this old xs

The more I think I know, the less it turns out I actually know. So I did an experiment, turning the fuel tap to reserve which I know...

Now I realise this is 100% on me, for looking at these air filters and going, meh, they'll be fine: Because a you can see, I finally...

For anyone wondering if paper filter sleeves work, yes they do. First one I've had block, and the resulting pressure partially...

I think I solved the mystery of the great smoking cylinder panic of 2 weeks ago. Haven't been able to hardly ride because of work etc...

Smelled and looked like a clapped out old Briggs and Stratton. I've seen white fuel smoke in diesels but normally black fuel smoke for...

Forgot the most important part! After stopping the fuel gusher, it was idling away smoothly when the left cylinder, slowly at first...

Tough day in the shed yesterday. This time I didn't take care to keep the clutch plates in the same orientation. I was more concerned...

Turns out I can get new needle jets from Geoff (substitute Mikes XS or XS650direct depending on where you live). $20 a pop. He also has...

Well Mr 5twins, it seems I owe you a beer if you're ever down this way. Checked the needle jets and they both have visible wear, though...

Hmm. Interesting, thanks 5twins. I don't know how many kms are on this bike. The speedo was showing around 34,000km, but that doesn't...

Thanks! Cruise was so great. Did 80km/50m or so. Too scared to look in the oil. While I had the cases split again I had a good look at...

Test ride done. Runs good, shifts perfect. Heading up the road for a cruise now.

Ok, finished putting it back together. Timed right hand cylinder. Left hand points gap was barely there and correcting it put the static...

Thanks. I'm going to be nervous!

Engine in, oil in. Kicked about 20 times but no oil to the top end (right hand exhaust valve cover off). Put the battery in and cranked...

Might have to look I to it, thanks gentlemen, I think it would have saved me a bit of time and stress. I thought I could borrow the tap...

Tap and die arrived today. Couldn't get the die to start, it kept cross threading. Not a problem with the die, just the nature of the...

Done. I got the brass ones I think the first time I pulled it down. The OEM ones were well past their best.

Thanks!

I think the rings would have been a decent chance of fitting, the pistons look like OEM clones. Let's face it, I could have measured the...

Not surprisingly OEM 0.25mm oversize rings aren't available. Ordered aftermarket pistons and rings from Geoff which would have been here...

Crank is on its way back with a clean bill of health and a new right hand end bearing. Checked one piston's oil control rings and the...

Finally got the rotor off. Puller MKII, rev b. There were enough depth of threads on the rotor and I cut my threads a bit tight (too...

No up and down play I can feel in the rods. Ball bearing feels ok, was a little noisy when dry (diesel only) but I oiled it and it was...

Actually had a look at the crank just now. Right rod maybe 0.5mm side to side, left rod slightly less - you can definitely feel it, but...

Well! Not going to lie, this hurt a bit and it took me a while to get motivated, plus life stuff happens. Some point a while back I...