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I have an 82 model, PO redid the wiring (its kind of atrocious but I will be replacing it once I make sure everything is working properly) It will start, run and drive until the battery gets low (and run bad after some distance, I think the coil is going out/getting hot.) I can not get it to...

Hey folks. I'm swapping to Hugh's pma right now. And I'm out of ideas where to mount the Recifer. I thought about putting it on the little mount beside the upper motor mounts ( see picture) I know it'll get enough air. But what about the heat from the engine and the exhaust? Did anyone...

Working on a 78 SE picture one showing "survivor" tank mural, (not to my taste), I replaced the gas cap lock cylinder and reassembled same to reinstall. Several attempts ended with the catch positioned wrong so that the key would not turn, as in picture two, right side. Finally I got one...

Just thought i would post the link to this build. it is all but finished, well all the interesting stuff. Note: Just a heads up, The posts in the year links change from the beginning of the page down, to the bottom of the page up The engine build is something to behold and when it comes...

While waiting for some ordered parts to arrive, I was thinking that I should probably be making more efficient use of my time and start tearing my engine / transmission down. Since the bike was totally submerged I want to take it completely down and replace whatever I need to. My bike is a...

Hi all, Some of you may have seen an earlier post of mine about some top end noise I've been noticing on my '75. Here's a video: I replaced my tappets (stock ones were pitting pretty bad), checked cam chain tension, and set my valves (.002" on the intake and .004" on the exhaust)...

So I'm going to try to get my dad's XS650 back on the road, last time it had a plate was 1988 - hoping you guys can point me in the right direction:thumbsup: Motor turns over, next on the list is to get a battery

While doing some research about running a smaller battery, I came across this thread - http://www.thechopperunderground.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=36508 where this person runs a very small battery successfully. So, I did some research, and find this little guy -...

new to all this .I am looking to put a saddle type seat on my xs 77 .Any suggestions ?

Anyone with 4-pot Brembo front caliper using this m/c? Whudda think? For now, I'm using the 14mm stock unit. From the Vintage Brake chart, it looks like a 1/2" unit (12.7mm) would be about right.

Picked up a 79 xs650 special a couple weeks ago. Seemed to run fine until I found the cracked intake boots. Replaced those and went ahead and put stubby pods on and took the airbox off. Now it's not running right. I know I probably need to re jet it but where do I start? Also the petcock on the...

So after months of searching I finally found a straight frame with a clean title. It's an early frame 1972 with nothing but kickstand bolted on and I just got it home today. Upon inspection next to my 1978 I'm noticing things I didn't know differed between the two generations, I got the motor...

What compound do you guys use to stick wires under the rear fender? I have my turn signal and tail light wires run through the fender and I need to bond them along the underside of the fender.

I'm reaching my wit's end, and any and all advice would be welcome. I've got an '81 Special II, it's all stock, with BS34s, and I can't get it to stop with the popping. I pulled the carbs and did as best a disassemble and clean as best as I could. I replaced the mixture screw o rings and both...

Hi! i got a '77 with a single disc up front which looks like damned manhole cover...is there an easy modern, and attractive replacement? cheers!

Hi Been lurking for a long awhile and finally decided to create account and post as I'm currently struggling and haven't found a specific thread that could answer my questions. Thanks in advance for any questions I am having trouble with my rear turn signals. I removed the OEM turn signals...

hey guys & gals, Just registered on the forum, but I have surfed through a couple times looking for advice. I've been riding a 1981 xs 650 for about 3 years, my first bike, and I can't get enough. I'm no mechanic but am learning as much as I can. Over the time I have had the bike I have...

Hi, i have a 1974 yamaha xs650 and curently i have synchronized my carburator , but the thing is that when accelerating , it seams to have a probleme in the adjustement. Does anybody know how to adjust throttle cable when accelerating??

i'm trying to find a sensible way to carry a small tool roll but there isn't really any gaps anywhere to fix/stuff/hang one . Anyone seen or made a toolbox to fit a standard bike or has any ideas would be appreciated. I suppose I could stuff a couple of panniers on... but I always feel a...

While in the process of diagnosing and hopefully fixing a problem with the right side turn signals I checked the voltage coming to the flasher unit. I found that with the key OFF I still had voltage coming to the flasher on the brown lead. It jumps around a bit but generally reads about 7 to...