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I think this should be in the Garage but if the MODs think it should be in the Lounge that’s all good. I was never really that happy with the job I did setting up my bead blaster, after a few months it started to leak beads even though the joints had been sealed after assembly. Now with a bit...

Experimental clutch, version 2.0 Last year, I made the version 1.0 experimental clutch mod, using adjustable features that I felt was not suitable for others to implement. After determining the settings and measurements, I made the parts for the version 2.0 earlier this year. Now that I've...

I get a lot of questions on what to look for or what to ask when buying a bike. So I am going to give you my two cents and I know there are others on here that will fill in the blanks that I left. First it doesn't really matter what the seller is telling you because YOU are going to be the NEW...

Just inherited a beautiful, virgin '78 Special II. I ride vintage dirt bikes, so I am somewhat familiar with carbs, especially Mikunis. The bike is great, but it backfires coming down from speed. I cannot find the mixture screws - anywhere. I've searched The Garage high and low, and no one...

How I fixed my basic Pamco This is how I fixed my basic Pamco. Hopefully this helps someone. If you already have a few tools, why not? Easier for me just to post this in a series of videos. I'm not on often but I'll check at least once a day for messages. I'd like to thank everyone for helping...

Hey guys. I'm rebuilding my first bike (1979 xs400F according to title). It hasn't ran in a little over 30 years, so things are a little guess-and-check, but it's been a fun learning experience. I'm finally getting to the ignition timing tonight. I have the gaps at .015 inches and am using an...

Bear with me, I'm absolutely new to the XS world. I was barely used to the dirt bikes I had. I picked up '77 already on a weld on frame with a PMA kit installed. It would barely start and after some carb tweaking, I have it starting solid. I didn't get to talk to the PO much about it but...

Just purchased a non-running 1983 XS650 Heritage Special with 9.5k miles for $500. It is missing a few things, including a headlight and turn signal, but it is in great condition otherwise. Supposedly rebuilt carbs, slightly leaky petcocks, and a messed up wiring harness are what I have to...

OK, trying to bleed the front brake on my '75 XS650B. PO said it worked fine when he parked it (of course), but the reservoir was dry. I put a wrench on the bleeding nipple (looks like a grease zerk, is that right?), got a tube onto the nipple, other end in the standard peanut butter jar. Filled...

Has anyone had difficulty contacting Pamco Pete? Guy promised me a new plate 2 weeks ago and I haven't heard shit back. Getting pissed. :wtf::banghead:

I'm being lazy, but I searched and didn't find an answer, my original fuse box is AWOL, my repair manual doesn't seem to list much info. Can anyone recommend fuse amp size(s) for my bare bones xs650 chopper build? I'm running the following: 12 volt system. Mini-blade fuses. Tail light and...

A couple months ago, one of our members asked me to make him a metal steering damper knob for his early XS. Quote: "Functional and similar to the original, but with a polished metal chrome look." Searched the web and found a likely candidate, 3-1/8" diameter cast aluminum knobs with 9...

TC Bros hard tail installed on my '72. Anyone out there know what length rear axle I will need as my stock one is too short??

:banghead: Im missing something here. I have a starter that won't react at all. It worked a couple times then nothing. I did all the usual stuff even rebuilt it. I did the car battery thing, but squat! Heres the odd thing. I get no reaction with the car battery. Not even a little spark. The...

Hello fellow XS650 enthusiasts, I am having an issue which I don't know what causes it. My 1981 xs650 vibrates like crazy. I have just finished another tune-up: adjusted cam chain tensioner, adjusted valves, tried adjusting timing with a newly bought strobe light and realized that my model...

Hi guys. I am so lost! PMA installed, New coils, New plugs, new caps, new points and condenser. Cleaned carbs several times, also ilde screw hole. Cleaned the really filty petcocks, new gaskets in them. Also changed fuel filters. No air leaks. I re-checked point gap, and found out that the...

Getting this '75 XS650 ready to ride, I took off the air filters. The boxes and screens are fine, but the foam inserts are pretty rotten. Looked on MikesXS, but I don't see just the foam inserts for sale, and the boxes are too expensive to replace for no reason. Can I just cut some furniture...

This might sound dumb BUT... I wanted a single breather tube and didn't wanna pay the big bucks for an original one, so I did THIS: I didn't realize it but the two tube style breather on my bike comes apart! You can pull that Y out of the box / collector / filter. OK, cool! I pulled it out...

I am doing a build where I want the tank to look rusted, but I also want the look to last. I have been doing research on it online, and I can see different ways to actually rust the tank, from using chlorine, salt/vinegar, etc. to just leaving it outside for a week or two, which is also fine...