Notice Board

If you'd like to place an item on the notice board just send it to the webmaster and I'll put it on.

The latest newsletter has now been posted and the internet address sent to all email recipients.
If you haven't received an email with the newsletter address contact Terry Gliddon as some Bigpond email recipients have not been receiving these emails because Bigpond treats some bulk emails as SPAM and does not forward it to your INBOX. If you think you are one of these bigpond customers let me know and I will send you the address for the newsletter individually.
If your membership has lapsed this may also be the reason you haven't received an email.
This only applies to Bigpond customers as far as I know.

Ivan Hoey has been talking to Marty and Craig at C&M Motorcycles in Sydney and they have come up with a great idea, a Dyno Day.
When it can be arranged a weekend will be nominated when club members can take their bike to C&M Motorcycles and for a small fee you can have it run on the dyno, this will give you the Horsepower and Torque figures for your bike as well as air/fuel ratio. You will come away from there with a print out of the dyno run and a total picture of your bikes state of tune. This is a great opportunity to find out if your carbies are doing their job right and whether your engine is close to the HP figures specified by Yamaha.
This is an opportunity not to be missed !!!

The "Z" owners club has invited us along to the Good Friday ride from Highway 31 Cafè in Sydney Road Brunswick to the Donnybrook Hotel to raise money the Royal Children's Hospital. More details soon.

The Honda Broadford Bike Bonanza: Broadford, Easter 3-4 April 2010

Nick McGinn has been working feverishly to get his tracker going so he has something to ride at the Broadford Easter Bonanza and he wants us all to come along and watch him. I was there last year and it is a great weekend with all three tracks operating and a range of bikes from every form of racing being displayed and ridden but this is not an organised racing event and bikes circulating around the tracks are there for display purposes only. So whether you like speedway, flat track, motocross, sidecar or road race there is something there for you. See you there - Toota

Fellas,

Below is the link for the Vic Roads proposed changes to the club permits (red plates), download the PDF file, have a look at it & if you have any thoughts or ideas regarding the changes, we can submit our recommendations to Vic Roads.

Basically, they are looking at a similar set-up to South Australia, a 45 or 90 day permit that can be used over a 12 month period & recorded in a log book that has to be carried by the rider.

This system works fine in S.A. & should be a good benefit for our members here in Vic, as they won't have to worry about gazetted rides etc:

http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/Registration/Permits/ClubPermits.htm

Regards,

David

Dear Sir/Madam,
I wish to comment on the proposed changes to the VicRoads Club Permit Scheme. I am one of the founding members, and current secretary of the Yamaha XS-650 Club of Australia. Our club began more than 15 years ago in Dubbo NSW, was originally known as the Yamaha XS-650 Club of NSW and for a while, all members were residents of NSW. The club was advertised in most of the trader magazines (Just Bikes, etc) and soon, people from all over Australia were applying for membership.

After a few years, we changed our name to the Yamaha XS-650 Club of Australia. We now have over 200 members across every state and territory, and even several overseas. Our bikes were made from 1970 to 1983 and in 2000, the earliest model turned 30, the age at which they can be “club registered” in NSW. Needless to say, owners of these models began asking us about “club rego” (as it’s commonly called here in NSW) and we approached the RTA of NSW to have our club formally recognised as a historic vehicle club. This was achieved and as the years passed, more members obtained club rego.

Soon enough, members from other states began asking for the same thing and so we approached the road authorities in QLD, SA, and VIC and are now recognised as a historic vehicle club in those states. As yet, members from TAS, WA, ACT and NT have not raised the issue with us but we’ll act on their behalf if they ever do. As a club recognised by VicRoads, it’s in response to the letter you sent me that I write.

I myself have club rego in NSW and aside from my bike having to be 30 years old instead of just 25, it’s very much like the VicRoads scheme so I feel I’m qualified to make comment. I know from our SA members about the scheme which operates there and to me, that is a far better scheme than those operating in NSW and VIC. The fact is that our membership is very spread out and many members are quite isolated from the main body of the club in their respective states. Whilst they join the club to correspond with others who share their interest, avail themselves of the collective knowledge that the club has accumulated, and keep informed of bikes for sale, parts sources and the like, they are often not in a position to ride on club events.

