Broken valve

[SteveP]

I must admit I didn't know about Bonneville Indian manufacturing. I believe they are bringing out a new range of lower capacity triumphs manufactured in India.
It's a little sad tbh. I was so happy when the first hinkley triumphs were produced.
I actually had one of the first generation triples for a while

 

[AUTOMAN]

Weld failure just up from head.
Loose part is collateral damage..

SCC from rust/water on the spin welded head.

cliff

 

[SteveP]

Hi I'm looking for some more help/advice.
I'm about to sort out my front brake. It's the early twin piston caliper.
The master cylinder appears to be beyond saving. The caliper isn't much better.
I've read all the posts I can find about the smaller piston bore recommendations.
Most of the posts seem to be about the latter calipers.
I've worked out the piston surface area and checked the ratio chart. It seems that a 14mm bore master cylinder could be the the size I need. A Suzuki GT250 master cylinder seems look about right.
Has anyone any advice on the 14mm bore?
I've added a photo of the build at present.
Once again thanks for all the help so far.

 

[Grimly]

As you've got the twin-piston single caliper, it might be fine with the 14mm master.
I have the twin disc Euro version, with single-piston calipers, and there was just slightly too much free play for me to be comfortable with a 14mm m/c, so I ended up with a 5/8" one.
The 14mm jobbie gave me a stonking set of brakes, but the lever came too far back before actuation - not confidence inspiring at all.

 

[Its been a long time]

Hi I'm looking for some more help/advice.
I'm about to sort out my front brake. It's the early twin piston caliper.
The master cylinder appears to be beyond saving. The caliper isn't much better.
I've read all the posts I can find about the smaller piston bore recommendations.
Most of the posts seem to be about the latter calipers.
I've worked out the piston surface area and checked the ratio chart. It seems that a 14mm bore master cylinder could be the the size I need. A Suzuki GT250 master cylinder seems look about right.
Has anyone any advice on the 14mm bore?
I've added a photo of the build at present.
Once again thanks for all the help so far.
View attachment 264482View attachment 264489

I bought a 12.7mm master cylinder from Yambits, it's decent enough quality and a good price. I'm using the later single piston caliper. I'm pretty sure they also do a 14mm master cylinder. Like you, my original master cylinder was too corroded to use.

 

[SteveP]

I'm thinking it'll be good too. It seems like the twin piston caliper is good. Maybe the standard master cylinder would be fine

 

[SteveP]

I'll have a look at what yambits have. I'm impressed with their service.

 

[5twins]

Although I don't have that early 2 piston caliper, I've read that a 14mm MC works well with it. That was the standard size on the later bikes so a later stock MC would do the trick. It's actually a bit too big for those later bikes, giving a rather "wooden" feel and not much modulation. I've changed both of mine out for slightly smaller ones. Many folks do this so finding a good, used later MC shouldn't be a problem. Both of mine were refurbed and working well but I changed them to get better feel and modulation.

 

[SteveP]

That's really great, thanks. I'm heading for eBay.

 

[SteveP]

Hi everyone
Thought it was about time I posted some updates on my rebuild. I get so much great information from this site I need to make sure I give some back.

I've totally replaced the front brake system.

I purchased a 14mm honda master cylinder which looks about right for the early 70's. I think the mirror thread is right handed so a standard mirror won't fit. It's not a problem to me, I'm fitting a bar end mirror and barrel grips.

I've tidied up the brake disc and drilled it using one of the templates on this site, thanks for taking the time and effort to post the information.

Fitted a one piece hel brake line with a 30° banjo at the caliper. It seems to work really well.

Tidied up the wheel rim with acetone and foam discs, thanks gggGary. I think it'll do for a couple of years.

I'll post about the petrol tank in a couple of days. I'm going to get my carbs into an ultrasonic cleaner.

