Thanks for this! I figured I wasn’t the only one who has had this issue.
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What have you done to your XS today?
- Thread starter I am Carbon
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- maintenance
..... and for #9 and #10, I use a wobble extension .....
I've also changed my tune a little on the 8 large acorn nuts. I only go 28 to 30 on them now. I tried close to 35 on my '78 when the head gasket started leaking and I swear, I could feel the studs stretching, lol. And after all that, it didn't fix the leak anyway. So, now I only do about 30 max on those big acorn nuts, lubed threads (with anti-seize)
I've also changed my tune a little on the 8 large acorn nuts. I only go 28 to 30 on them now. I tried close to 35 on my '78 when the head gasket started leaking and I swear, I could feel the studs stretching, lol. And after all that, it didn't fix the leak anyway. So, now I only do about 30 max on those big acorn nuts, lubed threads (with anti-seize)
Thanks @5twins I wil seek out one of those.
I was going to grind down a socket for a shallower fit. But if the wobble extension works that great.
Yes, you'll need to remove the point/advance housing covers to get a straighter shot at it, but it works good after doing that.
I use an in-lb torque wrench to get at #9 and 10. it is more compact with its 1/4" drive and corresponsing sockets.
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I found 1/4" drive sockets very useful to access the smaller head fasteners. They fit in the limited space quite comfortably. I tightened the smaller fasteners by feel. Used a normal 1/2" drive torque wrench on the eight bigger fasteners, of course.
Since my arms in a sling for another month I walked around and looked at each one then put some spare parts into my stash…. That’s about all I can lol.
A productive morning again. Did the painting I prepared yesterday as it's a nice sunny day and the paint will be fully dry by this time tomorrow.
The battery is now on charge again this morning so I fitted a new flasher unit. One that works independent of what type of bulbs are fitted. It's also not so fussy about battery voltage. And anyway, the 47 year old one I removed deserves a rest.
Details here - https://www.xs650.com/threads/turn-signal-issue.66381/post-839620
So, that's all the electrical systems apart from the starter and ignition circuit tested and working. Once the battery is fully charged I'll see if I have fat blue sparks or not at the plugs and then see if the starter motor works or not.
Getting a lot closer now to a first start attempt
The battery is now on charge again this morning so I fitted a new flasher unit. One that works independent of what type of bulbs are fitted. It's also not so fussy about battery voltage. And anyway, the 47 year old one I removed deserves a rest.
Details here - https://www.xs650.com/threads/turn-signal-issue.66381/post-839620
So, that's all the electrical systems apart from the starter and ignition circuit tested and working. Once the battery is fully charged I'll see if I have fat blue sparks or not at the plugs and then see if the starter motor works or not.
Getting a lot closer now to a first start attempt
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The weather finally let up (no more rain) and the inspection station got their inspection computer fixed so I took her for a ... *gasp* ... inspection yesterday. First inspection in Texas. Pass fine. Of course all technicians gathered again and were asking what it was and why it looks like that and why it has this or that ... they love seeing my custom bikes.
So now I am one step closer to having a license plate and being allowed to rider her legally.
Speaking of which: next weekend is the DGR (Distinguished Gentlemen's Ride) across the world. A custom "old-style" motorcycle qualifies for it so we'll have a friend join us and ride this new bike. Anybody else participating on their custom bikes?
So now I am one step closer to having a license plate and being allowed to rider her legally.
Speaking of which: next weekend is the DGR (Distinguished Gentlemen's Ride) across the world. A custom "old-style" motorcycle qualifies for it so we'll have a friend join us and ride this new bike. Anybody else participating on their custom bikes?
I got a new chain cleaning/oiling kit for by birthday yesterday so I went out to work the chain on Buzzy.
It took awhile as I have not oiled ut fir several months. Shame on me.
It took awhile as I have not oiled ut fir several months. Shame on me.
Mikey
got muscles in his head that ain't never been used
Do you like it ?
Clutch cover buttoned up, motor mounts tightened, one exhaust mocked up, looks like I can use the passenger peg exhaust mounts for these mufflers. Previous owner had taste.
Checked the valve clearances, both exhaust were 007 thouh, and both inlet were 003. Set them to 006 and 003.
Still a bit noisy, might be up for a new front guide.?
Still a bit noisy, might be up for a new front guide.?
CaptCardboard
XS650 Enthusiast
I swapped out the 17 tooth front sprocket for a 16 to be a bit zippier and more comfortable hauling a man of my girth.
