Recent content by oldrider

Well, it's the end of January 2024 and time to start thinking about XS650 projects. A few more things to do on the 79 Special I got together last summer. It needs new front brake pads and then to get it registered. Probably April before I can get it out to ride. Next project is to work on the 77...

Exhaust change is still a possibility. The junker parts bike I have is, I believe, another 79 Special, and it has a complete stock exhaust. The condition is unknown as it's stuffed in a place that's hard to get to, 3 other bikes stored in front of it. Anyway, I did sneak the Yamaha out yesterday...

A quick update. I've gone back to a standard pilot jet and the needle clips are now in the center groove. Main jet is still #140. Bike now starts easily on choke when cold. It warms up in a couple minutes and with choke off idles about 1300 rpm. Throttle response is much improved. Still may need...

OK. Exhaust is 2 into 1 of unknown origin, (came with the bike, it's all I have). Uni pod filters. #140 main jet, new 30 pilot jet, New Z2 needle jet, new Float needles and seats, new Needles in 2nd groove from top, lowering needles. (The lower needles and bigger pilot jets came from a previous...

Carbs are 1979 BS38.

Thanks to jpdevol and gggGary. You nailed it. Problem was the ground strap. A little sanding on the frame, wire connector and dielectric Grease on the fastener and problem solved. That problem anyway. Still having issues off idle. When I had the carbs apart for cleaning, I replaced the pilot...

Thank you both. I'll put that at the top of the things to check list. I just hope it's that simple and that nothing got damaged.

Well, it's a couple weeks later than my last post. I installed new, non vacuum petcocks, new clutch rod bushing and seal and tightened the nut on the Trans output shaft. Thanks 5 twins for the tip to check that. I thought it was tight, but I noticed the lock tab on the washer had not been...

Well, I have a question for anyone. Do all xs650 gas caps have the 3 screws that retain the spring and gasket? The one I have in the best condition looks to have rivets instead of screws. Chrome is very good but it needs a gasket. Could this be an aftermarket flreplacement? Thanks

Jim, thanks for that info. I was afraid that gas had gotten into the cylinders so I did pull the plugs and kick it through several times. There was a fair amount of vapor from the left side, none from the right. I'll leave myself a note to check the oil before I do anything else. Thanks again.

Well, another day of 2 steps forward, 1+ steps back. I played with the mixture screws starting at 2 turns and worked 1/2 turn at a time. Still having issue with hesitation and hiccup until I got to 3 1/2 turns. Went up and down the road and bike ran really pretty well. Hesitation was barely...

Yes, bike is not the prettiest, but it has character. Chassis has 38k miles and shows it. Seat has no rips and it just feels right when I sit on it. The plan still is to get it fully functional this year. If I can get it on the road this fall, even better. I'm planning to paint the tank and side...

Thanks 5twins. Yes, 79 carb set. I'll play with the mixture screws. Other than that, it seems to run OK. It's not registered yet so I can't do a plug check. Before I put it on the road, I need to fix the oil leak. What little I have ridden it though, I like it a lot. Again, thanks for the help...

Latest update. Well, bike is very close to being complete. Finally got the wiring cleaned up. 1st photo is the before and 2nd is with the new fuse box. I salvaged color matched wiring from my old junker to extend the wires that were too short. All splices were soldered and sealed with shrink...

Thanks for the info. This motor was supposed to have around 6500 miles on it when I bought it, but I had it stored for 20+ years before I did this project. I had removed the left side cover to convert it back to points ignition and there was a lot of crud built up around the area of the clutch...