Hello everyone, after a month in or so a quick update. Funny story. By luck one day a few months back on a flight, I was exiting the plane in San Francisco. A guy tapped me on the shoulder. He had seen me reading 'Motorcyclist' magazine on the flight. Turns out, he is the publisher! So we exchanged cards. Turns out their office is coasting distance from my own. They were eager to learn about the old bike I was working on, and have been very gracious with some old back issues of Cycle World, featuring the XS650 back in the day!
Long story short, another gentleman from his group and I spent a little time syncing the carbs over the weekend. Big improvement, more top end, smoother idle, and rev up to speed. So the 76' is running pretty happy. Once she's warm...
Has anyone ever encountered this, or have a suggestion? This works everytime, so at least that;s good. From a 'cold' (65-70deg ambient temp) in order to start the bike, I need to turn the idle adjustment screw ~1.5-2 turns. The bike starts, and I back it back down to an idle speed of ~1200rpm.
My starting procedure:
1. Fuel on
2. Choke on
3. Turn Idle Screw in
4. Kick over the motor
5. Turn choke off
6. Starter button > Fire
2 things. Once the engine is warm, I can hit the starter and she goes right away. When on a cold start, the choke doesnt seem to have much function.
If there's any wisdom out there, I am all ears! Thank you all!