daved
New Member
Posts: 2
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Post by daved on Sept 19, 2012 17:56:40 GMT -5
So I have read a whole lot of xs650 and highway and vibration the whole shot. But here's my question/situation. I live in orange county, and am buying a 77 standard from lake Tahoe area. My plan is to fly out and ride it home. It's stock sprocket and chain sizes. I'm about 220 and wondering if and how well it's going to hold up on the ride home. its been mildly trackerified. So I'm guessing it's slightly lighter. The only thing was that the owner said u sure u wanna ride? These things only do 50 to 60 on the freeway. Did he mean long distance? Cause it put me off. Anyways I have had numerous cb360s and cb350s a cb750k1, Yamaha ct1s and a BMW r90. How much different is the 650 going to be? What am I in for? Thanks everyone in advance. Oh, and if I will be fine, the options are the 5 395 and the 1 or pch. Ok that's all thanks everyone
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Post by grizld1 on Sept 20, 2012 8:21:23 GMT -5
A stock XS650 with stock gearing should be able to maintain a cruising speed of 70-80 mph for as long as you want to hold it there--if it's healthy, and that's a big if. If the seller is trying to set your expectations that low (50 mph cruising speed, etc.), he's deceiving either you or himself. In either case, you might want to rethink this purchase.
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Post by XS Rod on Sept 20, 2012 8:33:36 GMT -5
You haven't mentioned a pre-purchase inspection... I hate to say it, but I'm still hanging on the "if it's healthy part" Griz mentioned...
I live in OC bro and that's a long frikkin ride on a 35 year old machine that's been modified possibly hacked by who knows who.
So... since you're flying up and this will be (assuming here) your only transportation back to So Cal... you haven't mentioned an inspection. Have you or has anyone on your behalf inspected the bike? You're experienced here bro... long way to push a bike...
Best of luck bro,
"Santa Ana" Rod
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daved
New Member
Posts: 2
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Post by daved on Sept 20, 2012 13:57:56 GMT -5
Ok, so, I have lots of close ups etc. this bike is a 15000 mile bike he bought frome tho original owner. There is the stock exhaust, and intake etc, so it hasn't been hacked, the only part that has is the loop plus about an inch( which he still has) I have seen a video of start up and running cold. He touched the pipe next to the head. He's an old fellow who doesnt ride it cause he can barely kick it over( crashed his Harley) it a nice bike and seems well cared for with receipts and pictures. Btw it started first kick. I know of no one out there, and spending an extra three Hundred just to go look seems kinda hard. I do know it has a fresh chain and tires. Any input further? All your suggestion have been logged in the ole cranium cap and will be checking into the suggestions. Thanks
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Post by XS Rod on Sept 21, 2012 8:25:20 GMT -5
You sound like you got it bro... just check the suspension and make sure nothing is binding and everything in the suspension is free. Doesn't sound like your hopping aboard some old barn find... good luck and enjoy the ride bro. Let us know how it turns out. Where in OC are you?
On the vibration ... if you have stock pegs and risers with all the rubber intact... it's not all that bad... seen alot worse that's for sure.
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Post by richard on Sept 22, 2012 0:05:29 GMT -5
It sounds to me like it should make the trip. I would be nice if you picked a day when it is less the 100 degrees and just figure to make some stops along the way. I knew a guy who rode an XS650 to Sturgis ND, so it’s possible. I would take enough tools to do light maintenance just in case.
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Post by Tom Graham on Sept 23, 2012 10:06:26 GMT -5
Use premium fuel. Under no circumstance should 87 octane be used on the highway because of the threat of engine damage. (holed piston)
Make sure it is idleing on both cylinders. Start from cold and quickly touch both of the pipes. You should get burned by both right after the start. If one is not hot, that carb has a plugged ide jet. Frown at the seller and ask for $50 bucks off teh price. Stick the tube on a can of spray carb cleaner in the idle mixture screw hole and blast teh dirt back to the float bowl. Drain through a paper towel to see the dirt.
Lube the chain well. Air the tires. Check the oil. Ask if he has 20w-50 in the engine. Set the shock spring preload to your weight. This is the simple stuff that is done before any long ride.
Pull the points and mechanical advance covers on each side of teh head and use a small drop of oil to lube up the moving bits. No use wearing these out on the trip home.
Vibration can be bad if the bike isn't in good tune. The timing and the carbs must be in balance. I filled a vinyl tube with lead shot and forced it inside my handlebars and the bike is smooth below 65 mph. Of course this can't be done for your trip. Just how sorted and in good tune is this bike? I initially feel DPO's are practially worthless when it comes to fine tuning mechanics and am delighted to find a pretty old bike that runs perfectlly.
This engine can rev even through it has really good low end torque. Personally I wouldn't push a new to me XS650, or any older bike, hard so I'd run at the speed limit or below on the way home. I'll say 65 is fine but a steady 70 would be tops for me. I ride my '77 on the freeway all the time but she really shines as a back road bike. How many miles is the trip going to be? Is it all Interstate? This trip will be a great adventure for you to bond with your new bike.
Have fun,
Tom
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Post by richard on Sept 23, 2012 15:26:09 GMT -5
Going from Lake Tahoe to Orange County the two choices would be Highway 99 or Interstate 5 both have 75 mph speed limits. On both those routes people usually are going about 80 mph. I’ve been on 99 a number of times with my XS650 before the 32 sprocket and I just rode in the slow lane at around 60 MPH. The 100 degree heat this time of year on an already very lean bike would be my biggest worry, but if it sounded like it was running right I would still chance it and do all the things Tom suggested. You’ll probably have to adjust the points and the carbs along the way. I think the most interesting part will be climbing the Grapevine, but I’m sure there are more than a few of us that went out on a ride and ended up with an adventure. It sounds like an adventure :-)
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