plain old dave

http://www.motorcyclists-online.com/o1_750...e-pictures.html A retro special, looks a lot like an XS650 only with a V twin. Best lookin Yam since the demise of the XS650, and I would get in line for one. Did they decide to just not make it?

Been riding the dickens out of my ol' 400, and fixing things as needed. We had some nasty weather here a few weeks ago and my bike was blown over while I was at work (50+ mph wind+ oversize cover= bad) and I am slowly but surely repairing the cosmetic damage. Next up on the list is the headlight bucket. I got a sweetheart of a deal on a Honda CB750 bucket and light and as I like the look of prewar oversized headlights (think Brough Superior SS100) I am goin' with it. Any suggestions as to what to use for brackets?

All XSs... 3 way tie: XS400, XS650, XS Eleven Special.

The mags on my '78 XS 400 are set up for tubes, got the front to seal without a tube but wound up going with a tube on the back. Running a Duro on back, the one that's the repro of the old Dunlop TT100. Softer rubber than the Dunlop, but I'm happy with it.

The XS400 cam on the site referenced was for 79 and up. Was that a typo or will the cam work on earlier bikes?

I have been riding my old '78 for the last few weeks and enjoying gas milage in the high 40s, good stuff. Turned out my 'starting problem' was more or less just not kicking hard enough. Now she will hit after 3-4 good kicks 1st thing in the morning in 50 degree ambient temp, and more often than not 1st go warmed up. Won a side panel off of E-pay and a fellow at the local Auto Zone is giving me a front fender off of a '72 CB450. As I am running a 100/90/18 on front, a little more fender would suit me right down to the ground. Long-term plans call for going semi-custom with a lot of Brit styling cues (knee guards, Triumph-style 2 tone paint, late Triumph-style rearview mirrors, and possibly them cool looking cherry bomb Brit silencers).

Just went for a ride.... My biggest prob apparently is not enough Wheaties in the right leg. Ran like a champ, plenty of pep. Seemed to be a bit touchy on the road, though. Might be that I am used to cruisers. Also seemed to be geared VERY short, but then again my last bike was a 1985 H-D XLH1000 with a 4-speed. I'll say this: $10 for a tankful of gas don't take gettin' used to....

That's JUST what I needed...Thanks! Update: Apparently at least part of the prob is I wasn't kicking 'er over right. Started 3d-4th kick yesterday afternoon. Still going to do a complete tune-up.

Good info and when I sit down with my mech ( I go to church with my mechanic, pretty cool) I will pass this on. Anybody got the carb specs? The carbs have been rebuilt, I just want to make sure they are set up right; float level, etc....

Just got one, and am having a heck of a time starting the fool thing. The feller I bought it from had a bit of trouble starting it, and my neighbor got it going with a bit of hassle. It is kick only and I am wondering if I am just not doing it right. HELP!