Anybody familiar with the XS650 in the Indy area?

[undergroundempyre]

I have a '75 XS650 that I am scratching my head wondering the problem is and was wondering if anyone can help point me in the right direction what it could be. Here is the problem;

it will start for about 3 seconds and immediatly die. It will take me about 25 kicks to get the bike started and it will die after 3 seconds of running. I methodically cleaned both carbs with precision and put an entire rebuild kit thinking that was the problem, it gets fuel. New spark plugs and battery(charged on a battery tender Jr.). The electric start is $h!t and only starts the bike once in a while, rest of the time the button doesn't work.

I really want to take the bike to Rockers Reunion and at this point doesn't look like that will be a possibility. Can anyone help me with advice.

[novafrk]

Do you have a manual? I always start with the complete tune up. I don't know if there is a timing chain on that particular engine or not but adjust that and the vavles, then set the timing etc. Have you cleaned the points? If not take a piece of emery cloth or better yet a points file and clean the points off. The carbs were rebuilt but were the carbs set up according to the correct specs?

Give us some more info. We'll get you to Rockers!

[undergroundempyre]

I cleaned the carbs to the right specs I found online in a Xs650 forum, I believe off of the top of my head the float bowls needed to be set at 22 or 25mm. No, I do not own a service manual or know where the points are located.

[novafrk]

In that case, buy a manual, read it...

[undergroundempyre]

Is there a good pda file I can just print one out that you suggest?

[novafrk]

I'm not familiar with the xs specifically. I would just do a google search or look for an xs specific forum. I didn't mean to come across like a dick, although after reading my post I feel like I did. Sorry for that.

[undergroundempyre]

No worries, I am just between a rock and a hard place working on barrowed time. I understand where you are coming from.

[dannyboy]

Try this:

www.knucklebusterinc.com/tech/XS650.pdf

Seems to cover most of what you are looking for although it might not be exact.

Here is another one as well (but it says for 1978-1981 SOHC Twins) Figured you might have the same or similar motor:

www.biker.net/650_service/650service%20main.html

If this does not work you might try searching the internet some more...most of them are out there.

[undergroundempyre]

Thanks! I also were looking at a Clymers and a Yamaha service manual online. Triumph and Honda forums I am also on usually stay away from Clymers and Haynes for the lack of detail and torque specs are usually off. Any knowledge from Yamaha owners on manuals?

[dannyboy]

I had an XJ750 and used the Haynes manual. It was not the best but it enabled me to tear down the engine and replace first, second and fourth gears. You had to translate from UK English...tyres vs. tires and the like but it had everything I needed. Clymers normally tries to cover too many models and makes it confusing. I would go for the factory service manual if you can find it.

Just my $0.02

[undergroundempyre]

Deacon Sean instructed me to clean the "points" and where to find them. Man, they are not clean. Doing that tomorrow after work. Eager for other pointers(no pun intended).

[deaconsean]

How did it go? Runnin' yet?

[undergroundempyre]

I should have checked spark 1st. I cleaned the points and set them back to the right position and no spark, also pulled the spark plug and no spark either. I am frustrated and do not know what to do from here. Oh yea, where the hell is the fuse box???

So to clarify, new plugs, battery, carbs cleaned and rebuilt to spec, points cleaned with a emery cloth but no spark at points or plugs.

Right now I have the prettiest paperweight in town.

[gr1976]

Did you hold the spark plug against the engine when you checked? It needs to be grounded when checking for spark.

You shouldn't have much of a spark at the points, the condensers are there to absorb that

Fuses are usually behind the side cover. If the fuses are good check for 12v at the coil when the key and run switch are on.

A few Internet searches you should be able to locate a .pdf of the factory manual. Or ask around on a xs forum

[undergroundempyre]

No, to be honest I did not ground the sparkplug, though I have seen spark with others bikes and I will try that after work.

I have both side covers off, tank off(funnel tank hanging from the ceiling) and seat off. Still cannot locate the fuses. I am mechanically inclined and at a loss where to find the fuse box. I cannot stop scratching my head