how to

motor doesn't run. Should i try to get it running first or rebuild the engine first then get it running. I'm not sure why it's not running . The bike has been sitting for many years. Carbs are not on it and I am struggling with what i should do first and where to begin.. Any suggestions?? :(

http://www.xs650.com/forum/showthread.php?t=42047 Here's the link to the original thread. Here's the status so far... not much done but tank, seat, and side covers off Air box out carbs off and started cleaning battery removed

Laziness is the Mother of Invention ************************ This little project works on the 70-71 XS1/XS1B carburetors. In 1972 (XS2), the carburetor bodies were revised, but the idle fuel (mixture) screws remained the same for years 1970-1975. As such, dimensions and procedures posted...

I have a 77 xs650 new m/c and brake seals and line fluid is pumping through but the brakes aren't getting tighter... I've spent hours now and ready to just run a rear..

I have an 81 xs650. Its super clean but has been nothing but a pain in the ass. The latest issue is the charging system. I cleaned the stator ans checked the brushes. All are good. Through it back together. And now it wont turn over. Started in two kicks prior to cleaning the stator. Any...

So Im rattle canning my tank, I know...anyway the main question I have is should I wet sand the base coat to give it a smooth look before I clear coat? I plan on wet sanding the clear coat but the base coat doesnt look as fluid as I would like.

I'm an idiot :doh: and I lost the screws to hold the headlight ring and lamp onto the headlight bucket. Does anyone know where to find these parts, or what size they are and I can get them at the local hardware store?

1976 XS650C. Stock, but with PMA. I know the answer is somewhere right under my nose, but I haven't found it. And as many of you know, I do not easily comprehend electrical systems. :shrug: I have replaced my toasted PMA with a new one (complete HHB kit). The old one (Mike'sXS) had the...

Since I rebuilt the engine, my '79 (Pamco, stock advance, stock carbs, stock airboxes and elements) has been backfiring badly on deceleration, particularly on the right side. When I rebuilt the engine I ran the carbs through a sonic cleaner and installed carb kits from Mikes (yeah, I know...)...

I just bought a 80 xs650 special. I am about to cut the frame to weld on a hard tail. Where do I cut the frame? Any help is appreciated. I also need to know where and how to weld on the hard tail. Any resources or links are appreciated.

I have an 1980 special and I am wanting to rewire with headlight, taillight, kickstarter and the electric starter. does anyone have any simple wiring diagrams or ideas. Do I need a new reg/rec(if so where can I get one)..... thanks for the help.

I used LED brake/tail lights and a trailer converter, plus an LED flasher unit, to make these integrated lights.

Hi All! I am a new XS650 owner and wanted to try something new on this bike. I've seen great (online) results from those soda blasting carb bodies to a new finish. My question is if there is a factory clear/finish on the carbs that gets damaged through the process? Anyone have experience...

I've been working on the 79 survivor. With only 9400 miles the PO's were having clutch issues, there was a new cable, what looks like a new factory worm assembly. And they still had it fuggled up, First I backed off the cable adjuster all the way, then reset the worm screw, that got it back...

It will work if you want/need it to. As a plus over the higher $ vacuum bleeders it has a reservoir of fluid to pull from as you pump the m/c handle. It will push fluid from the bottom if your clamps are tight enough. Now I do have one of the $$ vacuum bleeders. It has a pretty gauge. Hoses...

I cannot get the rear brake switch to activate my brake light. I've crossed the wires and the light works, so I think I need to replace the switch. I've tried adjusting it, but that didn't work. What should I remove to make the job easier? If anyone has changed the rear brake switch, please give...

I purchased a 3 wire mini voltmeter on eBay. I hooked red to hot, black to ground, and left the white alone. The gauge lights up but doesn't read anything. Am I missing something? I'm not an electrical wizard so I'm sure it's something simple?

Hey guys! working on my first build and first motorcycle. I have some newbie questions for ya that im not sure about might be stupid but im learning thanks! first when i put my clutch cable in i noticed it was tough to pull and the spring wasnt moving then i finally got it to move but it...

newby here and pls bare with me,,,,,i have a very custom 87 xl,,and no signals at all,,none,,i have had to many close calls with hand signaling,,,,,so,,i have bought some turn signals and no way of wireing them,,,i have a flasher,,that has,,(x)an(L),,MY lights have 3 wires blue,,pupleish(maybe...

While looking through the box of triple trees I noticed one set had tapered bearings already installed. COOL, no wait they are as dry as a popcorn fart NOT COOL. So I got to wondering about a way to grease a pre-installed bearing. . . . That led to thinking about the amount of grease for these...