The Yamaha XS650 has a generally accepted a weakspot - it's charging system.
With some 650s now getting close to 50 years of age, time can take its toll.
The most common sources of replacement components (used) to upgrade the charging system are Yamaha's RD400 and LC350, but new units/components are also available
There's been chat on the forum about the PMA upgrade, but the info is spread about so I thought I'd start this thread so the info can sit in one place. Feel free to add etc
One of the "advantages" of running a PMA system is that the battery can be removed and replaced with a capacitor. Another advantage if the original regulator and rectifier get replaced with a solid-state (no moving parts) combined component.
Here's a pretty good video that explains the difference between the two systems
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTZ53GpQ15wThreads and info from other forums and websiteshttp://www.xs650.com/threads/how-to-permanent-magnet-alternator-swap-also-known-as-the-banshee-swap.5536/http://www.smedspeed.co.uk/pmakit.htmlhttp://xs650temp.proboards.com/thread/11096Where stuff can be boughtHeiden Tuning in Holland (see also Mikes XS in the states). Getting stuff from Holland, I think, does not involve HMRC, where as getting stuff fom the USA does.
http://www.xs650.biz/p/28/1423/homehttp://www.xs650.biz/p/36/2684/mo74-cg%7C23=3/charging-system%3A-1980-84-650-rotors-stators-regulators-brusheshttps://www.mikesxs.net/electrical.htmlSee ebay
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Yamaha-XS650-Permanent-Magnet-Alternator-Kit-PMA-Hardtail-Chopper-Bobber-xs-650-/351777110439?hash=item51e78cb9a7:g:Sh4AAOSwo0JWOY-Jwhich is about £300 delivered, but HMRC will require tax to be paid, so that'll prob take it to around £350 and there's still capacitor to buy.............
Hope this helps and gets the ball rolling of keeping the info in an easy-to-find location.......