Van Islander's TX650A - Quest for a Daily Rider

[TX650A Van Islander]

I would finish your Mods by adding UNI pods and then trying 130 and 132.5 mains. Both sets of '76-'77 carbs I've used were set up this way and worked well (132.5 mains, 27.5 pilots, and the needles leaned one step).

Thanks 5T. I will consider this. I do have Mike's XS pods from PO but I recall being advised these were evil so have never used them. Losing the original air boxes may loose a pound of weight as well, allowing me more ice cream or beer to even out the weight ratio!

 

[willis]

https://www.xs650.com/threads/55842

I followed this thread when updating my 75 charging system. I added a VR115 voltage regulator from the auto parts store and upgraded to a sealed rectifier from an xs400 off ebay. Worked like a charm and both were very reasonably priced.

 

[DogBunny]

Since you already have the MikesXS pods, before spending money on UNIs, I suggest you read this:
https://www.xs650.com/threads/air-filter-heresy.66441/
and then give your MikesXS pods a try.

A couple years ago I sent a pair of the MikesXS pods to 5twins, the person who I'm pretty sure started the whole "pleated pods = bad" thing, and which has been de rigueur ever since. He acknowledged to me in PMs that they worked just fine. They work just fine for me. To specify, not just any pleated pods. The ones I sent to 5twins, and the ones that I've used on numerous XS650s over the years are the XS Performance pods. They are knock-offs of a K&N pod, which would surely also work just fine. These are the oval style pods. I would be suspect of any other style of pleated pod.
Maybe one day 5twins will get back to the thread linked to above and post his experience with the pods I sent to him.

 

[DogBunny]

As for jetting 76-77 carbs with aftermarket exhaust and pods (UNIs or pleated ovals), I pretty much concur with what the others are saying. My magic formula has always been 4 (sometimes 5) steps up on mains (132.5 or 135), one step up on pilot to 27.5, and lean the needles by one step.

 

[TX650A Van Islander]

As for jetting 76-77 carbs with aftermarket exhaust and pods (UNIs or pleated ovals), I pretty much concur with what the others are saying. My magic formula has always been 4 (sometimes 5) steps up on mains (132.5 or 135), one step up on pilot to 27.5, and lean the needles by one step.

Thanks for the advice DogBunny. Seems wise to try the ones I have given they are here and already paid for. I just need to get those jets, and will check out the rectifier Willis. The bike works ok now but likely could be a lot better. I also decided to ditch the Shinko 712 tires and install some Bridgestone Battlax BT46s. Still need to order those. Should have done that in the first place. The front Shinko has a bit of a shimmy. I look forward to reporting back to you guys on the results. Stay tuned but please don't hold your breath. Likely a few weeks out at least! I'm planning to ride the TX in the Victoria Distinguished Gentleman's Ride men's health fundraiser, second year in a row. That's in a month, and I'm not sure on how quick I can get this stuff done as work gets in the way.

 

[5twins]

Yes, I also don't like that Shinko 712 front tire. It doesn't feel right through about the 30 to 40 mph range. I recently got a Duro to try, a K-81 copy.

 

[TX650A Van Islander]

Went for a nice evening ride with my son and he rode his future bike for the first time! That's him in the red jacket. He recently replaced his 125 Suzuki with a 2018 XSR700 as he started his second riding season.

 

[bosco659]

Went for a nice evening ride with my son and he rode his future bike for the first time! That's him in the red jacket. He recently replaced his 125 Suzuki with a 2018 XSR700 as he started his second riding season.
View attachment 370200View attachment 370201View attachment 370202

Nice pics! Your son is a lucky guy to be the future owner of your bike. Our old Yamaha’s have great looks and had lots of soul. The new bikes are so technologically advanced and some look so futuristic, but I still love the look of the vintage bikes.

 

[Jim]

Curious how your son compares/rates the two bikes against each other?

 

[TX650A Van Islander]

Nice pics! Your son is a lucky guy to be the future owner of your bike. Our old Yamaha’s have great looks and lots of soul. The new bikes are so technologically advanced and some look so futuristic, but I still love the look of the vintage bikes.

Thanks! My other son doesn't ride, at least not yet, so considering I won't be selling the '74 any time soon, stands to reason he should get it one day.

Curious how your son compares/rates the two bikes against each other?

He liked the TX650A quite a bit. He described it as "immediate". I thought this an interesting word to describe our old tech bikes. He is just about 26 years old. I don't think he has ever driven anything with a carburetor and he has only ridden three motorcycles, all fuel injected. Just realized Im wrong. He rode his roommate's older Honda, but it was in really tough shape.
The more I ride it with the new rotor and fixed carbs (not sinking float) the better it is. I don't think this bike has ever worked so well! So my son is riding it at a good time in its evolution. He has only have the XSR for about 8 weeks, about 400 miles maybe. It's taller, smoother, lighter as he said, compared to the '74. I can't wait to install the new voltage regulator and rectifier, and make those carb mods we spoke of.

 

[TX650A Van Islander]

Spooned some new boots (to quote Raymond) onto the TX650A last weekend! Bridgestone Battlax BT46. Should have ditched the Shinko 712s some time ago. I've only ridden about 15 miles since then but already can tell they are sooooo much better. No more front end shimmy at about 35 to 45 mph. This Sunday is the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride so looking forward to spending some time with the "new" ride.