XS650 project

My '79 XS650 has Shinko 712 tires, and I really like them, so I'm using them on the '75 also. I ordered them from the Motorcycle Superstore on Sunday, and received them Tuesday, so very fast free shipping, and an excellent deal at $46.99 a tire.


I'm using a 100/90-19 front, and 110/90-18 rear.


Ready to spoon on the tire, the first side can usually be done by hand without tools. Then the rim strip and tube, putting the blue line on the outside so it is easy to see that the tube isn't twisted. The valve stem nut is just started so the tube can move up and out of the way when spooning on the tire. The red mark is the lightest point of the tire and is aligned with the valve stem.


I cut up a plastic coffee can for rim protectors, and a q-tip and soapy water for lube where needed.


Mounted and set to go. The shine is mold release compound, and why you need to take it easy on new tires for a few miles until it wears off. Some XS guys use a 120/90-18 rear, but the 110 is a better fit on the stock rim, and has a less ballooned sidewall, so I think it looks better and should handle better.