Distance is just one reason that keeps members – however keen – from participating in club events. Work is another. I live in Sydney but I work in a mine in WA for 2 weeks out of three. Often, club events are scheduled whilst I’m away and many of our members, even if they live near the main areas of club activity, work on weekends. Others may have family commitments. It’s difficult to justify going for a ride when there’s a family get-together on and you haven’t seen some of them in years. People in these circumstances still wish to ride their bikes, even if it’s on their own most of the time. They are no less enthusiastic about their hobby vehicle and no less a member of our club. It’s just that their vehicle and their club are not the only things going on in their lives.

Thus, I’m certain our Victorian members would be all in favour of the log book system you propose as it would of great benefit to many of them. Indeed, our non-SA members, myself included, would appreciate it if SA and VicRoads would band together and lobby your counterparts in the other states to follow suit. I believe the scheme you propose is a vast improvement over the present one and also believe that there needs to be a national standard. Put another way, just as owners of “normally registered” vehicles are subject to the same rules of usage nation wide, so should owners of club registered vehicles.

Not only do I support your proposal in principle, but also in it’s details. The numbers of days usage, the pricing, loss of log book, etc., are more than fair. Our VIC members look forward to this scheme coming into being and I have no doubt our members in other states look forward to similar schemes being introduced in those states.

The 2009 AGM was held on the 7th of November 2009 at Geoff Bamford's home and as usual there was a good turn out of members attending. A full report on the meeting will follow but I can announce the result of the vote for club positions.

We have a new President, Geoff Bamford was unanimously voted in as president after Dave Taylor decided to stand down due to work and family commitments and we would like to thank Dave for his services to the club over the last seven years.

The club is offering a Back Issues CD and two Race Team stickers for $30 including postage and packaging.

The total package price will be donated to the club racer project so if you got your Back Issues CD a while ago send your cheques or money orders to Terry Gliddon to receive the latest CD which includes all Newsletters from 1 - 95 as well as the Special Edition April Fools Editions and two XS650 Club Racing Team Stickers and all for just $30.

One of our members was booked for not displaying his headlight in adverse weather conditions on a recent ride and I rang the Victorian Police for a clarification of this rule. Following is the exact wording of the applicable road rule.

Be aware, especially in Victoria, that you may be booked if you are riding in the rain if you don't have your headlight on.

(1) A driver must not drive at night, or in hazardous weather conditions causing reduced visibility unless—

(a) the headlights, tail lights and number plate light fitted to the driver’s vehicle are operating effectively and are clearly visible; and

(b) if the vehicle is fitted with clearance lights or side marker lights—those lights are operating effectively and are clearly visible.

Note 2 Drive includes be in control of—see the definition in the dictionary.

(2) However, this rule does not apply to a driver if the driver’s vehicle is stopped or parked at a place on a length of road, or in an area, to which a parking control sign applies and the driver is permitted to stop or park at that place under the Road Rules.

(3) Also, a driver driving during the day in fog, or other hazardous weather conditions causing reduced visibility, may drive without the headlights of the driver’s vehicle operating if the vehicle is fitted with front fog lights and those lights are operating effectively and are clearly visible.

(4) In subrule (1), a reference to a kind of light fitted to a vehicle is a reference to a light of that kind required to be fitted to the vehicle as approved by the Corporation or as specified in Schedule 8 to the Road Safety (Vehicles) Regulations 1999 (as the case requires).

This is a very grey area which personally I would be challenging in court, who determines what level of adverse weather conditions requires the turning on of the headlight, the rider whose life is at risk, or the police. The incident involving our member happened on the Mornington Peninsula where several cars passed without displaying a headlight. Needless to say they were not booked.

