XS650 FAQ
(Frequently Asked Questions) started 7/21/99
The Yam650 list doesn't seem like other motorcycle lists I've been on, what's up with that?
I just bought an old 650 and the tires still have plenty of tread on them, are they OK?
What's the difference between a standard and a special?
What is an o-ring chain?
What is an x-ring chain?
Do I have to oil my o-ring or x-ring chain?
What kind of oil should I use on my standard chain?
Q1. The Yam650 list doesn't seem like other motorcycle lists I've been on, what's up with that?
A. I've never
"met" a more unassuming and honest group of
motorcyclist anywhere. No pretentious posturing or feigned
superiority as I've seen among the owners of some styles of
bikes. I get the impression that we all like motorcycles and
we're in it cause we honestly like 'em --not 'cause we're driven
to participate in the latest new trend. Cue the violins.
Feelings,nothing more than feelings -- OK ,I'll shut up now. ;-)
Bob Scogin (from a post Jan, 99)
Q2. Why would anyone want to ride these old bikes?
A.
Q3. What are the bragging rights a 650 owner would have?
A. Just a few of many that come to mind:
1) You don't have to worry about stretch marks on your cheeks
from acceleration
2) Your charging system will outlast the Lucas system of the
typical British vertical twins by several days.
3) Never give a thought to anti-freeze or hypoid gear oil.
4) You can drop it in a parking lot and not do $2500 worth of
damage to the body work.
5) Get to spend your weekend browsing junkyards for that
unobtainable part.
6) Get to respond "It's paid for" to snide
comments by riders of the more "elite" marques.
7) You'll never have to worry about being deemed a
"poseur"
There's a lot more, but we each have our own reasons, so I'll
quit bragging now.
Bob Scogin (from post June, 99)
Q4. My idle speed is sometimes very fast, like 2500 rpm, then sometimes it will slow down to normal - what's wrong?
A. This has been asked several times and many suggestions have
been given. On pre '80 models this could be a sticking ignition
advancer ('80 and newer have electronic ignition advance) or worn
springs (very common) on the ignition advancer. Some have
suggested vacuum leaks - places to check are loose or cracked
carb manifold boots, carb popped out of boot, loose or leaking
vacuum cap on manifold boots.
My personal suspicion is that one of two things is happening (if
it's not a sticking ignition advance):
1) The throttle is sticking partially open - easy to test, next
time it idles fast just reach down and push the throttle lever
against it's stop and see if the idle slows down.
2) The idle circuit is plugged up enough that it won't idle
properly without adjusting the idle speed screw so high that the
main circuit is being used. The main circuit isn't precise enough
to maintain a steady idle.
On my bikes with CV carbs I can completely remove the slides
without affecting the idle - this tells me that leaking slide
diaphrams, stuck slides, slide needles, main jets etc. are not
suspect in the erratic idle problem.
Q5. I just bought an XS650 and when I rev the engine while it's on the centerstand it vibrates backwards down the driveway. What's wrong with it?
A. It sounds hopeless, you should give the bike to me and go
buy a modern 4 cylinder sportbike. Oh alright, this is normal and
part of the charm (?) of these bikes, and it's even been
suggested we mark off a 20 foot course and hold a centerstand
backwards drag race.
I've noticed that certain bikes seem to vibrate less than others
- my '81 hardly shakes compared to my '80, not sure if this is
just these two particular bikes or if all '81's vibrate less than
'80's.