.

 

[Boog]

Hello @Skookum and welcome from Virginia.

 

[Skookum]

The muffler repacking worked! Sounds much nicer. Thanks for the advice, 650skull.

 

[Skookum]

ThatXS650guy — the other car in the background is a ‘59 Austin Healey Sprite project I put together during covid.

 

[Jim]

ThatXS650guy — the other car in the background is a ‘59 Austin Healey Sprite project I put together during covid.

View attachment 194597View attachment 194598

A Bug Eye! Had one ages ago when I lived in England. A bit of a slug, but loads of fun.