thatsjustdandy

Hi. Job done. It was indeed fuel starvation thanks to a blocked tank breather. All back together and running sweetly again.

Hi again, Thanks for the welcome messages. Whilst I like to read I don't like to read instructions, preferring to work things out for myself. Doesn't always work out though...

Hi all, I joined some time ago but never posted an intro. (Didn't read the instructions, so didn't realise!) Anyway, I joined because I bought a 1997 XVS650 and thought it might be useful to join a forum such as this. I still haven't taken any pictures of the bike but it is in black and is in standard trim, no mods. It suits me fine the way it is. It only has just over 12,000 miles from new and generally only comes out in the dry.

Hi. Thanks for response. The bike is a 1997 model, with carbs. I have just taken the tank off to get at everything and noted that there is an air breather hose to the top of the tank that isn't mentioned in the manual. When I pulled the hose off there was a long, slow inrush of air to the tank. I guess that the tank has not been breathing and maybe starved the engine of fuel. The breather hose is clear so if there is a problem it must be in the spigot onto the top of the tank. I have also checked all electrical connections and can't find anything wrong.

Hi, I noticed a smell of petrol in the garage around my bike the other day but thought nothing more of it. However, I have just tried to start the bike and when I turn on the ignition the fuel pump runs for ages before stopping. It usually only runs for a few seconds. When I press the starter the engine runs (on full choke) but the fuel pump starts clicking away furiously in the background. The slightest touch on the throttle, or attempt to alter the choke setting, just kills the engine. Any ideas anyone?

I would like to fit a larger headlight to my 650 Dragstar as the stock item looks a bit too small. I don't really want to have to make any modifications and so a straight swap would be ideal. Does anyone have any idea of a larger headlight that would fit?