New (to Me) 2000 Kawasaki W650

[ORexpat]

Well, possibly. The stuff I've read suggests the baffle is real obvious. But my Dub is not very loud, and I could feel perforations along the side as I slid the tape measure in. And some people take a long drill and put big holes in the big baffles. Not what I want to do . . . but to each their own.

The only thing I might do other than the handlebar and suspension mods I've done is to have the ding in the tank removed. PO had a parking lot drop and a front turn signal put a pretty round dimple in the tank . . . .

[MelloFellow]

Thanks ORexpat for the pics and Phang for the perspective.

My pipes appear exactly the same and if the pic with the cut-away is any indication I think my bike may be deflowered

I had read on the Yahoo thread a doc on how to remove 'em with grinding the spot welds as using a makeshift puller to pull them out.

I'm thinking we may have a partial mod as I can still see the perforated plate intact and if that one is there then everything 11 inches forward is still there. This is all about trying the get a handle on the backpressure and the need to adjust jets etc.

Only mod I've done so far is removing the KLEEN stuff but have plans for seat, front springs, lower bars and brake line.

All reversable (cep't the pipes if they are truly done)

[rheritage]

I just picked up a 2000 model W650, I don't think the bike has been cleaned since new. The amount of chain lube built up on the hub, sprocket, chain guard and swing arm is unbelievable. The layer of dust under the tank and seat had to be seen, this will take a few tries to get everything clean. The bike seems to run well and is completey stock, has 25k on it for mileage. Does anyone know the normal comression on this engine, it came with a service manual but no mention of it? Plan on doing the air system mod and maybe the carb needle spacer.

[Kentucky]

Originally Posted by rheritage

I just picked up a 2000 model W650, I don't think the bike has been cleaned since new. The amount of chain lube built up on the hub, sprocket, chain guard and swing arm is unbelievable. The layer of dust under the tank and seat had to be seen, this will take a few tries to get everything clean. The bike seems to run well and is completey stock, has 25k on it for mileage. Does anyone know the normal comression on this engine, it came with a service manual but no mention of it? Plan on doing the air system mod and maybe the carb needle spacer.

That gunk has probably protected the bike. I love dust, oil and ect on an older bike. You will find the quality of the coatings is higher than about any jap bike you have ever known. Chrome, paint and all other surfaces are first rate. Have fun bringing the old girl back.
Barry

[rheritage]

Thanks Barry, I just needed to find out what was under all that crud, I'm sure it did stop some stuff from corroding.

I was looking into the possibility of a Scrambler conversoin but that type exhaust is almost non existent. Looks like I'll just keep it simple and change to the Euro handle bars. It has the stock tires on it which handle poorly, will upgrade to the Bridgestone S11 Spitfires, I have the Bridgestone BT 45's on my old Beemer but always wanted to try the S11's.

I have not had a 650 vertical twin since the late 70's and that was a 1971 BSA Lightning, scary bike in the twisties. Really looking forward to getting some seat time on this one.

[Phang]

Originally Posted by rheritage

I just picked up a 2000 model W650, I don't think the bike has been cleaned since new. The amount of chain lube built up on the hub, sprocket, chain guard and swing arm is unbelievable. The layer of dust under the tank and seat had to be seen, this will take a few tries to get everything clean. The bike seems to run well and is completey stock, has 25k on it for mileage. Does anyone know the normal comression on this engine, it came with a service manual but no mention of it? Plan on doing the air system mod and maybe the carb needle spacer.

Here you go

[Speedo66]

Originally Posted by Kentucky

That gunk has probably protected the bike. I love dust, oil and ect on an older bike. You will find the quality of the coatings is higher than about any jap bike you have ever known. Chrome, paint and all other surfaces are first rate. Have fun bringing the old girl back.
Barry

The leaking oil blown back under the floor and chassis has protected (and saved) many a British sports car.

[Speedo66]

Originally Posted by rheritage

Thanks Barry, I just needed to find out what was under all that crud, I'm sure it did stop some stuff from corroding.

I was looking into the possibility of a Scrambler conversoin but that type exhaust is almost non existent. Looks like I'll just keep it simple and change to the Euro handle bars. It has the stock tires on it which handle poorly, will upgrade to the Bridgestone S11 Spitfires, I have the Bridgestone BT 45's on my old Beemer but always wanted to try the S11's.

I have not had a 650 vertical twin since the late 70's and that was a 1971 BSA Lightning, scary bike in the twisties. Really looking forward to getting some seat time on this one.

You've seen this site no doubt, here are their scrambler pipes, if you can afford them! http://www.w650shop.de/Scrambler/scrambler.html

[rheritage]

Phang, thanks for the info on the compression test. I think I'm in pretty good shape, after 25000 miles both cylinders read above 180psi. My service manual does have that information, must of had brain fade, it's on page 3-17, thanks again.
Rich

[rheritage]

Yes, I have been to that site, thanks. Those pipes are too steep for me, about half of what the bike cost me.

Not many aftermarket mufflers available, do you know if any of the Yamaha XS650 pipes or mufflers can be modded to fit the W650?

Rich

[Kentucky]

Originally Posted by rheritage

Thanks Barry, I just needed to find out what was under all that crud, I'm sure it did stop some stuff from corroding.

I was looking into the possibility of a Scrambler conversoin but that type exhaust is almost non existent. Looks like I'll just keep it simple and change to the Euro handle bars. It has the stock tires on it which handle poorly, will upgrade to the Bridgestone S11 Spitfires, I have the Bridgestone BT 45's on my old Beemer but always wanted to try the S11's.

I have not had a 650 vertical twin since the late 70's and that was a 1971 BSA Lightning, scary bike in the twisties. Really looking forward to getting some seat time on this one.

I am really wanting to make a florida sand road bike out of mine for when I want to go. The pipes would not be required but would add a cool factor 10! Let me know if you come up with something on that. You are going to love that little bike.
Barry

[Tripletreat]

Why dont you look around locally for a muffler shop that can bend the pipes for you? It couldn't possibly be more expensive than those off the shelf numbers. Here in Boise we have a muffler shop with some talented guys with nice machinery that do that sort of stuff - and Boise is a pretty small burg.

[eric123]

Originally Posted by Tripletreat

Why dont you look around locally for a muffler shop that can bend the pipes for you? It couldn't possibly be more expensive than those off the shelf numbers. Here in Boise we have a muffler shop with some talented guys with nice machinery that do that sort of stuff - and Boise is a pretty small burg.

And they are?

[Kentucky]

Hello again fellow W owners. I have a desire to use my W on the sand roads in central and northeast florida. I am certain it will handle and perform magnificiently. Possibly a shock upgrade and progressive springs may be in order in the rougher terrain. My question is, has anyone else done any of this? My second question is, which dual sport tires would be best for street and sand road use. I know...it is always a compromise.
Barry

[rheritage]

Barry,

The problem is finding a matched set with the W650's 19" front and 18" rear. Most of the good Dual Sport tires have the 19" front tire but all the good rear tires are the 17" size. So far the only sets I've been able to locate are the Chinese manufacturers, not saying their bad I just have no experience with them. Good Luck on your search and I'll keep you posted if I find anything new.

Rich