All prices include postage where applicable within Australia
Contact Dave Rayner secretary@xs650.org.au

Last weekend few of the members went to watch the race meeting at the Nepean Speedway. Ivan sent these pics of some of the club members bikes racing there. Rod Watts, Peter Lee and Herb Conlin all had bikes racing there on the day.

Peter Lee & Rod Watts' bike, 277° rephased 750cc, featured in the last newsletter.

Mark Peatman got high sided and busted some ribs and other various bones but thankfully will be ok.

Herb Conlon will transport your bike in an enclosed van anywhere around Sydney at very reasonable rates for members.
Contact Herb on 0412908279 or hcmnsw@yahoo.com.au

A few of the boys from the Brisbane area hooked up for a ride on the last day of autumn. For our southern cousins read that as blue skies and mild weather. Good for riding and great for air cooled engines. Destination was Beaudesert and the Historic Motorcycle Club Concourse at the showgrounds.

Four of us met at Mt Gravatt with Ivan on his Midnight Special, Duane & Rob on their customised specials and Tony on his standard ‘B’ model. We headed out towards Beaudesert and picked up Raol and wife Ann on their ‘C’ model at North Maclean for the run to Beaudesert. We had also joined up with members of the VJMC who added the odd 2 stroke and 4 cylinder beat to the tune of the mighty Xesses. Back country roads provided some added interest with some gravel and water following recent heavy rains.

The HMC boys put on a good show with some immaculate examples of mostly defunct British marquees and the odd Japanese example (no Xesses).

For the run home we headed across to Boonah for some fuel (specials don’t hold much) and coffee (owners don’t hold much) and then more country roads via Kalbar and Peak Crossing before joining the highway at Yamanto (nice ring to that) and the cruise down the highway back home.

The bikes all ran sweetly and the sound of several parallel twins is hard to beat. Distance covered was about 220kms (or 130 miles in the old money).

Ian Smith contacted me to see if I had any belt buckles left as he had lost his in the fires. I told him I could get another one made for him no problem and that at least he is ok. I hope Ian and everyone else who lost everything in the fires can recover from this devastation and return to a normal life as soon as possible and put the horror of this behind them. To those who lost loved ones our sincere condolences.

As a result of seeing these pics of Ian's motor in the latest newsletter several club members have offered to help Ian and he has responded with the following email.

Hi Terry,
This is all to overwhelming The only thing I would like help with is to locate a 74 TXA for me to purchase, as I was very excited when I had a chance to work on the one I lost. I had it for 10 months before I put a spanner to it, over that time I had collected a lot of parts and had done a mountain of research and was almost ready to start the reassembly. I had the frame blasted and painted, as you know the motor rebuilt. The frame looks to me to be ok but I am unsure what the heat has done to the integrity of the metal. With a bit of luck the kind donation of a motor from Nick Porter will be fantastic kick start. , It will get my excitement back. So I guess a motor less TXA will be good. I know this can take some time, I am in no big hurry to find a bike. I will not except any cash donations as that just feels a bit too weird, if any one wants to go down that path I would like to see it go to the club racer project.
The red cross and government are helping a lot there.
To all, thanks for your concern
Regards
Ian

If anyone can help Ian with a rolling '74 TXA frame or any of the parts to make one up you can contact him direct at ian@williamspatterns.com.au and a special thanks to Nick Porter and Andrew Iggo for their offers.

Hi,
I'm based in the UK and I design and manufacture clutch holding tools for numerous bikes.
I've just developed a tool for the XS650 and I thought you guys would be interest and would possibly be up for putting it onto your site on the sales page?
Mytools is an ebay based business so international sales are very welcome. I have sold numerous tools to Australia before and it works very well through Paypal.
I have attached a product page of the XS650 tool that you could add to your sales page and also a direct link to the tool on ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=120313295116&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT

I hope you feel it suitable for your site and I look forward to hearing from you.
kind regards
Jason Smith
Mytools

Steve Carle became the first Victorian to be issued with a red plate for the XS650 club

