Talk me out of selling my bike

[sparklow]

OK I've got a 1995 XV750 Virago, and it is better for the highway than my XS650 but it's not as much fun to ride.

 

[650Skull]

You should play around with the gearing try the 17/32 and you don't have to change the chain as the standard size chain will fit that gearing. I am not advocating it as a permanent solution as the chain and sprockets should be changed at the same time. Just buy the rear sprocket or get a VG second hand one to try, Do one thing at a time then try another, sprockets first then maybe retarding the advance. A well timed and tuned bike will often have less vibration and as previously mentioned good grips and some weights in the bars, although the last 2 things wont help the highway speeds.

 

[bloodthirstysystem]

get a cheap crotch rocket for the highway

 

[Travis]

I synched my carbs and my bike is eleventy billion percent better

 

[Crab_Cake]

I synched my carbs and my bike is eleventy billion percent better

Someone was actually supposed to look at my bike tomorrow. I called him and told him it wasn't for sale anymore.

 

[ReycleBill]

Can any of you recommend specific bar end weights-- which ones you liked and which ones you didn't like.

I'm thinking of making my own-- from lead. Any thoughts?

 

[buffaloborn]

Yep, they need to be comfortable. I took the buckhorn bars off a nice special I bought a couple of weeks ago.Replaced them with some solid aluminum MX bars I've had for 35 years. It makes it into a different bike. I went for a long ride with the wife yesterday and it felt just like a friend's Bonneville Scrambler. I've never had a completely stock xs-I may leave it for a while as I have four or five more to work on.

To the original poster, it doesn't sound like the xs is the bike for you. Maybe something more modern. I LOVE my ZRX Kawasaki, too-no need to tinker, and fast and smooth.

John

+1000000000000000

I took the buckhorns off of my bike, threw on some euro bars from JC whitney, and changed the tires and it feels like a brand new bike. I was and am so shocked at the change in quality of the ride. I feel like if you give up on the XS, you'll regret it down the line. Give it a chance. Unless you are certain on getting something else that just calls to you.

 

[crush1776]

If you love your XS and can invest some dough, why not a rephase and a big bore? Otherwise I think you need a big cushy cruiser

 

[twinsarehot]

Someone was actually supposed to look at my bike tomorrow. I called him and told him it wasn't for sale anymore.

this touched a special part of me.

Posted via Mobile

 

[whynot2]

I am going through the same thing. I want a new bike, a middle weight. I have two 650's a FJ1200 and a Venture. I'm thinking of selling the FJ and the '81 H to make room and get down to three bikes, the Venture the 1980 SG and "the new bike". A more manageable number for a one car garage. A guy was interested in the FJ so I gave him my number. I was riding up the road and thought," Oh shit what do I do if he calls?". I just could not sell the FJ, nor as it turns out the blue 650. I decided, if he calls, to tell him my girlfriend won't let me sell it.
I run the 17-32, bar snake and Manic Salamander bar end weights, and I stay off the highway with everything except the Venture. It was made for the highway.
Good luck and get a second bike for the highway.
Whynot2

 

[DirtyErnie]

Don't sell your bike. <-- did it work?

 

[whynot2]

Did it work?
The bar end weights and bar snake worked very well.
Whynot2

 

[XSLeo]

As mentioned proper tuning and carb sync go along way to reducing vibes.
Different handle bars help.
Using Dyna Beads for wheel balance smoothes things out.
Different grips.
!7/32 or 17/30 gears.
I have had several people say my bike is the smoothest XS650 they have seen. One guy could hardly belive it was running. Quiet and smooth.
Try a few things, it can be smoother.
Leo