FWIW, Dunstall used to manufacture silencers, now widely copied, means dunstalls nowadays is a style/type of silencer/muffler. So details of how they're constructed will probably vary.
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What have you done to your XS today?
- Thread starter I am Carbon
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At one point at least (mid-70's) Dunstall manufactured entire exhaust systems. I had a 2 into 1 into 2 Dunstall system on my XS-2 circa 1975. Sounded great, not sure it increased performance, but the downer was that it required the removal of the centerstand.
Yes, I remember when two into one and four into one systems first became popular, it often meant removing the centre stand. It was also very common in the early days to remove the exhaust headers to change the oil filter.
Two especially stupid features of early designs. Fortunately, the industry soon learnt about stupid design features.
Two especially stupid features of early designs. Fortunately, the industry soon learnt about stupid design features.
Yes, I would say the industry learnt about "some" stupid design "features".
And if I recall correctly, Dunstall was very road-race oriented, so wouldn't have given a fig about centerstand retention, in fact, would have regarded removing it as a plus
Yes, I would say the industry learnt about "some" stupid design "features".
And if I recall correctly, Dunstall was very road-race oriented, so wouldn't have given a fig about centerstand retention, in fact, would have regarded removing it as a plus
Shows how the demographic has shifted, back in the 70s, we'dda wanted our Dunstall to sound right, that Norton race sound, back in the 80's, the Micron or whatever 4-into-1 had to sound loud, but now we're such old gits we want practical design features ahead of the noise it makes.
Yes, many of the 1st Gen pipes really compromised convenience, then people started to figure it out; I always appreciated Kerker pipes, they looked and sounded good, AND allowed servicing and centerstand retention.
Of course many of the more competition-oriented pipes always required giving up things.
The centerstand makes life easier for almost everyone, and I remember the first bike I had that didn't have one - wtf? This phenomena seemed to rapidly usher in the widespread use of spools and paddock stands.
Of course many of the more competition-oriented pipes always required giving up things.
The centerstand makes life easier for almost everyone, and I remember the first bike I had that didn't have one - wtf? This phenomena seemed to rapidly usher in the widespread use of spools and paddock stands.
Lunch Break!
I'm fixing the grindy starter blues and despite this being a crusty barn find, things are dismantling pretty good. The kick start assembly stayed engaged and the gasket didn't rip, but I guess that's the easy stuff.
Shelby
XS650 Addict
Just did an oil change, spark plugs, and new bags (I make my own -- used to do all leather, sold them for a long time, then Arthur came to visit. Grandma's hands got tired. Latest set is repurposed tactical bags). Hopefully warm enough over the weekend for a short ride before the Stablelite and winter coat.
Updated my pic because -- cataract surgery! Finally! (You know that annoying Eye Dr thing? "Which is better, 1 or 2?" -- "They all suck doc!" -- apparently that's the right answer.) No glasses! Bill's most done with a resto on a 98 Eldorado. Trying to talk him into doing the local car shows/get togethers in the spring.
Updated my pic because -- cataract surgery! Finally! (You know that annoying Eye Dr thing? "Which is better, 1 or 2?" -- "They all suck doc!" -- apparently that's the right answer.) No glasses! Bill's most done with a resto on a 98 Eldorado. Trying to talk him into doing the local car shows/get togethers in the spring.
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Bob Wegman
XS650 Addict
Bob Wegman
XS650 Addict
Removed the float bowl on my 80 Special ll and found the float needle was missing the rubber tip that stops the fuel from flowing. I know the float needles are old, so maybe that is the reason. This is the second time I have run into this problem. Any of you folks had this problem?
No, never on an original, but I hear some of the aftermarket ones do that, lol.
Starter #4 Gear Repair Complete.
Couple nice readings from the crusty old shed find. Starter engages perfectly, spring pressure showed about 6 to 8 pounds.
A few more items to do and then to rehome it.
Have had a hankering to build a custom bitsa...pulled a bare frame from the shed and have de-tabbed it, shortened the rear hoop, cleaned up nasty factory welds and so forth. For those who abhor any application of the the grinder to an XS frame, I understand, but this particular frame was never going to be restored. Build direction still in the embryonic stage, but the intention is a very clean and simple look. Mock-up pics to follow.
Build thread?!? 
Lots of nice/interesting stuff going on here...!
Started sanding both engine covers: 250-400-600-800-1000-1500-2000 grit. One must be dedicated to get through this process for sure!
Bottom fork legs don’t need as much work so saving the easy stuff for last.
Bottom fork legs don’t need as much work so saving the easy stuff for last.
Correcting some of the poor electrical repairs today ..... poorly crimped, unsealed connections are one of my pet peeves
Properly crimped and heat shrink
And as a bonus metric solinoid nut had been replaced with 1/4 " NC .... Was able to repair threads and install nut
Properly crimped and heat shrink
And as a bonus metric solinoid nut had been replaced with 1/4 " NC .... Was able to repair threads and install nut
Those pre insulated crimps are truly horrible. Best to get rid of them.
