Racing a 77' xs650

nittany-leaf · New Member Joined: Jul 02, 2008 Posts: 1

I currently have a 1977 xs650 in stock drab and after the head gasket blew I figured this would be a good time to turn the durn thing into a vintage racer. I am looking for input from any one who has raced one of these beasts. I am looking at running some WERA races and AHRMA races at Mid-Ohio and possibly Barber. I am not out to win a national championship. I want to race and have fun on Sunday and be able to go to work on Monday. All input will be greatly appreciated

yamaman · Posted: August 30, 2008, 2:59 pm Post subject: Re: Racing a 77' xs650

G'day nittany-leaf, hows it going?
I've been racing my 72 XS the past 3 years, and been having a ball on it!! Very Happy

Mine runs: 18" akront rims, dunlop TT100 rear tyre, TT900 front, twin standard discs front, std drum rear, nice new tapered roller steering bearings, fork brace, clip ons, steering damper, forks dropped through 1", needle roller swing arm bearings, new s/a pivot bolt, frame braced at swing arm pivot point, koni shocks, custom made headers, open reverse cone megas (LOUD!), VM Mikuni round-slide carbs, custom made ignition (no battery), TX 750 80mm pistons and sleeves to suit (makes it 750cc) and quite a few cosmetic mods.
Of course you dont need all that to race, just start with a mild rebuild (check your crank and rods when apart, this may dampen your budget, but its no good to you if it throws a rod or such!), the extra cubes are worth it if $ allows, breathing is the key, you've gotta be able to get it in & out! Mikunis are a great start, with some K&N filters, along with a nice fat exhaust!
Make sure you do the steering bearings, and swing arm (you dont need needle rollers, but at least run some new bronze bushings), use a fork brace and consider a steering damper (allows you to drop the forks through wiyhout having to fear a tankslapper!)
Theres a couple of pics in my gallery, have a look, feel free to ask whatever.
Cheers

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