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Ok, new guy here... Building a hardtail 650. Wondering if anyone has bought 16 inch 36 spoke rims and ran them (front and rear) on their bike? Obviously the rear shouldn't be much trouble, but I'd like to buy a 16 in. hoop and lace it to my stock rear hub (drum brake, 1972 model) and THEN, buy...

Hey guys! My dad has an old 1981 xs650 special I am in the process of fixing up for him for father's day and his birthday. So far this site has been a vault of helpful knowledge. :thumbsup: Since I could remember the bike has slipped out of gear and thanks to some members on here, I was...

I posted recently about having pamco problems and didn't get too many questions as we're. Before you ask. Yes I've done all the tests and can't figure out what to do :banghead: I'm trying to avoid spending $80 an hour in a shop on what I assume to be a minor probelm. Is there anybody in the...

This is not a 'help me trouble-shoot my charging system' post.... I'm hoping for some guidance on what to do now that I have established the problem. I have just bought an '83 XS-K Heritage Special. I confirmed the model here (http://www.xs650.com/forum/showthread.php?t=42) by using the...

Is there already a step by step thread on this? looking for info so I can put the new sprockets and xchain on my 83 special- thanks

I need the sizes for engine mounting bolts. I've been looking through threads and have found some info, but I'm still having a hard time with specifics. If anyone has a diagram even with part numbers that would be great. Thanks!

Had a quick question about firing my bike with the pamco for the first time. The instructions recomend that you use a battery to start the bike at first. My bike is batteryless and I do not have a battery to hook it up. Should I go out and buy a battery [this would be my last option as I dont...

has anyone on here registered for the xs650 uk site (customxs650.com) It's a smaller site than this but as I'm in the uk it could be a good source for spares,the trouble is when I fill in the registration form and press submit it comes back saying I havn't answered the verification question...

Well I'm trying to clean up some small oil leaks and I'm wondering if its possible to swap the Drain plug crush washers with out draining the oil?! I know the clutch cover gasket can be changed with out draining it by tipping the bike on its side but I've got a feeling this is a no go on the...

I've been doing a lot of reading and searching the forums, but I have a rudimentary understanding of this geometry stuff. My eyes start to cross after a while.....information overload. I have a '75 XS650 and I'd like to upgrade the front end. I have access to a good machinist, welder and a...

I've been using the search but haven't really found any detailed "how to" threads or information such as what models work best, etc. Several of the threads start off nice and then never get finished. What forks from a more modern bike or USD forks work best on the XS650? Are there any...

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Hi everyone, I did some searching and couldn't find a thread covering this. On my bike, I have the stock '72 master cylinder, caliper and brake line. I bought the TC Bros Custom Stainless Braided Brakeline to accomedate new bars and the greater distance between the master cylinder and the...

I have seen how paint stripper easily removes the ugly, old plastic coating on aluminum bits, as I've tested some areas on my bike. But does anyone have experience or recommendations (such as, perhaps, "don't do it!") on using paint remover on the wheels with tires still mounted? I can see...

I just bought a 1974 xs650 with a notarized bill of sale only in Georgia. Does anyone have experience with registering a non-titled bike in Tennessee or anywhere. I'm looking at Certification of Ownership form and taking it to county clerk to get it registered. Any help?

So, if anyone has heard, I thought I lost my cam dowel. Well, I found it. Now it seems like the cam seal is out to far, or my cam is off set to one side. It seems that if I tried to wedge the dowel in, it would scrape the seal. I know there isn't much room to start, but...what do you think? I've...

Hi guys, i'm new to bikes and new to this thread. i want to start a bobber project and have been doing my research on potential bikes to start on and ahve narrowed it down to an xs650 since ive heard their fairly easy to work on and parts are readily available. problem is i have no welding or...

Has anyone found a reasonably priced universal wiring harness. Something that just does it all. For 300 Badlands makes one for Harleys. It mentions or custom builds, but I would rather have something that I don't have to modify. It has control boxes and everything. Just asking if anyone has...

Ez guys After doing some work under the left side cover, one of the threads partially collapsed. I use a torque wrench with a little anti-seize to 6ft/lbs so I'm not over tightening. The PO did however run a shorter 15mm bolt than the normal 22mm bolt for god knows how long in that one thread...