Recent content by Khapty

Makes a lot of sense in retrospect.

Sad. I hate bike thieves. Well, generally all crooks. It really hurts when your bike is stolen because you are so connected to it as not to your other machines. I feel like it's 2 heartbeats in synchro when I'm cruising in the countryside. The sound of a 4 stroke bike engine has a beat (like...

I totally agree with you. These gurus possess far more hands-on wisdom and experience than even the designers and manufacturers (who are limited to drawing boards and test runs). One cannot find this knowledge and hacks in any workshop manuals or text books. Anyone restoring and maintaining a...

I can relate. Just love my Merc 220E 1993. Still far more luxurious and smoother than the many other Japanese makes I've kept alongside it.

I remember the college days (early 60s) when Vespa was the rage in Karachi (alongside the Triumph Tiger Cub) and everyone trying to get a copy of the coveted Vespa calendar..... very few succeeded, of course, since older guys already working had more 'connections' and the limited stock was soon...

Unfortunately there were no calculators in my time, and for the engineering degree we used the Slide Ruler and Log Tables. Wonder how many people would recognise these today? I still have my Faber Castell slider as a momento from 54 years ago!

Raised in a middle class family, one of 6 kids, my parents could not indulge in our material whims and desires. Thus, from an early age I learned to get discarded stuff from wherever, and repair/restore it for myself. I can remember my first bicycle, the little Fiat 600, a Murphy radio hitched...

@650Skull has priceless documentation on model identification and other details. He certainly helped me 'find' my bike when I was as lost. Always appreciate the help, guys.

Have faith, my friend. You are surrounded by the best brains for anything XS650! There's nothing they can't pull us out of. I'm happy and grateful for all of you out there. Thanks

Though I hope never to need to do this, many thanks to @Mikey and @jetmechmarty for their valuable insights. The wisdom from experience is priceless, and learning for the experience of others is a life saver.

I fully endorse your rating. I had an excellent experience dealing with DogBunny.

Second opinions are great too. Always appreciated.

Got it!

Thanks. I'm pretty sure mine is falling apart, specially as it's not been used 30 years. I'll get a replacement before starting the engine. Appreciate your input. All noted and will check. Much obliged for your tips.

Are the front brake master cylinder and caliper in good working order? Price for each? (Suitable for 1979 model).