Dude! I spent about 10 hours sanding and buffing the side covers. I am real happy with the results. Thanks!
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A Long & Winding Road-A Lifetime With My 72 XS2
- Thread starter Yamikaze
- Start date
I'm curious if the protecta-clear will hold up keep us posted
I'm definitely interested
I'm definitely interested
I am wondering the same. I am putting 2 coats on everything. You can't even tell it is on most of it.
Second coat of Protecta Clear on the hub and wheel weights. At first I was fumbling with each individual weight… then a little light dimly lit…
I have also been sanding out all casting seams on all parts. Covers, float bowls, and wheel hubs.
I have also been sanding out all casting seams on all parts. Covers, float bowls, and wheel hubs.
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I took my first solo road trip on this bike back in the summer of 83 or 84. I road from Detroit to Front Royal Va. It was a long, long, long ride. I pulled off the turnpike in Breezewood Pa. dead tired, and looking for a motel. I found the Breezewood Motel just off the turnpike. Not only was it the solo road trip, it was also the first time staying at a motel. I had a fully loaded bike, with camping gear and all. I did not want to unload the bike, and there was no way I was leaving it outside loaded. I took it in the room with me for the night.
The next morning, I got on the turnpike only to realize I had actually gotten off at my exit the night before without realizing it. I pulled off to the side of the road at a maintenance facility to look at the map. It wasn't an exit, just on the side of the road. There was a break in the barrier so the maintenance trucks could access both directions of the turnpike. I used it. They were not happy when they realized what I did at the tollbooth.
One of the best parts of the trip was when I was sharing a beer and snacks with a guy camping next to me. We were sitting at the picnic table across from each other when the guy says. Don't be alarmed, but there is a skunk chewing on my shoelaces. I slowly looked under the table, and there he/she was. I slowly made my retreat, and so did the guy. ( I don't remember his name)
The skunk helped himself to some cheese and crackers before leaving.
Later that night I crossed paths with a bear, and another skunk that came into the phone booth with me while I was on the phone. I had so many good times on this bike. I intend to have many more. Pictures stolen off internet. I didn't have a camera at the time. I think I could find a postcard from this motel though.
The next morning, I got on the turnpike only to realize I had actually gotten off at my exit the night before without realizing it. I pulled off to the side of the road at a maintenance facility to look at the map. It wasn't an exit, just on the side of the road. There was a break in the barrier so the maintenance trucks could access both directions of the turnpike. I used it. They were not happy when they realized what I did at the tollbooth.
One of the best parts of the trip was when I was sharing a beer and snacks with a guy camping next to me. We were sitting at the picnic table across from each other when the guy says. Don't be alarmed, but there is a skunk chewing on my shoelaces. I slowly looked under the table, and there he/she was. I slowly made my retreat, and so did the guy. ( I don't remember his name)
The skunk helped himself to some cheese and crackers before leaving.
Later that night I crossed paths with a bear, and another skunk that came into the phone booth with me while I was on the phone. I had so many good times on this bike. I intend to have many more. Pictures stolen off internet. I didn't have a camera at the time. I think I could find a postcard from this motel though.
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Were the speed limits up to 70 then? All my road trip time on an XS650 was in the 55mph era when pushing 65 was a fine and points. Being a young Marine I could not afford either.
I think it was still 70. The stories I have about tickets on this bike are... another story;-)
Turns out the national 55 speed limit was 74 -87
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Driving Yuma to Wisconsin a couple of times ,77 to 80, the fast traffic was 64-66. Occaisionally 69/70. Point being, I would not want to tour on an XS650 at 70-80 unless I did serious re gearing.
Back in the day I geared for the hole-shot. Ran a Barnet Clutch and springs for the quick lockup. This bike will rarely see anything other then the country roads around my house. Long distance or highway will be on a trailer. I have taken it up north to the tunnel of trees. M119 on the trailer a few times. If you haven't had the extreme pleasure of riding that road... it is worth every mile.
Yes it’s Harbor Freight. No it is not perfect. Does it do the job? You’re darn right it does. Would I buy it again for just under $70 bucks? In a heartbeat! Will I use it more than 3 times before I’m to old old to know what it’s used for? I doubt it!
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I’ve been busy, and happy with the progress.
Wheel true, Speedo buffed and clear coated, brake rotor polished and painted but still need to clear coat. That turned out nicer then I thought it would.
Wheel true, Speedo buffed and clear coated, brake rotor polished and painted but still need to clear coat. That turned out nicer then I thought it would.
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Looking good!
And I’d use that Harbor Freight wheel stand any day!
And I’d use that Harbor Freight wheel stand any day!
