Author Topic: Well it Damn Sure Isn't a Honda  (Read 3481 times)

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Offline britman

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Well it Damn Sure Isn't a Honda
« on: December 22, 2022, 06:37:39 AM »
OK, I was on FBM and saw this, should have moved on but I sent an inquiry.  Came home with it yesterday, very good price, has a title, and was only about 70 miles away from me in the Blue Ridge mountains.  The PO owner, bought it out of Jersey a few years back as non runner, needed a tune up, oil change, and the carbs adjusted, "Don't They All".  Nice young fellow who was not at all familiar with any sort of wrench.  He carried it to a bike shop in his hometown where it sat untouched for almost a year.  Disgusted he brought it back home and tried to get it fired on his own, he finally gave up and it has been sitting every since.  I am truly starting with a blank canvas, the only thing I know so far is it has compression and does go through the gears.  I did a few Yamaha XS 650's a number of years ago, so I will be trying to reactivate those old brain cells.  The seller says he would be very interested in buying the bike back if I get it running, so I already have my first lead.  When I went out this morning to take the below shots, I again asked myself why, I believe it is because I like the look of the darn thing.  With my size, I would look like a monkey doing a football, so it will be not be a keeper.  After all the K's the first week or two will probably be spent looking for the other two cylinders. Wish me luck....




Offline CycleRanger

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Re: Well it Damn Sure Isn't a Honda
« Reply #1 on: December 22, 2022, 06:52:26 AM »
Saw that over at the XS650 forum yesterday.
Looks like it's all there, for what it is.
I'd add a fender or a fork brace while you're in there.
Do you have a copy of the Honda Shop Manual or Parts List for your bike? Get one here:
https://www.honda4fun.com/materiale/documentazione-tecnica
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Offline britman

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Re: Well it Damn Sure Isn't a Honda
« Reply #2 on: December 22, 2022, 07:05:25 AM »
Saw that over at the XS650 forum yesterday.
Looks like it's all there, for what it is.
I'd add a fender or a fork brace while you're in there.

Good group over on that site.  Looking forward to stealing as many of their ideas and suggestions as possible.  Yes I think a front fender may be on the agenda........

Online BenelliSEI

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Re: Well it Damn Sure Isn't a Honda
« Reply #3 on: December 22, 2022, 07:12:00 AM »
“Change is good”. Looks like a fun project! I had tons of fun with my strange chopper project last year and even made a couple of $$$’s. Happy New Year.
« Last Edit: December 22, 2022, 10:15:02 AM by BenelliSEI »

Offline WideAWAKE

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Re: Well it Damn Sure Isn't a Honda
« Reply #4 on: December 22, 2022, 07:40:16 AM »
Being an owner of both cb750 and a few xs650s I can say they have their place. They certainly have in my mind a lot more soul/character. Very fun to ride.


Online rocket johnny

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Re: Well it Damn Sure Isn't a Honda
« Reply #5 on: December 22, 2022, 07:53:04 AM »
my butt hurts just looking at the hard tail !

Offline Stev-o

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Re: Well it Damn Sure Isn't a Honda
« Reply #6 on: December 22, 2022, 08:18:05 AM »
I've always wanted an early XS, but not exactly that style!  Good luck...
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline Shtonecb500

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Re: Well it Damn Sure Isn't a Honda
« Reply #7 on: December 22, 2022, 09:57:49 AM »
ever since i saw this bike Ive wanted to do an XS build.
good luck with it have fun. https://www.bikeexif.com/bobber-style-yamaha-xs650
73/74'' CB500/550 resto-mod - sold
75' 750f 91' cbr f2 swap cafe - mock up
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Offline PeWe

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Re: Well it Damn Sure Isn't a Honda
« Reply #8 on: December 22, 2022, 10:12:43 AM »
I have seen and heard some Chopper Yamaha XS650. Nice sound, like another version of a Triumph that also were popular with longer forks etc around here.

I saw one bike a few years ago with a crank job changing   it all. Probably rephasing
http://chris-kelland.squarespace.com/xs650-rephasing
CB750 K6-76  970cc (Earlier 1005cc JMR Billet block on the shelf waiting for a comeback)
CB750 K2-75 Parts assembled to a stock K2

Updates of the CB750 K6 -1976
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180468.msg2092136.html#msg2092136
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http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,49438.msg1863571.html#msg1863571
CB750 K2 -1975  build thread
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,168243.msg1948381.html#msg1948381
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http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180088.msg2088008.html#msg2088008
Carb jetting, a long story Mikuni TMR32
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,179479.msg2104967.html#msg2104967

Offline Alan F.

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Re: Well it Damn Sure Isn't a Honda
« Reply #9 on: December 22, 2022, 12:18:53 PM »
That's beautiful Schtone, I'd like something simple looking that had enough power and actually fit me comfortably.

Yes Pewe,  I've heard that engine with a 270 degree crank is the way to go.

Offline britman

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Re: Well it Damn Sure Isn't a Honda
« Reply #10 on: December 28, 2022, 08:18:07 AM »
Well it fired up yesterday and runs, not well, but it runs.  Found the needles were on the wrong side in the slide barrels, there was nothing holding them in place, may be why it wouldn't start.  Carbs have stock jetting and are way too lean so new jetting and kits are on the way along with other tune up goodies.  I had forgot how much of a PITA XS650 carbs are when ordering parts, two different models with some differences in the years of manufacture, after some head scratching I believe I ordered the right combinations. 

