Just a few tweaks to get it running :-) ........got a bit carried away !!! XS650 Makeover

[lchris21]

did you make that GP pipe yourself without trawling back for reference?

Just chopped the first 3" about a bit to get it to fit right...

 

[mtt.tr]

Looks mean.

 

[lchris21]

This weekend I've been connecting the dots.....first up getting the throttle connected to the carbs. It's a 2into1 setup, so rescued a splitter from the local bike scrapped and set about mounting it and making up some cables using bicycle brake cables and some home made brass nipples out of some old wood screws.

 

[lchris21]

Then onto the fuel supply..........first up a quick job on a rear rubber mount for the tank.

 

[lchris21]

Then the shut off valves...........unfortunately Id painted myself into a corner on this one when I was working on the tank last year. I forgot how close the outlets were to the valve adjustment covers? In hindsight I should have welded in some female threaded plugs instead of male, and also positioned them further back. Unfortunately I didn't want to risk my lovely new paint so got hold of a few different valves before eventually finding something I could work with? Ended up using some random ebay find, meant for a quad or mini moto type of thing. Didn't want to have anything too obtrusive with lots of bits hanging around....Only problem was having to make some tank connectors from scratch

Job for next week is to weld them together along with some other pipework....

 

[lchris21]

Quick update from the weekends past. Seemed to be a lot of fiddly jobs, which just eat up time. Plus I ran out of Tig Gas last weekend, so had to wait to finish the fuel distribution system. Made up the manifold to connect both carbs, got that mounted, plus flushed out the tank. Bit of a faff getting the plumbing into a tight space neatly, but its there now, and probably wont be seen when the bike is on the floor

 

[lchris21]

Ordered a smaller Lithium battery in place of the original setup, free's up some extra space in the battery box, and weights a 5th of the lead/acid one. Ill be getting on with some of the electrical work over the Xmas period, start tying a few things in......
Got an M-unit box of tricks as the brain of the electrical system. For those unfamiliar, it does away with things like fuses, relays etc. Should simplify the wiring and cut down on cable runs etc. Got that mounted with s couple of washers off the lathe.

 

[lchris21]

Whilst I was under there, I changed my mind on the seat securing idea. Concerned with the screw I was going to use vibrating loose, I came across a couple of old Dzus fasteners, so set about extending one and making a catch for the font of the seat...............It looks a bit messy with all the holes now, but will not be visible when the seat pad is in place

 

[dobbslc]

Nice work, have you got any details on the Mikuni carbs? I've seen sets from the states but at over £300 plus taxes it's a bit steep! They seem to be similar set ups as the XV750's.
Psst, you do know that you can get different length Dzus fasteners don't you?

 

[lchris21]

Nice work, have you got any details on the Mikuni carbs? I've seen sets from the states but at over £300 plus taxes it's a bit steep! They seem to be similar set ups as the XV750's.
Psst, you do know that you can get different length Dzus fasteners don't you?

I got mine from Heiden Tuning in the Netherlands, cheaper than back here in the UK? I looked into importing from US but as you find out its not worth the hassle/tax!!

Yes Im fully aware you can get longer DZus, but where's the fun in that ............plus its 2 weeks of world shut down so nothing will be arriving till January

 

[Exuptoy]

Awesome work. I love this thread!

 

[lchris21]

Awesome work. I love this thread!

Ha, cheers. I'll be keeping an eye on your ER-5 build
In the meantime get yourself to some shows over the Spring/Summer for a bit of inspiration, that's where I pick up some ideas and inspiration myself. (local shows to you this year is the Llanishen, Cardiff show and the Swansea Classic Bike show) There's also some great amateur builders dotted around the country and on the web worth keeping an eye on. I try to avoid following the hipster/tattooed/bearded/50's clothing type "builders" as they tend to be just catalogue bolt on builds on closer inspection you can see the lack of detail...........
That's why mine take so long..............most of the details only I will know they are there or see them...the M-unit mounting washers in the posting above for example...........simple M6 washer would suffice.......but where's the fun in that

 

[Migmac]

Another thread totally reread, stunning work. Really liking the colour

 

[lchris21]

Another thread totally reread, stunning work. Really liking the colour

Cheers...............Xmas boredom kicking in?..................Ive been re-reading some threads also

 

[Migmac]

Cheers...............Xmas boredom kicking in?..................Ive been re-reading some threads also

A bit of that but just thought I’d refresh my memory of all your work on the bike

 

[slim_boy_fat]

A bit of that but just thought I’d refresh my memory of all your work on the bike

Have you clicked on his Instagram page....?

 

[Exuptoy]

Where you from then Chris?
If you find out any dates please let us know.

 

[Exuptoy]

You gonna show the bike or a it just for riding? You are keeping it I assume?

 

[Exuptoy]

Quick question about that wrinkle paint? What brand is it and is the application a nightmare. The eBay reviews for the VHT one are variable! PJ1 do it too.

 

[Migmac]

Have you clicked on his Instagram page....?

No, don’t do instagram