What did you do with your XS today?

[Sesty]

FINALLY swapped out the old fuse box for a new blade type, i bought it a year ago... Headlight fuse wiggled it self out a few nights ago while on the highway...
need to add some shrink wrap to clean it up a bit and mount it better with out zip-ties but also have it have it clear the seat.

--

When I hit larger bumps or dips in the road, my rear tire is bottoming out on the two bolts which are holding my taillight/license plate on (see old photo)... i shortened the bolts as much as i could but it is still put a mark in the tread... would changing the preload settings limit the amount of travel in the rear?

 

[motoTrooper]

Well added preload doesn't change travel but it makes it stiffer and more resistant to travel. It's fun to play with settings, also be sure to spray lots of lube in first. It helps tremendously. If it's still an issue, grab a couple of dome head allen (or phillips head) bolts, install them from underneath and use some cap nuts on the top to fasten the stuff.

 

[Sesty]

Thanks!
its only barley hitting the tire so i think if i stiffen it up a bit it may help... would stiffing be a lower or higher notch?

 

[jthiessen]

When I hit larger bumps or dips in the road, my rear tire is bottoming out on the two bolts which are holding my taillight/license plate on (see old photo)...?

I've had the same problem ever since putting a flat seat pan on my bike. Any decent bumps have the rear tire hitting my seat pan, doesn't feel too great. My rear shocks are on largest preload but they are pretty blown and old. New shocks are next on my shopping list!!

 

[bcware]

The original plastic fender actually recedes into the frame of the bike; if you remove that plastic fender and try to make a seat flat on the frame rails it will rub with stock suspension.

 

[uglyduckling]

I re attached my muffler that fell off last night on ride home! Bloddy hell! Luckily it only got a couple slight scratches......

 

[motoTrooper]

Thanks!
its only barley hitting the tire so i think if i stiffen it up a bit it may help... would stiffing be a lower or higher notch?

It's whatever notch that compresses the spring harder, on the adjustment collar it would be the higher one. It'll make sense when you start doing it.

 

[16VGTIDave]

Loaded up the bike and rode 4 1/2 hrs up to the cottage today. Traffic was heavy and stop-and-go in busy areas. Found a police car in my mirrors at one point and behaved myself for almost 30 min as he followed me, before I pulled into a gas station to see if he'd follow. He slowed but carried on. I got back on the the road and followed a few cars behind him at well above the posted limit. Isn't that the way...

Stop-and-go traffic and a summer thunder storm suck, no matter how much Gore-tex one is wearing. Passing pickup trucks towing camper trailers on 2 lane roads is exciting. Bluetooth to helmet and rocking to favorite tunes while riding is the best.

 

[RobbyD]

Took my wheels off so I can try to get them broken down next week

 

[SomniumArtifex]

I bought my XS400 and joined this site today! Couldn't be more stoked. Seems like a fun community

 

[uglyduckling]

Welcome to the site!

 

[arfstrom]

@UglyDuck, Same thing happened to me 2 trips ago. It was 3am I made it 10 miles, I was in a zone with out street lights, I made it down too where there was some. Seen some sparks. The Collar slipped down just a smidge. and then that created sparks. I made it to the SuperAmerica (local fuel station with possibilities for tools @ 03:15am) I took the chrome muffler off, and drove the rest of the way to work. after which a garage near my work parking lot, was able to help me.

 

[levdir]

I spent some time trying to suss out why I'm not getting spark. I removed the starter switch, relay, and motor, and the red/white and blue/white wires from the relay are not connected to anything. I jumped the engine start/stop switch at the connector block for testing but I've still got no spark. Any ideas?

Edit: got it started today, but good christ is it loud. Gotta sort out an exhaust leak at the head before I go much further.

 

[doodsaibot]

Hooked up my Scala Rider bluetooth setup that I got in a trade. Rode out in the hill country for a good hour or so while listening to music. Good way to unwind after a busy Monday. These 103 degree days are brutal but a good 75 MPH ride fixes that real quick.

Also rode two up for the first time this past weekend. I think she really liked it.

 

[Sesty]

I still wont 2 up with my girlfriend not until i get more miles on the seat and firm up the front brake... shes been begging me to buy her a helmet..

I think at temps over 100 windchill has the opposite effect and actual makes it feel hotter... which sounds stupid i know but i think i saw a chart on that a while back....

 

[doodsaibot]

That may be true about the wind chill. I suppose I am just getting used to the heat(to an extent) But I can tell you that sitting at a stop light for a few minutes is absolute hell vs. moving at a decent speed down the road. I purchased some cold wraps for my neck/head and shoulders that help out a bit too. Also have a camelbak so I can suck down some water when I have to stop.All in all this heat is no joke. 103 for the highs and a nice 75 for the lows So at least my early A.M. rides aren't too bad.

 

[Sesty]

yea i hear that i have been soaking my shirt a bit which helps keep me col until it dries out after about 20 mins w no jacket and weve only been in the low 90s just crazy humid

 

[16VGTIDave]

As the ambient temps approach (exceed) body temp, I close most of the vents on my jacket and helmet. I leave the sleeve cuffs loose and the back vents open so there is a bit of airflow through the jacket.

Riding without ATGATT isn't an option, I'm far too pretty for bruises from bugs or road rash.

 

[doodsaibot]

As the ambient temps approach (exceed) body temp, I close most of the vents on my jacket and helmet. I leave the sleeve cuffs loose and the back vents open so there is a bit of airflow through the jacket.

Riding without ATGATT isn't an option, I'm far too pretty for bruises from bugs or road rash.

I may try closing off those air vents next time I ride. I have always had the air vents open on my helmet thinking it will cool me off but maybe it's actually working against me. My mesh jacket breathes pretty well and my leather gloves have just enough air flow through the perforations. I went ahead and took out the rain liner and cold weather liner on my jacket but it still seems to offer some good protection.


LOL not to mention, Dave, getting hurt means one might miss out on precious riding time! And I'd much rather spend time on my bike than in an ER. ATGATT!


Earlier today, I rode out to a friends house to check out his new bike. He has a Triumph Daytona 675cc inline 3. I led the way on the tollroad and then signaled for him to open her up to see what she was made of. He glided passed me with ease (as I was doing 75 MPH) before letting me catch back up to him. I still like my Maxim more, though.

 

[levdir]

A Triumph triple is on my list of must-owns. Someday...

Yesterday I bought some gasket sheet to cut exhaust gaskets to shim my Suzuki headers against the ports; hopefully that and some Ultra Copper will sort the exhaust leaks.