Help on XS 650

[pratel]

Hey all, I've been an XS owner for a few dog years, and know the bike inside & out. I do not however, know the XS 650 at all. I acquired a beautiful 1977 XS 650 a few years ago. The bike sat in the guys garage for about 15 years, so it needs some work. It is my winer project. I'm comfortable with all the basics of getting the bike running safely, etc, but have two questions about the 650.

First, wherer is the oil filter??? (duh)

Second, is there any specific adjustment I should check before trying to crank her over? I'm thinking about cam chain mostly, but any particulars would be nice. The points, alternator brushes, etc all look great on the bike, it has been mostly carburation I have worked on.

TIA!

[John]

There is a strainer under the cover that the oil drain bolt goes into.
http://www.yamaha-motor.com/service/service.asp \

Look here for the information.When you get to the 650 page, look for the link to the oil pump. That is where I found the strainer.
Pull the spark plugs and give it a good shot of Marvel mystery oil in each plug hole. Some folks prefer to use diesel fuel, or ATF in this application. By no means do you want to use the starter to turn it over, if you haven't done so already. Use the kick starter, and do it slowly. Check for rust in the fuel tank, and have it cleaned before adding new gas to it.

[nashville_bill]

On my '81 XS650, there is also a strainer in the right engine cover. It's behind a round cover near the front.

[jetmechmarty]

The XS650 doesn't have an oil filter. It has a strainer before the oil pump in the right side cover. It's under the little round cover help in by two bolts. It has a strainer in the oil pan as well. That strainer is likely torn. There is an improved version of it available from Mike's XS.

You should adjust the cam chain and valves per the manual before you run it. The carbs are about the same as on the XS1100.

When you start riding the bike, you can expect the charging rotor to fail. A rewound unit will take care of this problem. In the mean time, be prepared for it to short, kill your battery and leave you stranded. They all do it.

There is a very good email support group at micapeak.com. Maybe I'll see you there!?

[wiredgeorge]

I am pretty familiar with the carburetors on an XS650, if you have any specific questions. As far as cranking the bike...

1. Change oil and make sure it is the right level
2. Pull off valve cover and check valve clearances (lash).
3. Figure out if you have an automatic or manual cam chain tensioner and adjust it.
4. tighten all nuts and bolts and check the brakes in case the urge to jump on the bike and ride it occurs if you start it.
5. flush gas tank. clean screens on inside that are on petcock and put a NEW inline filter on your fuel line.
6. Check static timing
7. Check compression cold. Hold throttle all the way open when you do this. If you have no compression, you will get frustrated

If everything checks, spray some starting fluid into the carbs to get them primed and just start it!

[jetmechmarty]

cam chain adj

The XS650 has a manual cam chain adjustment.