5twins

That bolt size is correct, I just checked one ..... If those holes have been empty for a while, they often get all crusted up. You...

My buddy recently bought the hinged version from XS650Direct for his '80 SPII but it didn't fit very well. We had to modify the hinges...

There's only one o-ring in the BS38 carbs and it's the one on the needle jet, but you won't find it in any of the rebuild kits. You can...

One more thing - those pleated K&N style pods will most likely cause tuning issues. They don't work well on these CV type carbs. Best...

Carb kits aren't really recommended. Many come with the wrong size jets, but with your open pipes and pods, you wouldn't want that...

Since you measure your float setting with the carb upside down, a lower numbers results in a higher fuel level once the carbs are turned...

I bought my 1st set of Ferodo Platinum pads from 650Central and paid a premium price. I now find them on eBay for much less, but you...

To support the wiring harnesses that run along each side of the steering neck, I install what I can a harness "sling". Yamaha was kind...

Yes, you need the idle speed set to 1100-1200 rpms or the bike will just randomly stall at idle. Also, you set idle speed when the bike...

Yes, that axle clamp on the left fork leg gets installed a certain way. Yes, the arrow on it's bottom should point forward but there's...

As most here already know, I'm a big fan of the Euro bar bend. The way they droop down slightly on the ends places your wrists at a very...

Try to find ARS boots as replacements. You might get lucky and find some cheap on eBay. But watch out, there are lots of cheap Chinese...

Here's a section from the '77 wiring diagram. You may not be able to use that 6 connector block, you may need individual bullets .....

Some of the older switches didn't have a connector block on them but rather all individual bullets. The '77 switch I adapted for use on...

I'll mention that fuel mileage is another test for your jetting on these CV carbs. If it drops way off, it's a pretty good bet you're...

That's a good point. I rarely burn through the whole tank at once.

Yes, low to mid 40's is my usual mileage. I might get a few MPG better if I run a tank mostly on the highway but I rarely do that.

I've "tightened" the needle up in those older slides like that as well. Without the shim washer, there's a lot of up-down play and...

I have voltmeters on both of mine and don't really see any difference in voltage output when revved whether the headlight/tail light is...

Automotive charging systems like the one used on our 650s generally use one of two different types of regulators, depending how the...

Your bike should have viton rubber tipped float needles. They are very good, don't wear much, and usually last a long, long time. When...

Personally, I really like the '80 and later 6 plate set-up with it's spring-loaded bottom damper plate. My '78 stock 7 plate clutch...

The neutral switch on top of the motor provides the ground for the sky blue wire when the bike is in neutral. Don't ground that wire...

What year is the bike? Because my later models ('78 and '83) don't have that ground wire to the bar mounts. They use the ground wire...

Yes, and you'll find a similar one in the lower half of the left switch housing .....

Yes, on bikes up to '81 (I think), the left switch housing has a ground wire running into the headlight bucket and the right switch has...

No need to change the rotor, the newer style will work fine with the points. You can't go the other way - use an older points type rotor...

I always anti-seize the spoke nipple threads, haven't had any issues. I don't put it between the nipple and rim though. But, what I have...

Rubber on the swingarm???? I'm not aware of any, unless you mean the rubber on the pivot end caps/grease seals. Those caps are available...

As you can see in my 1st pic, I add power brake check valves to the breather hoses and poise them over the pod filter. If any oil does...

The longer the arm is, the less rotation of the worm you'll get for any given amount of arm travel. Less arm travel means less pushrod...

You add a gusset to the tang, which it looks like you didn't do. It will break again, lol .....

You have the crimped down lip, I see it in your pics. You have to get something under that and pry it open. Many of us use a paint can...

You'll need to determine the bore size of the MC you've got then decide if replacing it will make things better. The 14mm MC that came...

Yes, get UNI straight foam pods, they work the best with these CV carbs. For the BS38, you'll want the UP-4200. No need for the special...

Technically, the H is the '81 model. Don't know why that chart lists it as 80-81, maybe because they started building them in the last...

Well yes, if you want to see both drain plugs, you'll need to look at two different diagrams, lol. The "Oil Pump" diagram shows the one...

Yes, keep using those, but you need to oil them. K&N makes special oil for them and, as mentioned, you can get it at most auto parts stores.

Marty, your link is coming up as invalid.

Show us what you have now. K&N, an aftermarket air filter company, makes nice airbox replacement elements. They work well but are quite...

Yes, as Skull said, the '78E model is very nearly the same as the '79F. Only differences really are the seat profile and paint. I've...

For your BS38 carbs, you will want the UNI UP-4200 or UP-4200ST (dual layer). You don't want the "AST" one, it has an angled flange...

OK, if you want to enable the handlebar on-off headlight switch full time and do away with that headlight auto-on feature, just unplug...

The male part of the worm is metal on all of these. The female part is the plastic or nylon part.

The only drawback to moving the clevis farther out like you did is less clutch plate separation. You won't know if this is an issue or...

You said you cleaned and lubed the advance unit but did you clean and lube the advance rod bushings in each end of the cam? They need to...

Some have been able to pull the ball bearing and inner rod out through the pushrod seal with a magnet but I've never been so lucky, lol...

Yes, that drain bolt w/ barb will fit the 1980 BS34 bowls.

For the past several years, I've been using Chrome Batteries, reasonably priced and free shipping ..... https://www.chromebattery.com/

Yes, proper level is where the bowl meets the lip on the body, on the 650 BS38's calling for a 24mm setting anyway. The bowl extends up...