 

[SteveP]

Hi all. I've been a bit reluctant to ask this question. It seems to open a can of worms.
So I'm going to ask has anyone any experience with an XS650 fitted with Dunlop K70's and Continental RB2/K112 tyres.
These two seem to be available in the UK, at the correct sizes and have a 1970's period look.
I'll be riding on tarmac. Though here in Yorkshire the road surfaces are often poor and wet. The front brake along with the handling should be as good or slightly better than original. My abilities will be not as good as they were in the 70's!
Has anyone any experience with these tyres - positive and negative.

 

[Jan_P]

Not specifically I had Dunlops ( Many years ago ) for a While and they were soft and had a good grip so if you would throw the tyre at the wall it would stick be hanging there
But I quit using them XS 650 not being a powerful bike and my riding was not aggressive rarely in rain
Got fed up shifting tires so often

Back then Continental was used by the touring people harder tyres and lasted longer more in a straight line Autobahn riding with load

Are we talking the Slightest cornering in the Wet .I would Look more into Dunlop

But this was many years ago and I Suppose each brand has Different tyres
But I Would check Dunlop First and ask Around --- poor roads and wet
After all it is a UK Brand that has been around for a long time .They should have learned by now english wet roads

 

[SteveP]

I always fitted TT100's to my Triumph's and Norton's. Never seemed to have any problems. I think my riding style has mellowed over the years.
Dunlop's seem to be about £270 a pair and Continental's £200.
I'm thinking maybe the Continental's will last longer and suit my riding style.
Thanks for getting back to me

 

[JOHNDADDY]

I've ridden on the Conti twins for years. Absolutely love them, they track straight going over seams in the road,
good grip and they do last.
Looked recently for them and only found them with IIRC a P speed rating 93MPH maxx, no good for me.
Settled for Shinkos, they're ugly but so far fit the bill nicely.
Oh and yes the Contis handle fine in the rain, turns too.

 

[WideAWAKE]

I have k70s on my XS and I do not like them at all.

The back tire in specific has really turned “flat” across the tread area much like a car tire.

I have IRC GS-11s on my cb750 and they are great. Classic tread, great grip.

 

[SteveP]

Thanks for that. I'll look into IRC's

 

[jetmechmarty]

I have IRC GS-11s on my cb750 and they are great. Classic tread, great grip.

I read a review of this tire that said the rear was to the wear bars at 2,000 miles. Can that be true of a new tire? I get 4K on a Dunlop 404.

 

[WideAWAKE]

I read a review of this tire that said the rear was to the wear bars at 2,000 miles. Can that be true of a new tire? I get 4K on a Dunlop 404.

I can’t confirm or deny that. I’ve only got about 1000 on mine now but they show no signs of wear.

I tried to get side by side of the two tires.

The k70 is noticeably flatter then the GS-11

 

[SteveP]

I'm not sure IRC tyres are easily sourced here in the UK. I'll have another look at shinko.
It's a shame that the 1997 K70 fitted to my rear wheel is so cracked, it's hardly worn.
Tyres are definitely down to personal preference. Horses for courses.
Thanks again for taking the time to reply

 

[Its been a long time]

I'm not sure IRC tyres are easily sourced here in the UK. I'll have another look at shinko.
It's a shame that the 1997 K70 fitted to my rear wheel is so cracked, it's hardly worn.
Tyres are definitely down to personal preference. Horses for courses.
Thanks again for taking the time to reply

After looking around I settled on a set of Mitas tyres a couple of months ago for my 77 650D. I would have liked Dunlop but they were maybe 50% more than the Mitas. I know money isn't everything when it comes to tyres but I doubt this bike will ever do more than 200 to 300 miles in a year. So far this year zero. I struggled to find anywhere near to me that would supply and fit the right sized classic bike style tyres. Local bike shops not interested. So that seriously limited my choice. In the end I had to travel to Wrexham and had Demon Tweeks supply and fit the tyres for me.

There's more choice if you are able to fit them yourself.