Offline Stev-o

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Re: Well it Damn Sure Isn't a Honda
« Reply #11 on: December 28, 2022, 09:28:00 AM »
Carbs have stock jetting...

Mikunis, right?
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline dusterdude

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Re: Well it Damn Sure Isn't a Honda
« Reply #12 on: December 28, 2022, 09:49:45 AM »
Those bikes are cool

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Offline britman

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Re: Well it Damn Sure Isn't a Honda
« Reply #13 on: December 28, 2022, 11:02:17 AM »
Carbs have stock jetting...

Mikunis, right?

Yep, probably a 100 or so Klein jets in the garage stash, 0 Mikuni.....

Offline britman

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Re: Well it Damn Sure Isn't a Honda
« Reply #14 on: January 09, 2023, 05:33:34 AM »
B38 carbs or B34's, I have early B38's but not too early, 76-77 model years to be specific.  Of the different models and years you will find the jetting and jet styles are also not the same.  Needle jets are no longer available for my carbs other than poorly recommended reproductions for example.

What a learning experience, and really just the carbs so far, on I forgot the countershaft nut.  If it is not torqued to as least 94 ft pounds, the left side leaks like a sieve, mine was a little more than hand tight.  I am also changing out the clutch shaft, from the two piece 3 ball system in later models like mine which tend to wear the seal, to a single shaft.   

I had forgotten so much on spinning wrenches on a Yamaha, but I must say I am really enjoying the process.  Members on the XS650 forum have been a lifesaver. A good bunch, always willing to help.  Yep it damn sure isn't a Honda, but sometimes it is a good thing to try something different. 


Online BenelliSEI

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Re: Well it Damn Sure Isn't a Honda
« Reply #15 on: January 09, 2023, 07:23:29 AM »
Fun project! I just spent a week on a buddies 3 cylinder, two stroke ROTAX snow machine. You’re right, a change up is fun once in a while.

Offline Kelly E

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Re: Well it Damn Sure Isn't a Honda
« Reply #16 on: January 09, 2023, 08:44:10 AM »
Fun project! I just spent a week on a buddies 3 cylinder, two stroke ROTAX snow machine. You’re right, a change up is fun once in a while.

Those are some styling pink cylinder heads on that snow machine. 8)
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Offline britman

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Re: Well it Damn Sure Isn't a Honda
« Reply #17 on: January 09, 2023, 08:55:26 AM »
Judging from the smoke in the air, you must have just fired that two stroke up......

Online BenelliSEI

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Re: Well it Damn Sure Isn't a Honda
« Reply #18 on: January 09, 2023, 11:30:21 AM »
Judging from the smoke in the air, you must have just fired that two stroke up......

You. Wyatt was pretty pleased. New crank, bearings, pistons, rings and seals. Fired instantly and after a quick carb syn’c, ran really well. Wild set of pipes.

Offline Stev-o

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Re: Well it Damn Sure Isn't a Honda
« Reply #19 on: January 09, 2023, 12:38:27 PM »
Judging from the smoke in the air, you must have just fired that two stroke up......
Wild set of pipes.

Expansion chambers! Very popular for two stroke bikes...
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline britman

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Re: Well it Damn Sure Isn't a Honda
« Reply #20 on: January 11, 2023, 08:17:05 AM »
I worked with a guy, which seems like a hundred ago now, who rode a Kaw 750 "Widow Maker'.  We traded bikes on a outing one day, I will never forget the shear freaking speed that thing possessed, handling not so much.  The prices they are bringing in todays market are mind boggling..

Offline Stev-o

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Re: Well it Damn Sure Isn't a Honda
« Reply #21 on: January 11, 2023, 09:47:08 AM »
I worked with a guy, which seems like a hundred ago now, who rode a Kaw 750 "Widow Maker'.  We traded bikes on a outing one day, I will never forget the shear freaking speed that thing possessed, handling not so much.  The prices they are bringing in todays market are mind boggling..

Was it like mine?!



'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline britman

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Re: Well it Damn Sure Isn't a Honda
« Reply #22 on: January 11, 2023, 10:14:41 AM »
Yep, that my friend is one beautiful machine.  Best looking 401K on two wheels I have seen in a long while....

Online BenelliSEI

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Re: Well it Damn Sure Isn't a Honda
« Reply #23 on: January 12, 2023, 06:40:23 AM »
My only two stroke ever was this Suzuki GT550. The first ride was a real eye opener! Pretty sure it was quicker than any of my SOHC cb750’s.....

Offline PeWe

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Re: Well it Damn Sure Isn't a Honda
« Reply #24 on: January 12, 2023, 08:32:43 AM »
That Suzuki GT550 look really good!
It is from the later 70's?
I like the sound of that kind of bikes. 3 cylinders must bubble!
CB750 K6-76  970cc (Earlier 1005cc JMR Billet block on the shelf waiting for a comeback)
CB750 K2-75 Parts assembled to a stock K2

Updates of the CB750 K6 -1976
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180468.msg2092136.html#msg2092136
The billet block build thread
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,49438.msg1863571.html#msg1863571
CB750 K2 -1975  build thread
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,168243.msg1948381.html#msg1948381
K2 engine build thread. For a complete CB750 -75
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180088.msg2088008.html#msg2088008
Carb jetting, a long story Mikuni TMR32
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,179479.msg2104967.html#msg2104967