Richard is one of those old guys that knows a crap-load about nearly every kind of motor out there. He helped me to dial in the carburators and modify a Harley cable for the clutch.
So, I've gotten to tool around the yard a few times and around the block once or twice. That's when it happened...next morning, NOTHING!! It seems the charging system is all messed up. A couple more days in Richard's garage and we figured it out (between putting windshields in old shoeboxes and drinking WAY too much Jaegermeister), the combination Rectifier/Regulator that came with the bike (1978) won't work with the motor I have (1977).
After an exhaustive search of the net, I realize my quick and easy fix was going to take about $100 bucks and and a couple more weeks to get done. Since this IS a budget build, I decide to get on the net and find out these old XS650 guys are making thier own rectifiers and using car regulators!!
So instead of the $100, I end up spending about 1/2 that and I'm up and running again.
Just a couple of minor issues to address..ie, cleaning up the wiring mess, getting the brake light to work, and getting it insured.
As far as I'm concerned...THIS BIKE IS DONE!!!
See y'all at the Okie Twist-Off, Oklahoma City Aug 8th & 9th!!! :)
