What did you do with your XS today?

Where did you get that crossbar that joins the top of the bars to the frame? I have the same crash bars and model, but couldn't figure out how to join the tops to the frame. That might just be the missing piece to the puzzle!
It came with them. It could be made with a piece of flat stock and a couple of U-bolts to attach it to the frame. If you want I can take some measurements and get a close up photo.
 
That would be amazing! I'm no expert metalworker, but I bet I can find something similar or make something reasonably close.
This is a little crude but I think I got most of what you need. The steel measures 1 1/4" x 3/16" x 13" the Ubolts for 1" pipe should work. The holes are all a little over sized to make assembly easier.
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I started out taking a long ride today and ended up exploring down a road I have never been on before where the pavement ends and transitions into a packed sand road. After getting to the end I turned around but hit a sand wash at the edge that covered some loose gravel and I dropped the bike in the turn.

After getting myself settled and putting the bike back on two wheels, I found I had broken my brake lever clean off. I usually keep an old lever in my tail bag that I can use for either the clutch or brake (nice thing about the drum brake), but it was nowhere to be found. I had to settle for riding home on just the rear brake. Fortunately, the bike re-started without issue.
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So, not the nice long ride I had intended today. Instead I only got in 30 miles and had to eat some humble pie in the process. Afterwards, I found the spare lever in my attic, fitted it up and it will back in the tail bag when the new one shows up. Hopefully I am better prepared for the rest of the riding season.
 
Yeah a great idea to keep some spare rear brake shoes around- when I overhauled it I found the brake material had separated from the shoe- loose inside the drum. So if you still have the original shoes in there that kind of thing could be happening...
 
I replaced my brake lever and got in a long ride. There was a pretty big wildfire in our area a couple of weeks ago, and I set out to see what is left of the forest. Luckily, no one was injured during the fire and no homes were lost, just a commercial building and some out buildings on a few properties. But, a lot of forest was torched, as far as I could see into it from the road.
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Bought one. (On Saturday)
'77 ('78? mfg 9/77)
In very good condition.
Probably bit off more than I can chew - first time bike owner. But the idea of an older, less complicated machine appealed to me.
Next up, getting to pass a safety inspection next Friday. Then register it and start the evening cruises.
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Welcome to the forum! It's a looker. Good luck with the inspection.
Got a temp registration today and took it around the block a few times.
She's a fussy old girl.
Put about 14km's on it tonight - this is going to be fun.
BUT - getting it started was a bit of a process. One cylinder wasn't firing at first, but once it joined the party, it idled nice and felt good. But then after about 1/2 hour of 30-40km/h with lots of stop signs (practicing my shifting) it started running a bit rough again as I was bringing it in for the night.

The bike sat for many years - so will probably need to clean the carbs once I get up the nerve to.
 
Finally got the paper work done. First problem was getting insurance as they could not insure by the VIN that was on the original title After checking that it was correct and matched the one stamped into the bike I ended up giving the the full number on the sticker. The bike was last registered in New York so it was change of state to Alabama. My mistake was not knowing they had to inspect the bike so I had to arrange to transport it. After I thought I had done everything They said my insurance cards didn't match the bikes vin and couldn't be used. I never guessed it would be so complicated to register. Tomorrow I am bringing it up to my son as he starts his new job. I picked up a cover and fitted his saddle bags to keep them off the exhaust.
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