1978 Xs650SE Barn Find

Also are you able to clean the stator or should I leave it as is?
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You may source this from your favorite auto parts store. It is appropriate for cleaning your stator.
 
Good afternoon,

Hope everyone is doing well. My rotor puller came so I got the used rotor on and put everything back together. Good news the battery is now charging, but it seems like when I get 1 thing figured out another issue arises. The battery is overcharging. When rev'd to 3k voltage across terminals is 15.3 to 15.6. I ran out of time to do anymore testing, but am I correct in thinking my regulator is in need of replacing?

Tim
 
Well, not necessarily. If you still have the original mechanical regulator .....

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..... it may just need to be adjusted. Maybe someone in the past turned it up to compensate for low charging output, maybe due to the brushes wearing short. Here's how to adjust it .....

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I'd try this first to make sure it is the issue. But do consider upgrading to an automotive VR115 regulator in the future. Even though the old mechanical regulator is a real tank, it's output is very erratic and bounces all over the place. I feel that puts more stress and strain on the rotor, forcing it to ramp up and down more than is necessary. As you've discovered, the rotor is a big ticket item, rewinds running about $100. If you can prolong it's life by spending around $20 on an upgraded regulator, I think that's a no-brainer.
 
Thanks 5twins! I do have original mech regulator. I have Saturday off from work so I will be spending time in garage to make sure bike is all ready. I planned on going for a ride this Saturday, but weather is not turning out. Id rather have the bike fully operational than it failing while far from home.

Tim
 
Id rather have the bike fully operational than it failing while far from home.
Sure do hear that. Carry tools and spark plugs.
A guy just cannot leave an XS650 on the side of the road these days. For the first time I've added "road side assistance" to the insurance policy and it is cheap! (Tow)
Hopefully never to be needed.
 
For the first time I've added "road side assistance" to the insurance policy and it is cheap! (Tow)

Yeah, you have to take into account the X factor, here the bike was running great, but that didn’t stop my rear tire from picking up a screw and going flat. :( Luckily I have towing included in my insurance.
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Yeah, you have to take into account the X factor, here the bike was running great, but that didn’t stop my rear tire from picking up a screw and going flat. :( Luckily I have towing included in my insurance.
View attachment 190756
I've never had to call a tow. So generally speaking how does that work, do you pay the tow and get reimbursed, or just give the tow your insurance policy number?
 
I've never had to call a tow. So generally speaking how does that work, do you pay the tow and get reimbursed, or just give the tow your insurance policy number?

In my case, I called my 24 hr phone number on my insurance and told them where I was, they said sit tight we’ll call you back in 5 minutes. They called me back and told me they had called for a towing service in my area and they were on the way, the payment was made by the insurance company. I just waited for the ride. The one wrinkle was the towing company called me when they were on the way and said due to Covid I couldn’t ride in the cab with the tow truck driver. I had to figure out my own ride home! Fortunately I wasn’t a hundred miles from home and my wife arrived about the same time as the tow truck to pick me up.
 
As info
A few years ago I had problems with the mechanical regulator and was trying to adjust it
I tested more than one
And had to give up ... I adjusted .. but i could not mange to keep it down on warm days and Highway runs
I installed a voltmeter so I could read the Voltage . It was OK at times but then sometimes it was Off.
I now have some Chinese rectifier and a Bosch type regulator
I kept the mechanical on the bike disconnected a while should the electronic die
To get home.
 
Good afternoon everyone!

First off I want to thank everyone for the input and support thus far on my XS project. I can't believe it has been nearly a year since I got it.

I got everything back together and adjusted the voltage regulator and now I am seeing around 14.4v at 3k rpm.

I plan to ride it to church tomorrow and put some miles on it. Future plans are to ride it and save up to do some upgrades/mods.

Thank you all again!

Tim
 
Well congrats. Yes, there are so many inexpensive little mods and improvements you can do to these bikes to make them better. Since you've got it charging OK now, the VR115 automotive regulator isn't a pressing upgrade. That means you can take your time and shop for a deal on one off eBay. You can buy them new at the auto parts store for around $30 but will often find them on eBay for like half that. I bought a couple already for like $10 to $15.
 
Hello everyone,

Hope everyone had a good weekend!

I put 50 miles on the bike today. It ran great. I am going to lubricate the throttle and clutch cables and definitely need to re-torque the head as I was getting some more oil seepage once bike was warm. I did get caught in the rain on my way back home. Was a bit chilly with the temp in the low 40s, but otherwise was an enjoyable ride.

What do you guys use for rain gear?

Tim
 
Rain gear
I once worked Construction and then there rain gear of that type was used
https://billiga-arbetsklader.se/oce...MIhsjp2N--8AIVZUiRBR152Q_5EAQYAiABEgJynPD_BwE

I believe the one I have was a type used by fishermen without hood and has lasted since the 70 ies
If you don't go for the thinnest cheapest ones ,,
Those work well -- if you search for one that is tight around the neck and size is large enough to pull over , what other clothes you have
Also check that there is overlap at the front. The windspeed from riding will then push it together .reducing leak in .

If you are on a Camping trip gets pinned down 3 days in Rainstorm or so ..those are also usable.
Cheap --working --- and have multiple Use.
There are covers for the feet which is a good thing ..but I don't know where to find them over the boots.
I believe mine was for sailing originally. With 2 strings at 2 places to strap them on
One high and one low.
Cant be to short .. .But there should be better things these days.
I slipped on the kick starter once with those not good..
 
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