I bought a 1996 LS650 with 2700 miles on it. Cleaned it up a bit, took to dealer for new tires and brake fluid flush. Ran it today and noticed a few things that I haven't been able to find answers to.

1) the rear brake pedal is way too high. Is it possible to lower it down so it's closer to my foot level?

2) I've seen threads about raising the front of the seat, but no telling of how to do this. After riding, yup, I could use this!

3) Its running pretty good to me. Maintains 75mph on the interstate, no problem. But I have noticed that when I kill the motor I get a soft pop from the muffler. Honestly, it sounds like a little fart! Not load, but there at each shut down today. How to remedy this?

I've ordered Verslagn's cam tensioner and head plug. I also have a clutch cable coming as this one seems to be at its limit already. Oh, and some foot pegs. Both drivers pegs were bent back. Also, Yamaha 660 petcock is now on order.

Fun bike to ride, looking forward to a few miles this summer!

porky133 wrote on 05/01/23 at 16:37:27:

Thanks for the replys ya'll! Now I'm going to get some stoppers and raise the seat, ignore the mouse fart (good description) and move that brake pedal!

I've had the rifle shot.  Fun stuff - dogs bark.  I richened the mixture using the air mixture screw and did the white spacer mod.  One of these things helped.  It's now a poof.  Oh, I noticed the poof is worse if the idle is too high.


Dave wrote on 05/02/23 at 14:37:56:

porky133 wrote on 05/02/23 at 16:39:59:


You can adjust the clutch cable at the handlebar lever......as well as down at the engine case.  Be sure that both nuts are on top of the mount down on the engine...the are snuggled together to lock them in place.  (If you put one nut on top and one nut on the bottom of the mount - you can break the aluminum casting and that is a bit problem as it is mounted on the engine casing).

Spent some time with the bike today. Installed new foot pegs and adjustetd the brake pedal height. Looked at the clutch cable and I can't get it to tighten any from the bottom. Tomorrow or this weekend I'll probably change the clutch cable.

Another thing I looked at is the battery. It appears to be too big for the battery box. Gonna check the numbers and see.

Anyone know how to remove the steering lock? It isn't intuitive (to me).

So, I was right, some one had installed a battery that didn't fit right. Couldn't get the tool puch holder plate and side cover to go on. Bought a new battery and everything went together like it should.

I have a strong gasoline smell coming from my air filter. Should I be looking at this next?

Also, still looking to remove the steering lock if anyone has some suggestions. I see a Key block on top of the lock but no idea how to remove it.

Lastly, still waiting for cam chain tensioner. Once it arrives, it gets changed, clutch cable gets changed and fresh oil and filter. Then I think she will be ready to ride all summer long!

Hey guys, Got my tensioner and will install it sometime in July (going on a long trip on another bike starting this Father's Day weekend). Looking over what all needs to be done to change the tensioner and I came across a reference to "Head Cover Mod" but can't find what it really is.

Any links that I can look at for this? Supposed to help with Spark Plug change I think.