Taverner Motorcycles
54 Prospect Street,
Fortitude Valley
Brisbane QLD 4006
P: (07) 3257 2389

Dear Sirs,
It is our pleasure to inform you and your club of the new drag-racing class Nostalgia Street Bike, which has been formed specifically for pre-1978 machines. We have included a copy of the magazines. We have included a copy if the proposed regulations for your club to read. These are still not final, so if you have suggestions about adding or changing anything, feel free to contact us by phone on (07) 3257 2389, by email or come and visit our shop ay 54 Prospect Street, Fortitude Valley in central Brisbane.
We look forward to seeing you on the drag track and until then, happy riding!
Kind Regards,
Paul Taverner

A new Aluminium tank for the XS is available in Germany, just follow the link for more details, the price is 545 Euro.

Another Aluminium Tank manufacturer Rita Lammers, has contacted me, also in Germany http://tinyurl.com/byd8cb no prices.

I have a Kustom bike shop called Slice 'N' Dice Kustoms in Burleigh Heads and we specialise in making Bobbers and choppers from Japanese bikes. We are currently building 7 XS650 bobbers with a 60's frisco style. We also make custom bars, tanks, fenders and so on.
Dan Twidgen Mobile 0424335450 email info@slicendicekustoms.com

Question:- Dan, I know some our members would like to know if it's necessary to have an engineering report done to register a bike with a modified frame?

Yes by law you need to get a engineer to sign off on the modification. Yes we can provide this service it cost between $300 and $500 to approve We can do this for all states. But if you have a pre 1975 frame then there is a good chance you will be able to register the bike with out any queries from the RTA as pre 1975 is pre compliance.

The stock needles are too lean through the entire range and also block the  Needle jet  on heavy  throttle....
My needles take care of all the throttle problems with the BS34's........here is a list below of what they can expect....
I get US$42 per set and people can use paypal at xsneedles@aol.com .......if anyone is unhappy with my work they
should expect a total refund.........so far so good ......shipping air mail is included in the price.......and thanks for allowing me on you
fine site..I won't dissapoint.

Here is what can expected from the Underwood Kits with the BS34 and stock jetting..
"heavy" modifications can use a bit larger MJ than stock...pods and pipes dont fit in the heavy catagory.....

   1. Easier starting hot and cold (requiring much less choke when cold)
   2. Much quicker acceleration
   3. Smoother cruising
   4. Excellent smooth high speed highway performance with no chattering
      deceleration's
   5. Cooler and better balanced cylinder temperatures
   6. Less engine noises due to correct fuel mixtures on both cylinders
      even after long rides
   7. Good 50mpg or more fuel economy and much longer engine life
   8. Easy instructions and the carbs don't have to be removed from the
      bike.

Regards,
John Underwood

Dru Booker has offered to make some stickers for the club and here are a few examples for us to view. If you would like a personalised member sticker featuring your bike then send a picture to Dave Rayner at dave650@bigpond.net.au and he will pass it on to Dru. If you have any suggestions for new designs please let Dave know and we will see what can be done.

I recently had a local company called Maltech make me some SS braided hoses for my XS650SG so I thought some of you may be interested in seeing the process. David Malkin turned up at my door equipped with all manner of fittings and proceeded to pull all the old rubber hoses off my bike and make up exact copies in braided stainless steel including the fittings.

These hoses are ADR approved and the machine that does the crimping is portable so the work can be done on site and can even pressured test the new hoses to some incredible pressure ( 3000 lbs per square inch I think was mentioned )

The work done and David was on his way but before he left I asked him if he could make these up via mail order he said he could. Maltech has a website at www.maltech.com.au and if you send him your old hoses and fittings (banjo bolts for thread type and size) to copy he will make up the new ones and post them back to you. The cost for me was $295 for the three front brake hoses and SS fittings. If you are interested in getting some done you can call David on 0418 378 939

A new permanent magnet alternator is now available, made in the Czech Republic but sold by Powerdymano in Germany.

