‘77 XS650 get it running

Video works.
Sounds like carburetor popping back.
But, do check the header pipes mounts nuts. Sometimes an exhaust leak at the header can sound like ticking / popping.
If not there, check timing with timing light ?
Re check intake valve clearances.
Popcorn seeds in muffler.
 
Not read through
But cannot hear any major problems

Besides the CSF Rule Cheapest Simplest First

the Next one SIG Stock Is Good

Very few runs a machine without any intake filters so the first assumption is there was filters and the machine now runs without
So it is jetted for less airflow and now runs with free flow
So this can affect the misfiring Not saying it does but .SIG

The same pops up with Motor Oils poured in that not even existed when the machine was Designed
Owner Complaining the clutch Slips SIG Again can be other things But quite often Wrong Oil

My guess without having read through that this machine with New Spark Plug's Carborundum paper cleaning the Points
Some heat cycles Will run well enough for most owners

KIS rule Keep It Simple

The back firing in exhaust if still there after filters in place I would Suspect Points
 
Well, all of this gets shelved for now.

Had it running yesterday. Just idling in the driveway. Stalled randomly.

I just left it off for a couple hours while I worked on some other things and forgot to turn the ignition key off. When I went to start it again to pull it in the garage there was no power. I thought maybe I killed the battery leaving the ignition key on.

Pushed it in the garage and put it on the charger.

Checked the battery today and it’s fully charged. Still no power to anything though. No lights. No ignition. No turn signals. It’s just dead.

So now that’s the current issue.
 
Well, all of this gets shelved for now.

Had it running yesterday. Just idling in the driveway. Stalled randomly.

I just left it off for a couple hours while I worked on some other things and forgot to turn the ignition key off. When I went to start it again to pull it in the garage there was no power. I thought maybe I killed the battery leaving the ignition key on.

Pushed it in the garage and put it on the charger.

Checked the battery today and it’s fully charged. Still no power to anything though. No lights. No ignition. No turn signals. It’s just dead.

So now that’s the current issue.
Fuse?
 
The front fender is crooked. It could be because of a bent fork tube. I believe that front fender is off of a Special, so it isn't original to that bike.
Ironic that you mentioned that. I just noticed yesterday after I got it running and got it out of the garage into the sunlight that it was crooked I actually took it off and started cleaning it up. But then the bike died and that became not a priority anymore lol.
 
Ironic that you mentioned that. I just noticed yesterday after I got it running and got it out of the garage into the sunlight that it was crooked I actually took it off and started cleaning it up. But then the bike died and that became not a priority anymore lol.
Checking fork tubes goes on your list. It's a worthy project you have if you're into it.

I met a young rider on the Natchez Trace last year. He was on a weekend journey on an RE Interceptor. Both my bike and his were carrying a weekend's luggage. He told me I was riding the real deal and his bike a fake. He offered a trade right then and there. Tempting, but I wasn't about to take advantage of his ignorance.
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The XS650 currently fits in a popular niche.
 
The mechanical advance mechanism could also be not returning to idle position. Timing being advanced, Pops back through the intake tract too. ?
Can be but I feel it idles to fine .. Without stumbling and hesitate which it does if not retarded ..enough usually stalls
 
So. Got it running again. Loose wire.

Cleaned up the air box. Went to install and found the filters are falling to pieces. The metal screens with the thin filters wrapped around them that is. The metal screens are all broken apart and the seals are pealed off.

Best place for new filters?
 
Out of stock it says.
https://www.dimecitycycles.com/air-filter-oem-type-xs650-76-79-oem-533-14451-00.html Ouch $$!

If you have serviceable frames you can recover them in Uni foam.
https://www.xs650.com/threads/reunited-with-xs650sh.63667/page-5#post-788022 Start at post #87. @Vincenthdfan explains how to do it.

https://www.dimecitycycles.com/uni-bulk-filter-foam-sheet.html
https://www.dimecitycycles.com/uni-air-filter-oil-spray-for-foam-uni-filters-5-5-ounces.html
The above links are where I sourced mine. MikesXS and a whole bunch of other places will have it.
 
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Woodrow31 , you apparently have quite a few diagnosis / tuning tasks to sort it all out.
At this point I would suggest you get the XS on level centerstand somewhere convenient for you and remove the tank and seat.
Make yourself an auxiliary fuel supply system such as this system shown. I like a small bottle zip tied to the clutch perch area.
You can then see and approach all your bikes tuning needs more easily. Electrical included, as you see fit.
Make it all easier.
And blowing air from a fan on the front of the engine is a good idea too when you get get it running well enough to keep it running for awhile.
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Fixed the electrical issue.

Now back to getting it to run right.

When I first start it after it has sat for a bit and cooled off, the rpm’s run around where they should at idle. 1000-1200.

After it gets warmed up, the rpm’s take off. Like a run away diesel. The rpm’s run around 3500-4000 and the whole bike vibrates across the floor on the middle stand.

I can put down slightly on the throttle rod and it brings the rpm’s back down to 1300ish.

As soon as I let up on the throttle mechanism the rpm’s shoot back up. I’ve tried giving it a little throttle at the grip to see if the rpm’s would spike and come back down but they don’t. They just stay high.

I’m thinking the butterfly’s need adjust?
 
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