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5twins's latest activity
5twins
replied to the thread
Front wheel hub direction
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That's not the caliper you're looking at there, it's the caliper mount bracket, but maybe you're right.
Nov 2, 2023
5twins
replied to the thread
XS650 clutch
.
It's part of a safety relay set-up that won't allow the starter to work unless the clutch is pulled in if the bike isn't in neutral.
Nov 2, 2023
5twins
replied to the thread
New headpipes bluing
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Well, if the chrome is actually flaking off that one pipe then maybe it is defective. I've never had that happen, just had them turn...
Nov 2, 2023
5twins
replied to the thread
Front wheel hub direction
.
The 500 caliper will work, you will just need to change the caliper retainers if you plan on using a 7mm thick disc .....
Nov 2, 2023
5twins
replied to the thread
New owner of a 1981 XS650 and I don’t know where to start
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It's not something you need. Like I said, I'm not sure why the P.O. put it on in the first place. Yes, I'd get rid of it. Something...
Nov 2, 2023
5twins
replied to the thread
Gasket day.
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I use kerosene, but I take the testing a step further past just letting it sit. I blow compressed air into the ports ..... Any...
Nov 2, 2023
5twins
replied to the thread
Front wheel hub direction
.
The SR500 uses a thinner 5mm thick rotor (650 is 7mm thick). It's a simple weight saving "upgrade" for the 650. I have them on a couple...
Nov 2, 2023
5twins
replied to the thread
Front wheel hub direction
.
You will need a left-handed caliper though ..... There are things this bike needs for sure. This isn't one of them, lol.
Nov 2, 2023
5twins
replied to the thread
1978 XS650 Special Project
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Originally on the Special, the clutch cable was routed down along the left side of the steering neck, throttle cable down along the...
Nov 2, 2023
5twins
replied to the thread
Gasket day.
.
I like really thick (about 1/8") intake manifold gaskets, just like originals. I think Yamaha used the thick gaskets there to help...
Nov 2, 2023
5twins
replied to the thread
New owner of a 1981 XS650 and I don’t know where to start
.
Yes, I think someone added their own chain roller or guide, not sure why. Obviously, it's not helping, lol, causing more problems than...
Nov 2, 2023
5twins
replied to the thread
New headpipes bluing
.
I don't think gold is rich, just not as lean (hot) as blue. Usually gold comes first, then blue. Note how his blue left pipe is more...
Nov 1, 2023
5twins
replied to the thread
Front wheel hub direction
.
The brake isn't an issue but the speedo drive would be. It would run in reverse, and wouldn't work. You would need to find a speedo...
Nov 1, 2023
5twins
replied to the thread
Engine breather/carb filter pots
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Yes, it's that power brake check valve. My '78 has two breather hoses so I installed two of the valves (one on each hose).
Oct 31, 2023
5twins
replied to the thread
Engine breather/carb filter pots
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I do the same but I place the valve on top of the pod. Any oil drips or vapor is simply recycled through the engine .....
Oct 30, 2023
5twins
replied to the thread
1978 XS650 Special Project
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Yes, that's the normal plug but it's getting hard to find because it was discontinued. All that's readily available now is the resistor...
Oct 28, 2023
5twins
replied to the thread
Dropped side cover, now she won't charge
.
When I clean the slip rings, it's more of a polish job. The carbon from the brushes wears off them and turns the rings black. Now, it's...
Oct 28, 2023
5twins
replied to the thread
XS650 Clutch Pushrod experiment & tidbits
.
So it was the pressure plate, not the basket? And exactly how did you go about truing it up?
Oct 27, 2023
5twins
replied to the thread
1978 XS650 Special Project
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Well, normally, the type A (ground switching) Fiat regulator we use isn't for the '79 and older models. However, you can make it work if...
Oct 27, 2023
5twins
replied to the thread
1978 XS650 Special Project
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Well no, because then it will probably be too tight once it cools down. I always do mine cold and adjust it pretty snug at both the worm...
Oct 26, 2023
5twins
replied to the thread
Blank slate... yet another XS Project.
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Is what you're showing all you got? If so, you've got some parts scrounging to do, lol. The Standards are wonderful bikes so I'd...
Oct 26, 2023
5twins
replied to the thread
PHANTOM RESURRECTION 78 SPECIAL
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If your carbs are the originals, they would be Mikuni BS38s, not 32s. The original manifolds had vacuum nipples on them to power the...
Oct 26, 2023
5twins
replied to the thread
Lapping valves the lazy man's way.
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Using a power drill of any kind isn't recommended for lapping valves, too easy to over-do it. And it shouldn't take hours to do it by...
Oct 26, 2023
5twins
replied to the thread
Simple carb question please
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That tube draws fuel from the choke jet in the bowl and feeds it to the choke. I'm not sure what effect a small crack in the tube would...
Oct 26, 2023
5twins
replied to the thread
clutch conical spring related
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That conical spring plate at the bottom of the stack is a damper. It makes the clutch engage nice and smoothly. I wouldn't leave it out.
