What have you done to your XS today?

20210511_192705.jpg

BS38'S :) just like that phrase)
Are fully and carefully assembled and secure.
Started looking all around under and geez! Things are coming loose again. So that Rear engine mount was 2/3 loose, exhaust totally loose.
Tightened things everywhere :shrug:
Really think this tuning and tightening of the rear engine mount will be Very Noticeable !
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Here's my to go sparkplug / feeler set.
 
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I know that the engine mounting bolts have locking type nuts on them but they don't seem to work as well once they've been on and off a few times. I add lock washers to them.
 
Gotcha, Ya I cannot recall ever checking the rear engine mounts tightness but most likely did at one time?
This frame was powder coated before the po installed the engine. That is a little suspicious to me as now several engine mounts and exhaust fasteners have worked themselves loose in just a few hundred miles. I do believe the "loose" engine was shaking things a bit. And, my carb holders were certainly not too tight either. Could have been contributing to the idle fluxuations.
Not all that disappointing though as I have been running the bike pretty hard in testing.
Rechecking bolts, engine fasteners, etc is okay with me as play time is the garage is more these days. I am just glad that it all was found before Friday lol.
Friday off is looking good weather wise for some more higher rpm engine shaking / testing. Hoping for a very smooth dependable idle in town as well. We'll see..
:cool:
 
Machine may have been referring to the lower rear mount. Unfortunately, you can't even see it with the left cover in place. Loosening engine mounts is pretty common on these. On my '78 when I got it, I found them ALL loose, lol. That's why I started adding lock washers.
 
That mount is so neglected you sometimes find the nut has fallen right off, lol. I check mine every year during my annual left cover "Spring cleaning".
 
If you use an original type thick gasket on your intake manifolds, which I prefer to do, it takes several tightenings before the gaskets compress fully and the mounting bolts stay tight. When I install new ones, I at least try to let the bike sit over night and re-tighten them before installing the carbs.
 
neutral just a slight nudge down from second.
started on less than a half kick,
Good stuff! Neutral is rather easy to find either up or down on the 79 too.. and the 79 before that.
I think some guys have more trouble finding neutral because of their boots sometimes?
 
Good stuff! Neutral is rather easy to find either up or down on the 79 too.. and the 79 before that.
I think some guys have more trouble finding neutral because of their boots sometimes?
Could be the boots. I'd rather ride with Chuckie sneakers or retiree soft shoes for the feel - but for safety sake I lace up the old soft toe Carolinas.
 
View attachment 191113
BS38'S :) just like that phrase)
Are fully and carefully assembled and secure.
Started looking all around under and geez! Things are coming loose again. So that Rear engine mount was 2/3 loose, exhaust totally loose.
Tightened things everywhere :shrug:
Really think this tuning and tightening of the rear engine mount will be Very Noticeable ! View attachment 191114
Here's my to go sparkplug / feeler set.

awesome bike!!
if your looking for the "piece de resistance"
find old skool carbs on FB
He posted my carbs to show the world how
good he is! I am in awe!!
 

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F**k Fecesbook. Rick has his own shop thread on here since 2011 so use contact through here
http://www.xs650.com/threads/carburetor-rebuilding-oldskoolcarbs.5882/

Ricks, (oldskoolcarbs), recent post
http://www.xs650.com/threads/carburetor-rebuilding-oldskoolcarbs.5882/page-13

I did not know this..
I found him on FB, and sent him an Instant message.
he answered withing minutes, and called me personally the same day
and we discussed jetting issues and rebuild.

14 days later he sent word my carbs were done , and were ready to ship out to me
He also sent me 16 pics of my carbs in a... before and after montage.
( he posted them to his facebook page also, for the world to see )

Then, he sent a tracking number letting me know when they would arrive.

I highly recommend his services to anyone!
 
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