A couple of drawbacks to this system are no locating keyway, no timing marks and it is a two phase system not three so the output will be less smooth at lower revs.

This guy makes custom carbon fibre bits this is an example you may find it interesting. - George Bornen

From JNP Carbon

Hi George

The laser cut label holders are finally ready. I have attached a jpg image and if you like what you see, just send me your mailing details and I'll have one sent of to you for $40.00 plus C.O.D. postage. - Neil Potter jnpcarbon@bigpond.com

Some information that may be of use.

The Rubber Boot for the XS650 Rear Brake Master Cylinder
(Yamaha Part No. 1J3-25862-50) that is no longer available
can be replaced with a Suzuki Rubber Boot (Part No. 69691-45001).

See attached pictures.

Best Regards
Göran Persson
New Zealand

Fred Dyen in the US has come up with a new spin on oil filter for the XS650. It's basically a replacement for the filter in the right side engine case. Those of you who are familiar with the vertical twin discussion group (http://www.micapeak.com/lists/yam650) will have seen this already and Mike Morse of Vintage Brake is having some made at US$80. Some holes need to be drilled in your side case to fit this so if you are squeamish about doing this you better forget about it. If you'd like to see the mod you can download these .pdf files from here. Yamaha_XS650_Oil_Filter_Adapter2.pdf and here Yamaha_XS650_Oil_Filter_Adapter2_Construction.pdf

Geoff Bamford has these neat clocks and key rings for sale. Only those models shown are available at the moment ie. XS1, XS650B and Special. The clocks measure about 7" across the face and the keyrings are 60mm in diameter. The cost is $50 for the pair (1 clock & 1 keyring) If you'd like some email Geoff at bosshog_52@hotmail.com

SETTING THE STANDARD

Did you know that the Tappet adjusters for a VW, Porsche and Mazda 808 are the same as those used on the XS650 except they don't have that annoying little square on top for adjustment they have a screwdriver slot (much better) There are two types and these are commonly referred to as elephants foot and ball foot adjusters because of the way they look. It is necessary to modify the rocker arms to fit these to the XS650 and they must be fitted before the rocker box is fitted to the motor because you can't screw them in from the top like the standard adjusters. So if price is no object and you don't mind modifying the rocker arms and your motor is already apart then go for the elephants or ball foot adjusters they are the best! The picture below is the ball foot adjuster.

I recently found out that the ball foot adjuster pictured is from a Mazda 808 and you need to remove about 4mm from the bottom of the rocker arm to fit this type of adjuster. When I do mine I'll post a picture.

Interested in some new mufflers for your XS1 or XS2, checkout the link to Proswede (1/10/04)

Just a short note to put on the notice board that I am able to supply rotor pullers to suit our belovered 650s. The puller is of professional quality and I have used the same puller for many years and had no trouble at all with it, as working on motorcycles is my profession.

Here is some pictures of the Gear Shaft Chain Protector I had made for the Gear Shift Axle. Made of Bearing Moly Nylon. Less rattle from chain during "crusing speed".
Göran Persson
New Zealand
goran.persson@xtra.co.nz

The new T-shirts, modelled here by Dave Rayner himself (what a physique!), are now available with the rear view of the XS650 motor on the back. The price is $30 including pastage and poking (oops! I mean postage and packing) so if you want one call Dave Rayner for details on Mobile 0417890835.

I have a guy who is making replacement seat covers for the XS-1 and 2 models. These covers are no the normal cheap aftermarket rubbish but a faithful copy of the original right down to the lining and moulding etc. They come complete with new foam and can be fixed either with the original system of clips or (with the extra covering left uncut) attached with adhesive to the seat base. They work out at £100 + P&P but the quality is excellent. If you're interested contact Steve at valerie.cooper@ntlworld.com

Did you know a 600ml coke bottle has the same thread as your 650 dip stick. cut the bottle in half screw it in and you have the perfect oil funnel.
regards Ed Perry.