I’m glad you mentioned that. When I put this thing back together and there’s been no fuel in the carbs should I prime the carbs on reserve first before switching peacock it to on? I know it’s a vacuum system and without any fuel in the carbs I think you answered my question already. Thanks again 5tT!
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Kdobbs '82 Build Thread
- Thread starter Kdobbs372
- Start date
I wish I knew what to do about the original wire spoke wheels. They are in need of new chrome or new spokes or complete reconditioning, but too much of a project for me. Going to ride them like they roll, but wonder if there is a better wheel choice for the future? Going with Shinko Classic 240 tires front and rear. This won’t be a daily rider, more of a project to keep me busy and have some fun doing it.
Both the "On" and "Reserve" positions on your petcock are vacuum powered and only flow when the motor is running or cranking over at least. It will take forever to fill empty carbs that way, lol. You need to set the petcock in the "Pri" (Prime) position. This setting bypasses the vacuum function and just flows like a normal petcock. But don't forget to switch it back after the bike starts because the "Pri" position pulls fuel from the Reserve pipe. If you run out of gas, you will be really out, lol.
Stainless spokes are quite reasonably priced for these bikes compared to most others. I prefer the aluminum alloy rims because they'll never rust and I like the look of polished aluminum vs. chrome. More maintenance, yes, but I just like them better. I think you have the bazillion spoke Heritage wheels on yours? I don't care for the 72 spoke front, I just don't like the "look", too many spokes. I built a regular 36 spoke replacement for my '83, and used a wider rim as well (2.15 vs. the stock 1.85). I really like the way it turned out and the way it looks .....
For the rear, I can handle the 48 spoke Heritage wheel, so once I wear the tire out, I'll be rebuilding the wheel with stainless spokes and an aluminum WM type rim to match the front.
The wheels all swap on these from '73 on, so you might keep an eye out for some alloy rimmed replacements. If you wanted to switch to mags, you'd need to find a rear drum type from an '81. That's the only year that came with a rear drum mag. For the front, any year mag will fit and work ('78-'81).
Stainless spokes are quite reasonably priced for these bikes compared to most others. I prefer the aluminum alloy rims because they'll never rust and I like the look of polished aluminum vs. chrome. More maintenance, yes, but I just like them better. I think you have the bazillion spoke Heritage wheels on yours? I don't care for the 72 spoke front, I just don't like the "look", too many spokes. I built a regular 36 spoke replacement for my '83, and used a wider rim as well (2.15 vs. the stock 1.85). I really like the way it turned out and the way it looks .....
For the rear, I can handle the 48 spoke Heritage wheel, so once I wear the tire out, I'll be rebuilding the wheel with stainless spokes and an aluminum WM type rim to match the front.
The wheels all swap on these from '73 on, so you might keep an eye out for some alloy rimmed replacements. If you wanted to switch to mags, you'd need to find a rear drum type from an '81. That's the only year that came with a rear drum mag. For the front, any year mag will fit and work ('78-'81).
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Wow! Your wheels look amazing! Your bike looks amazing! I agree the 72 front spoke wheel is too busy for me. Love your 36 spoke change over. The whole swapping out of spokes and keeping the rim true seems like a big tedious task. I’m sure there are step by step instructions on how to do it. Time is the key. I think I’ll keep my eyes open for some aluminum rims. Not sure about Mags. The spoked wheels just look classically vintage to me. Once again, I greatly appreciate your information. Your insight is above stellar.
“A YAMAHA XS650 TX750 72-81 FLAT TRACK FR WHEEL RIM 19" 2.5" 36 SPOKES OEM AHRMA” would be too wide for my stock setup correct?
2.5"? Yes, that may be too wide.
Thank you. One more please sir... I see a lot of 18" rear wheels available. Any advantage to go from my 16" to a 18" rear?
No, in my opinion, not really. It's said the 18" rear handles better (steers quicker and is easier to throw into corners), so I put a set of the flanged alloy wheels on my '83 shortly after I got it .....
..... and I didn't find this to be true. The 16" rides and handles just fine, and I think it looks better on the Special because of the way the side covers and seat angle down towards it .....
My bike came with an almost new rear tire that I wanted to use up, so I put the 16" rear wheel back on. This gave me a back-to-back comparison to the 18", and I found I like the 16" better. That big fat tire rides better and is more stable at higher speeds, and it doesn't seem to hamper the cornering ability at all. So, I've decided to stick with the 16".
There's nothing radically wrong with the 18", and it would be easier to find one. To me, the "Holy Grail" of Special spoked wheels is the set used on the '79 Special II. This was the only set that got alloy rims. Not easy to find, but maybe you'll get lucky, lol.
..... and I didn't find this to be true. The 16" rides and handles just fine, and I think it looks better on the Special because of the way the side covers and seat angle down towards it .....
My bike came with an almost new rear tire that I wanted to use up, so I put the 16" rear wheel back on. This gave me a back-to-back comparison to the 18", and I found I like the 16" better. That big fat tire rides better and is more stable at higher speeds, and it doesn't seem to hamper the cornering ability at all. So, I've decided to stick with the 16".
There's nothing radically wrong with the 18", and it would be easier to find one. To me, the "Holy Grail" of Special spoked wheels is the set used on the '79 Special II. This was the only set that got alloy rims. Not easy to find, but maybe you'll get lucky, lol.
I’m finding several decent aluminum rims, but most of them are being offered with heavy oxidation. Is there a secret to removing the oxidation from the aluminum and getting them to shine like yours?
Yes, it's called elbow grease, lol. Most of the alloy rims were polished at the factory then clear coated. Over the years, that clear coat has chipped off in spots and then corrosion sets in, and it spreads to under the clear coat that's still there. So, the 1st step in renovating those old rims is to strip the remaining clear coat off, then they can be polished. Yes, it's a lot of work, and I'm still working on ways to make it easier. I've pretty much eliminated the need to sand them by using Roloc discs in a die grinder and nylox wheels in a 4K RPM drill. Final step is buffing.
Charles13
XS650 Addict
I use 2.5” front rims, they corner better and they give the tire a flatter profile allowing you to use the whole tire
As most of you know by now, I acquired this bike and I’m learning a little more and a little more each time I get into something new. Now I’m looking at the fuel petcock. It does not have a prime position on it, and if I turn it to reserve or on - fuel flows freely, which I’m assuming means it’s a non-vacuum type petcock. I’m all so assuming that this is not what I need on this bike’s carbs setup. Please see pictures. Any recommendations on a supplier of the correct fuel petcock? As always, greatly appreciate all your help.
Attachments
Yes, your bike came with a vacuum petcock.
No, that's not the vacuum type. However, it'll still work just fine. I like my vacuum petcock, but that's just me.
Only place I know of to get one is to run an ad here in the classies or look on Ebay.
Thanks Jim. I also notice it does have the internal filter that shows on the original fuel petcock. Ok to run just like pictured?
Could be wrong, but I don't believe that type has a built in filter (screen).
I'd run an inline filter if it were me.
My '80SG has the vacuum petcock with the built in "screen." Even so, I still use an inline filter. Belt 'n suspenders... ya know.
That’s what I’ll do. Thanks again Jim!
Dime City/MikesXS and maybe Yamahaxs650.com sell the screens that fit on top of those tubes on your petcock.
Yours are probably floating around in your tank. That’s why mine are secured with .020 stainless safety wire.
Nice pigtails!