Got some new Daytona style handlebars for just a little bit more rise and pullback than what was on the bike when I got it. New clutch cable, and some sparkly new grips make my controls much happier. Unfortunately the rise was just beyond the reach of my front brake line and there's not a single useful motorcycle shop open on Mondays. Sometimes I think I only go to Cycle Gear just to confirm my disappointment. Keeping the master cylinder wrapped up until I can find a replacement line.
Tomorrow with be a quest to find an appropriate brake line in town, followed by a carb sync which I'm learning might not be as delicate and frustrating a process it was with my old CL350.
Until then, Fred and I are gonna get smashed on mint juleps.
Got some new Daytona style handlebars for just a little bit more rise and pullback than what was on the bike when I got it. New clutch cable, and some sparkly new grips make my controls much happier. Unfortunately the rise was just beyond the reach of my front brake line and there's not a single useful motorcycle shop open on Mondays. Sometimes I think I only go to Cycle Gear just to confirm my disappointment. Keeping the master cylinder wrapped up until I can find a replacement line.
Tomorrow with be a quest to find an appropriate brake line in town, followed by a carb sync which I'm learning might not be as delicate and frustrating a process it was with my old CL350.
Until then, Fred and I are gonna get smashed on mint juleps.
“North-Leftern USA” guessing Seattle ..
CaptCardboard
XS650 Enthusiast
Portland. Born and raised.
Last Wednesday was a cloudy but dry day; Mrs C was visiting friends and said 'Why don't you go for a ride today'. Not one to pass up a good offer I agreed.
The Brat (1200GS) would have been an easy chioce to go on as its all ready to rock; but I fancied a trip on Taffy (XS650) although a little fetteling was required before the off. All excited I headed off to the lockup / workshop.
On arrival I ulocked the doors secured by a high security (Flippin' expensive) Ingersol padlock at let myelf in. Last time I ran Taffy only for a short run around the block to wake him after the winter storage. It was still cloudy outside so decided to retorque the head, something I needed to do. I removed the Head steady frame bracket, and with the re-tourqe advice from @Jim / @5twins I set about the main studs (No's 1 - 8) @30bls.ft.
View attachment 325522
Moved to the smaller bolt heads (No's 9 -11) under the spark plugs and rear of head requiring 16ft.lbs. But access was not achievable with my larger Torque wrench and socket attached.
So I locked up and went to get a smaller Halfords Advanced Pro wrench in the 10 - 35ft.lbs range, from the Auto store (£110).
I also went to the local bike shop to get a Bike new security chain and lock; Oxford products (£110)
On my return I found my key would not fit the barrel of the padlock, the barrell seemed to have moved in the housing. Try as I might I could not get it to work. All my tools were inside behind the door; so tried to call an emergency locksmith. The first two 'Fast / Speedy 24-7 rsponse' guys said ''I can get there tommorow mate!'' Luckily the third one (Higgs Locksmiths Newport) Dropped the non-urgent job he was going to, and arrived 20 minutes later.
A few attempts to pick the lock were unsuccesful; he sacraficed the lock with a cutting disc, and 15mins later I was in. £50 cash for his great service was money well spent....Or so I thought.
Getting inside I spy on the workbench my perfectly intact Ingersol High Security padlock! Call me 'Terry Fuckwit'** if you like I had shut up shop using my old Squire bike lock and had the Ingersol key in my pocketThats why the key didn't freakin' fit!!!!
Onto the smaller head bolts and my new torque wrench still would not fit in the space available! Oh bugger!! I need to get a crows foot adapter to complete the job.
So no ride out again today, just as the late afternoon sunshine streamed into the workshop; and I have to pick up Mrs C.
I am now £270 down, but at least I have a new tool, a lock and chain and the experiance of lifes mistakes!
I will be back armed with the other info I found on the site below:
View attachment 325523
View attachment 325527
**TERRY FUCKWITT
View attachment 325528
Terry Fuckwitt here!
Following the advice of @5twins / @Jim I have just purchased a set of Halfords Advanced 'Wobble' Extension Bars:
I have a lot of 'Advanced' tools from Halfords and the quality is top notch with Lifetime guarantee; £30.00.
Registered another email and got £5.00 off so £25.00 all in.
Back to the bike tomorrow for more torque work.
Clutch Adjustment and Test Ride
Much better, went out on the River Road and see that the winter wheat is heading out. Near as I remember, it's really early for that. Some farmers may use the opportunity to get a crop of beans planted after the wheat is harvested.
Hay is early in Central Ore as well 
What does a gay horse say ? … “ haaay
”
What does a gay horse say ? … “ haaay
”
Fifteen years ago today.
I love those blacked out Heritage Special motors.
Gone but not forgotten.
I love those blacked out Heritage Special motors.
Gone but not forgotten.
