New bike advice

[spencerm]

Hi there, purchased this xs650 about a week ago. Very happy so far, I have replaced air filters, put in new gas, and fired it right up. I bought everything to change the oil but it looked almost brand new.

PO said that the headlight assembly and taillight needed to be wired and included the assembly for both. My question now is how do I wire these. Also how does the headlight assembly go together? Been sitting with the manual trying to figure it out but having issues. Let me know what yall think. Pictures below

Also, how do yall clean yours? I’ve been looking on the forum and yet to find a specific cleaner other then soap and water?

 

[spencerm]

This is also what the headlight looks like. It seems as if there is too much stuff in there to put the headlight back on.

 

[Its been a long time]

This is also what the headlight looks like. It seems as if there is too much stuff in there to put the headlight back on.

That's fairly typical, but it does fit.

 

[650Skull]

Headlight bucket is usually a mess. People go in there mess around then shove it in without trying to organise it

When I get to my laptop I will post a pic of what it should look like. I took all my connections apart, ( had to when swapping in another main harness), untangled all the wires, then repacked the headlight. Also cleaned up the rust and repainted the bucket a light colour, helps to identify wires when working in there.

Need more context for the rear wiring. Might have to look up on the net for a diagram.

 

[650Skull]

The wiring in the bucked looks to be in good condition, Connectors aren't breaking down, good sign

After installing another harness. Untangled all the wiring by rerouting the connections to eliminate a much of the twisting and crisscrossing of the wires then arranged them to allow the headlight to fit in the bucket without stressing the wires by being forced around, and vibrating against it

If the electrics are up to scratch 99% of problems will b eliminated.

Some links for electrics.
https://www.xs650.com/threads/continuity-testing-made-easy.49917/
https://www.xs650.com/threads/how-to-use-multimeter.27826/

NOTE; Poor ground symptoms can b mistaken for carb problems...........happens a lot,
https://www.xs650.com/threads/grounds-so-important.41775/

XSleo gives a good explanation in layman terms. Self explanatory
https://www.xs650.com/threads/what-happens-when-you-turn-your-key-on.9625/

Jim explains the charging system in here. Also provides a reliable rewind at an very affordable price
https://www.xs650.com/threads/rewound-alternator-rotor.54276/

Good general read on wiring
https://www.xs650.com/threads/wiring-harness-musings.18925/

 

[jetmechmarty]

Derust and paint the inside of the bucket. That will help. That rust makes a mess.

 

[spencerm]

Cool. I fixed the rear taillight and going to Home Depot to get supplies for the front. I am going to untangle everything and remove the rust. I appreciate the advice.

Side note do yall use anything to clean the bikes other then water and soap?

 

[5twins]

I use kerosene to clean the oil and grease build-up off the motor and frame. The bottom of the motor may take some scrubbing with an old toothbrush if the gunk is really baked on. I really don't wash the whole bike much with soap and water, then a hose. Maybe when I first get one I might do that once, but I don't like the idea of spraying it down with a hose, too many nooks and crannies for water to get into.

 

[Jim]

I really don't wash the whole bike much with soap and water, then a hose. Maybe when I first get one I might do that once, but I don't like the idea of spraying it down with a hose, too many nooks and crannies for water to get into.

I'll wash with soap and water about once a year or so... maybe every other year. When I do though, I'll spend 20-30 with a blowgun and shop air, blow-drying all the little cracks and crevasses.

 

[AndersJ]

I'll wash with soap and water about once a year or so... maybe every other year. When I do though, I'll spend 20-30 with a blowgun and shop air, blow-drying all the little cracks and crevasses.

And what about your bike?

 

[AndersJ]

cracking my self up over here