What have you done to your XS today?

[TwoManyXS1Bs]

... One thing I noticed as I was putting stuff together was a ground wire off the condenser to the upper motor to frame mount. That made absolutely no sense to me since it was already bolted to the motor mount but that’s how it was when I tore it down so I put it back. I think it’s PO bullshit and not needed...

Follow 5twins' posts.
http://www.xs650.com/threads/where-does-this-wire-go.18451/
http://www.xs650.com/threads/ground-from-condenser-to.34910/

 

[Gator xs2]

I found a better picture of this wire during the tear down. This is how the PO had it set up. Does this look correct to you guys? Thanks.

 

[GLJ]

Gator
If this is the negative cable going to the battery you may want to consider moving it to the engine case. I believe the case is where the cable was when they were new. It's a better place. Starter current doesn't have to flow through as many connections.

 

[Gator xs2]

Thanks G. I’ll do it. That makes more sense

 

[G_YamTech_314]

Lots going on in the new garage! Poppa got a new toy!!! Craftsman jack I got from my newly met neighbors. They no longer have bikes, but just so happened to keep ahold of this bike jack!

Any tips on using one of these bad boys??

 

[tzimmerm]

Ok, I just did a few quick tests. I don’t fully understand the step by step instructions in the charging system guide, so I tried to do what I did understand with the bike assembled. Here is what I tested-
Idle- 12.82-13.05
Idle w/brights-12.50
Give it throttle-up to 15.00
Bike off/just battery-12.74
The slip rings look dirty and I’ve put over 5k on the bike since I bought it, and almost every single part I have replaced was original, so I think no matter what it wouldn't hurt to replace the brushes and clean up the slip rings. Is there any brand I should avoid? Are Mike’s brushes good quality? TC Bros has a set as well. Any advice is appreciated.

 

[Mailman]

Lots going on in the new garage! Poppa got a new toy!!! Craftsman jack I got from my newly met neighbors. They no longer have bikes, but just so happened to keep ahold of this bike jack!

Any tips on using one of these bad boys??

Yes! Go to Harbor Freight and buy yourself 4 inexpensive tie down ratcheting straps. And use them! They're a bit of a pain to drag out and use but I nearly twisted my bike off of one like that, because I was praying hard on something. Take it from a guy that has managed to knock his bike over ( multiple ) times!

 

[MaxPete]

We were all praying while you were prying Bob....

 

[lakeview]

For sure on the tie downs.
I actually used one of those to lift up the Road Glide I had at the time. Was stable enough to spin it 180.
The hydraulic pump will go first. Using the safety bar if you leave the bike in the air and taking the weight off the cylinder seals may extend its service life.

 

[tzimmerm]

Took the bike for a quick spin because I needed a release. Packing up my girlfriends apartment and working OT the last couple weeks. On the ride my original speedo started working properly. Fingers crossed that it lasts. The tach is still slow to respond. Not sure what that’s about. I really like the green faces and illumination. Now I once again have a matching Tach and speedo.

 

[MaxPete]

Good for you TZ - it’s always nice when equipment that has been a problem settles down again.

 

[Gator xs2]

After work today I managed to get the coils,points, and condenser wired up.(Thanks for the pics Bob). Also put the horn on. And...got my carbs and airboxes put together and mounted.

 

[GLJ]

View attachment 146438 View attachment 146437 After work today I managed to get the coils,points, and condenser wired up.(Thanks for the pics Bob). Also put the horn on. And...got my carbs and airboxes put together and mounted.

Strange angle for your breather hoses.

 

[Mailman]

View attachment 146438 View attachment 146437 After work today I managed to get the coils,points, and condenser wired up.(Thanks for the pics Bob). Also put the horn on. And...got my carbs and airboxes put together and mounted.

Boy! You’re movin fast, won’t be long now!

 

[Gator xs2]

That breather pipe does look a little odd. Maybe I need to pull it down some. Hmm. Thanks G. I did drop into the center of the frame and aim for the chain.

 

[Gator xs2]

Just out of curiosity, was the Yamaha logo on the case covers always painted black? I ask because some of the early Honda’s weren’t. Thanks.

 

[member28833]

Gator are you running NGK B8ES plugs for a reason? Try a BP7ES or BP8ES ? (saw your pic) P is for Projected tip and is the plug called for.
Check your manual or ?

 

[Gator xs2]

I was surprised to see brand new B8s in the head. Roland must have put them in.

 

[GLJ]

B8ES is what originally came in 70-73 models. It's what I always used. Actually what is in my 72 now.

 

[Mailman]

Well today I borrowed Mr. Bultacos bike and took er out for a little test ride!

Well, OK.....that’s not his beautiful bike, that it’s country cousin, my bike. The last time I had it out I discovered that my brand new petcocks leaked and spewed gas all over the underside of my tank and streaked gas down the side of my left side cover!

So I drained the tank, disassembled the petcocks and glued them back together with Hylomar. I also cleaned up the petcock mounting plate and applied epoxy around it to seal the painted edges. That was over a week ago and this is the first time , I’ve had it out to see what’s what. So I headed out to the desert West of my house and gave it a good 40 mile run. Gotta keep the carbs flowing and the seals sealing.

I’m happy to report, she’s now tight as a drum, no more leaking petcocks! Now if I could just get my bike looking as sharp as Mr. Bultacos!