New guy from the Chicago area

jbrasel · Posted: May 18, 2009, 12:49 pm Post subject: New guy from the Chicago area

Hello everyone. I've been a lurker for a while, so I thought I'd finally join the fun.

I picked up my 1980 XS650 on eBay for $800. It was rotting in a barn up in Wisconsin and I needed a new project.

On the trailer ride home the headlight flashed at me every time I hit a bump...even though the key was in my pocket. Long story short; did a lot of wiring work. Put new tires on, cleaned the carbs, changed the oil and both filters, plugs, air cleaners...standard stuff. Rode my beloved 'new' bike all spring and took it to New Orleans, LA from Chicago last summer. What a ride.

This spring I jetted, cleaned, and drilled out the carbs, got pod filters and new pipes. It runs great now. So well, apparently, that my factory and close-to-dead clutch started slipping at 4500rpm@WOT. So, I did the clutch with stronger springs, kevlar plates, and new needle bearing/thrust washer. It was a bit of a long job, but well worth the time. The new cable and clutch are still easy to pull despite the new springs. It locks up tight now.

I noticed on my test ride after the clutch that my darn vacuum petcock it leaking, big shocker from what I read. Ordered a manual from mikes. I should be back on the road by Friday.

I can't wait to try out the new tuning with a clutch that can hang!

I just love working on my XS and am glad to see I'm not alone.

I hope I can help out in the troubleshooting section a little as I've learned quite a bit about this bike in the past 24 months.

Thanks in advance to anyone who helps me out as well!

HndaTch627 · Posted: May 19, 2009, 3:13 am Post subject: Re: New guy from the Chicago area

nice to see another Chicagoan

What Happened to 650rider.com?

Yamaha xs650