Oct 25, 2023
5twins
replied to the thread
XS750 - low beam light flickering even should be off
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On the 650, the auto-on headlight relay started with the '78 model. The '78 was also the last year to have a headlight on-off switch on...
Oct 25, 2023
5twins
replied to the thread
It's time to start a winter Project. The Red Bike
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Yes, fatter tires steer and turn slower. My '78 Standard came to me with a 120 rear. After I wore it out, I went back to the more...
Oct 25, 2023
5twins
replied to the thread
New owner of a 1981 XS650 and I don’t know where to start
.
Maybe yes, maybe no, depending on how much other modding you do. If the filters are your only change then you may get away with not...
Oct 24, 2023
5twins
replied to the thread
XS650 Clutch Pushrod experiment & tidbits
.
I wanted to, but see post #3 on page one to learn about the issues.
Oct 23, 2023
5twins
replied to the thread
1978 XS650 Special Project
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Yes, a handlebar change will totally change the look and feel of the bike. Since you've been researching the topic, you've probably come...
Oct 23, 2023
5twins
replied to the thread
New owner of a 1981 XS650 and I don’t know where to start
.
Did you guys actually do a timing check with a timing light, and if so, is it advanced a little? The best pod filter to use is the...
Oct 22, 2023
5twins
replied to the thread
New owner of a 1981 XS650 and I don’t know where to start
.
Looks like the TCI timing has been "tweaked" a bit, but it's been advanced, not retarded like we usually do. To retard it, you need to...
Oct 22, 2023
5twins
replied to the thread
Special Battery Box - late v. early
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I imagine they are the same size physically and mount the same, but they will differ on the sides and bottom because different things...
Oct 21, 2023
5twins
replied to the thread
BS38 carbs without Mikuni marking on top of carbs
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No, there should be a little spring on it. It holds the screw where you set it. Don't know where to get one though. You can't buy them...
Oct 21, 2023
5twins
replied to the thread
BS38 carbs without Mikuni marking on top of carbs
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Yes, the last set of BS38s, and what many of us consider the best. They are the most refined. They have spring-loaded needles which...
Oct 21, 2023
5twins
replied to the thread
1981 XS650 Special 2
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Valve clearance specs changed several times during the production run, not sure why. Here's a little chart I put together ..... It's...
Oct 21, 2023
5twins
replied to the thread
Valve grinding compound.
.
I would think so as the 8mm diameter 650 valve stem is a pretty common size.
Oct 21, 2023
5twins
replied to the thread
1978 XS650 Special Project
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Just a little heads up - your '78 has a gizmo called a light checker that monitors the brake and tail light. If either burns out, a red...
Oct 21, 2023
5twins
replied to the thread
1978 XS650 Special Project
.
The factory manuals do have regulator adjustment instructions. Besides that adjustment screw for the output, there are a couple gaps...
Oct 20, 2023
5twins
replied to the thread
Project Bobber X2.2 the rework.
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All I do to stop the centerstand from "clanging" on the muffler is slip a piece of heater hose on the tang. Simple and it works well...
Oct 19, 2023
5twins
replied to the thread
Electrical Issue
.
Sounds like your ignition switch has gone wonky. All that should be powered in the 2nd key position is the tail light. The headlight...
Oct 19, 2023
5twins
replied to the thread
1978 XS650 Special Project
.
Yes, the rectifier mounts up through the bottom of the battery box so the battery needs to come out first.
Oct 19, 2023
5twins
replied to the thread
Valve grinding compound.
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When I bought my valve grinding compound many years ago, I just got it at a local auto parts store. What I didn't realize at the time...
Oct 19, 2023
5twins
replied to the thread
1978 XS650 Special Project
.
Low 12's is pretty normal for these at idle. The RPMs are so low, the charging system isn't putting out much yet. And I lose almost...
Oct 19, 2023
5twins
replied to the thread
1978 XS650 Special Project
.
Yes, the VR115 auto regulator is the way to go. The original mechanical regulator is usually pretty robust but it's output is very...
Oct 18, 2023
5twins
replied to the thread
A 1979 650F Heading to Texas
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I like the set I have on my '83. The quality seems quite good. The pipe is thick and heavy, and the chrome seems good. And I'm quite...
Oct 18, 2023
5twins
replied to the thread
A 1979 650F Heading to Texas
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Looks very nice. I would also recommend you go back to an original style 2-2 exhaust. Those 2-1 systems can be difficult to tune for...
Oct 18, 2023
5twins
replied to the thread
What have you done to your XS today?
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Well, I've got a "special tool" for that too, lol. Grabbing the outside of the seat with pliers or vice grips just doesn't work very...
Oct 18, 2023
5twins
replied to the thread
Dropped side cover, now she won't charge
.
The slip rings on your rotor look pretty dirty, I'd clean them. I've fixed non-charging issues a couple of times just by doing that.
Oct 18, 2023
5twins
replied to the thread
1978 XS650 Special Project
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Yes, you don't want to see any more than mid 14's max. My '78 Standard puts out about 14.3 or 14.4 volts max with an automotive VR115...
Oct 17, 2023
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