Wayne Kennedy's staggered crank XS650

  Here is a pic (I have a few) of the bike. It has done 3000K now and hasn't missed a beat, except a plug goes every 900K, not on the same cylinder and not oil fouled. I was using B8ES plugs and now trying BP7ES. I think it could have something to do with LRP fuel. The plugs look rusty when you pull them out. This motor doesn't like Unleaded, or even Premium.

       With the staggered crank I had to put in a 7 plate clutch to handle the torque and now that slips anywhere near 4000RPM. I've had it up to 180K (with an SV 650 next to me to verify speed) and it slipped like shit and it had more to go. The rest of the motor is stock, apart from anXS2 cam, but with a good exhaust and the staggered crank the power SNAPS in at about 5000RPM. Vibration? Why balance the crank when now I can sit on 120K all day, even with solid mount handlebars. Any more pics or info just give me a yell.

                                                                                                            Wayne. kennedywayne@hotmail.com

Here's a couple of pics Wayne sent in of his former rides, left is his classic racer and right his Rickman framed XS.

Wayne's new project the XS650 motor in a ZZR250 frame.

David McLeod's TX650

Dave sent me this picture of his TX which he says still has the original paint and chrome, must have been a well loved machine to be kept in such beautiful condition.

Phil Hudson's Heritage Special

Phil Hudson's very nice and completely original Heritage Special. Phil tells me it's done only 2300 miles.

Anthony Friedrich's 1978 Special

Wednesday, 07 November 2007