XS OBSESSION, CALENDAR GIRLS.
What is it about these XS650 bikes; I have become obsessed with the thing.
More so than any other bike or build I have had or done in the past; including some really nice Honda's and even a brief fling with a Ducati.
Maybe it's that I have turned 60 recently, and age refocuses your thought processes and desires to a more practical level, and on to whats gratifyingly achievable. Whatever the magic is I have never been so happy twiddling the spanners and looking towards the day I could ride it. Another element in the enjoyment is being part of the XS650.com family; the support and humor here is wonderful.
Anyway back to the bike.
It seems many of the members here like what they have seen with my bike. Enough to get voted into the calendar for next year; every bike on that list was worthy of garage space in my opinion. All of them could easily grace the pages of a magazine, each with their own merit. I am very grateful of the votes my bike was attributed and thank each one of you that supported me; I am sure like me you wanted to give them all your vote.
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I am pleased to say I finally have the bike in a safe and roadworthy condition now.
A couple of hours polishing it yesterday and I was off for my maiden ride. A shake down run was planned maybe 20-30 miles round trip.
Sun was shining camera primed, in case of calendar photo opportunities, choke out and fire...... Perfect start up, warm up to a reliable idle.
All was well with the world; so I togged up into leather jacket, helmet & gloves (I never ride in a T-Shirt & Flip-Flops!) and excitedly yet nervously wheeled her to the road. Climbed aboard, a bit of revs and away....... clutch in, second gear, and a solid nothing! Back to first try again and ....nothing. No ride today then.
Back to the Bat-Cave to investigate.
When I had reassembled the rear-sets I had re-positioned the foot pegs to suit my own anatomy. I had not realised the actuation rod from the lever was conflicting with the mounting plates. A stupid oversight on my part. More spanner work and the issue was resolved without too much trouble.
A re-adjustment of position and a few temporary shims sorted that.
(Need to get some spacers made. And shorten the connecting rod to lift the lever to a more comfortable, less exposed, position).
The conflict area is shown below:
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Back on the bike for a re-run. All was well with the bike this time and gears were selecting perfectly.
I was surprised how smoothly the engine ran, with little vibration even through the thinly padded racing seat.
I am smitten with this machine, and had a grin like an alligators smile!
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Unfortunately the wife turned up at the shop and stopped play for the day.
A FEW CALENDAR GIRLS (From Racer TV - YouTube)
If you haven't seen this YouTube channel check it out
The bikes are as good as the girls. Most don't have girls in them.
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