Muckroot
XS650 Addict
Hello all, I am new to the site and this is my first post. Please forgive any formatting errors.
I recently purchased and tore down my very own 1975 XS650B and I have some questions regarding where to go from where I am at. I currently have the engine completely apart, and have a shop that can do work on the bits before I re-assemble it. My main goal with this build is to produce a bike that is reliable and will run strong for many many years to come. I do not care so much about power output beyond stock numbers, as this will be a cruiser bike and longevity is more important to me than speed.
Firstly, if money is not a factor (money is definitely a factor lol) What work could I have done on the engine? what work is worth doing? I do not plan on having the engine rephased as that is definitely out of my budget, but at a minimum I am planing to get a PMA kit, replace the rings, hone the cylinder, lap the valve seats, and replace any bearings or seals that look worn or are out of spec. I am planning on keeping the points and mechanical advance ignition system, as it seems to offer better serviceability in the long term than an electrical unit. I also plan on keeping the electric starter for easier starting in the winter and on very rainy days. I'm also going to get TC bros Mikuni carbs and have open pipes, but I don't know if that affects any of the decisions I need to make about internal engine components. I am on the fence regarding porting and polishing the heads, replacing the cam for non-stock valve duration, and having the cylinder bored up one size for slightly better power and compression.
What other options do I have beyond these things in terms of parts to replace/modify or work to have done on the engine?
Feedback on any of the paths I've chosen is welcome.
I recently purchased and tore down my very own 1975 XS650B and I have some questions regarding where to go from where I am at. I currently have the engine completely apart, and have a shop that can do work on the bits before I re-assemble it. My main goal with this build is to produce a bike that is reliable and will run strong for many many years to come. I do not care so much about power output beyond stock numbers, as this will be a cruiser bike and longevity is more important to me than speed.
Firstly, if money is not a factor (money is definitely a factor lol) What work could I have done on the engine? what work is worth doing? I do not plan on having the engine rephased as that is definitely out of my budget, but at a minimum I am planing to get a PMA kit, replace the rings, hone the cylinder, lap the valve seats, and replace any bearings or seals that look worn or are out of spec. I am planning on keeping the points and mechanical advance ignition system, as it seems to offer better serviceability in the long term than an electrical unit. I also plan on keeping the electric starter for easier starting in the winter and on very rainy days. I'm also going to get TC bros Mikuni carbs and have open pipes, but I don't know if that affects any of the decisions I need to make about internal engine components. I am on the fence regarding porting and polishing the heads, replacing the cam for non-stock valve duration, and having the cylinder bored up one size for slightly better power and compression.
What other options do I have beyond these things in terms of parts to replace/modify or work to have done on the engine?
Feedback on any of the paths I've chosen is welcome.