maintenance

I'm doing a top end rebuild, new guide, gaskets, rings but I'm curious if I need to replace my cam chain. I know it's probably the best idea to just replace it but how do I know when it needs to be replaced? Is there any way to check while I have the engine apart?

I'm trying to find a local place that might sell the Piston pin clips. Anybody pick these up somwhere other than online? I was hoping to get everything together and not have to wait for shipping.:D

I'm wondering how much to put into this '81. Untitled non-runner when I acquired it. Titled,wiring harness sorted, rotor replaced, brushes replaced, vaccum petcock kit, carbs cleaned and synced, turn signals, bars, replacement seat cover and now working on the front brakes. So far I not out...

Hey all, I just got back from the 1 show in portland, It is fantastic to see a community of bikers out there that just love what they do... It was a trip, Got me thinking however... What if we start an xs club in PDX and next year we rep at the show, I am thinking a few rides, a...

I'm keeping my bike simple and trying for clean...so Ive got no gauges. No odometer meant before I changed the oil when I "felt" like I had gone a thousand miles. Just recently did a top end overhaul and I'm going to try to keep on top of maintenance a little better. What I did was put...

Couple of quick questions about forks> 1. What is the purpose of the grey material on the inner of the fork lower? What is it made of? Either myself or the PO scratched it when removing the fork seal on one of mine. :doh: All good? In the photo it looks like a rust patch, but its not. Its...

I dont know if this is a repost or not, if so. I will delete it. I stumbled across this tutorial on carb rebuilds with lots of photos and if you are anything like me......you like photos. It just helped me visualize a lot of the things that were listed on the other carb guide on this site...

I have to post this as a separate thread caus no one loves me anymore... no one reads my restoration thread anymore... damn I am whiny... two issues so far, need some advice, 1. plugs keep getting carbon fouled, not so bad they wont fire, but I would like them to be cleaner, is this just...

Putting the final touches on reassembly of the 77D resto. When the bike showed up I didn't spend much time diagnosing the controls before total disassembly. Now that she's going back together I find there is a lot of "slack" in the riser mounts where they pass thru the top tree. All the parts...

The original BS34 carburetor fuel "T" can be reclaimed and used again. 1. Start by stripping the rubber coating off of it. 2. Then, cut two sections of 1/4 Neoprene gas line and insert them into the cab inlets. 3. Start to press the "T" into the Neoprene inserts in each carb 4. Use a...

I want to order in some fork seals and dust covers for the herd and I am wondering if anyone has had good or bad experience with various brands and venders of fork seals? Action, leaks, longevity, fit?

Title says it all guru's, I changed my filter to the heiden tuning oil cooler filter setup tonight. noticed that there was some black plastic (tiny bits like sand size) on my filter, now this bike has 1900 miles on it and i have ran it for less than an hour. so I dont think my guide is going...

So, the other day I got my 78 special fired up and took it fr a few spins around the block to get this moving. After about 20 mins of riding and getting te motor warm, I turned it off to check out the carbs, but when I went to start it, it would not fire back up. I tried to give a little...

Hey all, Rounding the bend on my resto mod. I have a ton of parts, if you need anything ask, center stand, master cyl 78 special grab bar points chopped harness headlight ears headlight bucket oem headpipes kickstarter solid state reg ss rec chrome headlight bucket signals...

Decided to take the bike for a spin today since the weather was nice, I fired her up and let her idol for 20 min. Been noticing some popping lately at idol as well as in gear throttling off. Left side I think. When I took off up my street instantly notice a decrease in power. I ride with no...

The 77D resto project gets new wheel bearings today. Question....if we are using sealed bearings rather than the OEM caged type are the oil seals normally installed outside of the bearings needed? MMM at 650 Central thought not and while I would never doubt him, I'd like a second opinion...

ooooh there are some nice things being manufactured at the moment . i'm ordering one of these .:thumbsup: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Yamaha-XS650-sump-filter-/130835645600?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item1e766984a0

So I have been reading up about these "PMA" systems people are running in there bikes and frankly I think you would be dumb not to... I figure I'll do the PAMCO electronic ignition at the same time. My only problem is that i'm not 100% dead set on a kit. I (Like everyone else) i'm looking to get...

Just like the title says, should I use loctite on the retaining bolts for my disc to the hub (in addition to the locking tabs). Blue or Red?:thumbsup:

Hey guys, I have a lathe and a bunch of brass and I would like to turn out my own swingarm bushings... Does anybody have a set not installed yet that they can measure and give me the dimentions in millimeters??? I am particularly interrested in the collar thick and inside diameter, but all...