maintenance

First off, i'll admit im a total noob. I just bought a 1981 xs650 bobber project. its about 80% done, ill attach some pictures. Right now im trying to replace the spark plug wires. im having a problem getting them off. anyone have any tips or tricks? ill attach a pic of what im working with. Thanks

I have a new battery, but no lights. I have zero electric knowledge. I've tested the battery, it is good. Where should I start looking for the problem? I just want to get this bike (1978 XS 650) started.

Hey guys, new here! Just picked up the bike, it is all complete, had to replace the ignition switch with a new one, also, I've checked fuses, connections ect. Another weird thing is I get no spark when I kick it over.. Help!! Here's a video Thanks in advance! TIM

Hey everyone I am trying to get my bike started for the first time and I got everything hooked up but when I turn on my petcock on either side the carb leaks. I have pinpointed it to a hole in the carb. I looked around and even consulted my clymer and cant figure it out. What the hell is suppose...

I installed a new battery in my 1978 XS 650. I turned the key and had no lights or horn. I heard from a neighbor that it could be the fuse, so I replaced the fuses with 10 amp fuses. Still no electric. I checked the manual. The manual reads the XS 650 uses 15 amp fuses. What else should I...

I believe it's tar but not entirely sure. It's got a little bit of a glaze and rock hard. Tried using Goof Off but it didn't do a thing.:banghead: Any suggestions on how to get it off without ruining the chrome?

I'm new to the forum and am just looking for some advice on making sure my bike is running as good as possible... Some background Motor is a 78 with pamco ignition installed and a 2 to 1 exhaust Carbs are stock from an 80 which I just redid before swapping the 78 in which is why I...

Hey all, this is my first post here, thanks for having such a great resource for xs650's! I recently bought a '78 650 Special and have been happily riding for about a week now. The other day I went on an 80-mile ride with no issues, but on the very last mile before I got home, the right...

The 8x10x10 clutch push rod bushing from Mikes has some stamping on it. 0810ZWD05. ZWD stands for??? Zinc with diamond dust?? The original looks to be brass lined. In looking for other possible local suppliers I am finding descriptions with coding like ZUB, ZB UM and so forth. Can anyone...

Been trying to get the inside rod out for a couple of days. No presure to git'r done. Figured I wasn't holding my mouth right so I fish some and if it doesn't come go to somethings else for abit. Just wasn't having any luck with the pencil magnet. Today the light bulb went on(or a flash...

Mikes tach cable seems a tad to short. Works for a short while then "falls" below the tach interface. Anyone else had this happen? Did you shim it with washers(on the cable) to get it to work? I haven't looked into the right case maybe missing the washer for the drive gear but that is a thin...

I dont want to paint my wraps white. Stoopid DEI only sells colored spray that is different from the wraps they sell. With the exception of black. I like the way the wraps look now and dont want to paint them a color. I do have the white spray if I have to, but I dont want to. My question...

I put together a bunch of images I am using to make my own oil change reference so I thought it would be best to just post it here to share. Im using a bunch of borrowed references and images so hopefully I dont offend anyone. Just grabbed a bunch of information I put together from all over and...

Hey guys I was doing some spring cleaning and when I took this cover off the ball bearing fell out im assuming I know where it goes (picture) but my question is, is it going to just fall out again and is there anything to do to make sure that it doesnt happen again. Thanks 81 special

Clutch pushrod seal replacement how-to with pictures, Remove the LH footpeg, shift lever. Before removing the cover, pop the small chrome cap off the clutch adjuster, there is a slot at the bottom, use a flat blade screw driver in the slot to pry the cap off, protect the aluminum sidecover to...

Cheap Bastard's leaking fork repair. Looks worthily rad too, in fact. Of course the idea is to keep oil off the brake.... Cheap Bastard to the rescue!

ok guys, i've gotten an 81 xs650 in a tc bros hardtail frame that needs more work than i have time or a garage for. frame has a crack/bad weld on it, wiring system is very strange with things done a way that i can't understand (permenantyly live wire to the headlight?), drum brakes need work...

I am very new to the electrical components of my xs and I am not sure what could have caused this. My headlight stopped working yesterday on my 77 xs650. Then today the neutral indicator and brake light indicator stopped working. I doubt that all of the lights have burned out so I assume it has...

Here's something you should know about torque wrenches that will keep you from stranding yourself in someplace like North Dakota. A while back I stumbled on a website where someone tested a couple of dozen randomly chosen consumer grade torque wrenches of various makes and ages and they were...

Hello everybody. I started a thread earlier regarding an XS650 I was considering purchasing on craigslist. Well, I went through with it and got the bike. Tonight after work I cleaned out my garage and got ready to make it a bike cave. Here she is! First things first, she needs a new...