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Just bought a 1966 Super Six t20 X6 Hustler

Posted: Sun Dec 14, 2014 10:47 am
by Seattle Hustler
I bought this bike this week. It will most likely need crank seals as it has been sitting. It has spark and compression though so it's a running. The carb slides are stuck but I'm going to try and free them up today and start the bike on some premix just for a few moments.
I'm hoping this furor will be helpful with finding parts and helping me get this bike set for riding frequently. I don't need to restore it or hot rod, just ride it.

Where do I get seals and has anybody used Ivan's carb kit on a X6?

Here's a photobucket folder with pics
http://smg.photobucket.com/user/silverb ... 0x6Hustler" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Re: Just bought a 1966 Super Six t20 X6 Hustler

Posted: Sun Dec 14, 2014 11:04 am
by Alan H
Just because it's been standing doesn't mean the seals are shot. I filled/turned/drained each crankcase on my (US) GT550 with diesel and it's run fine since. If yours runs, then run it unless the performance is really crap THEN start looking at seals. Carbs are usually the main issue after a long layup, then when sorted they should be fine.
Make sure the gearbox oil is fresh and the 2 stroke oil is going where it should.
Just for info, the 1966 T20 is 'just' a Super 6 - not an X6 or Hustler - they came later. The Super 6 was one of the first nails in the British bike industry coffin - a 250 that could keep up with most 500s and some 650s.

Re: Just bought a 1966 Super Six t20 X6 Hustler

Posted: Sun Dec 14, 2014 11:15 am
by Seattle Hustler
I understand you may have had good luck with seals on a bike but I have had a lot of vintage two strokes and I usually change the seals as measure of caution when I get a bike that is this old and appears to be all original. It came form the son of the original owner and has sat since 1977. A minor crank seal leak might not be noticed right away but can cause a major problem after putting miles on the bike. Air coming in in the wrong place equals extra heat. Crank seals are easy to change so I usually do it. It's just what I do for my own peace of mind.

I did not realize the difference between the Super Six and X6 though, thank you

Re: Just bought a 1966 Super Six t20 X6 Hustler

Posted: Sun Dec 14, 2014 4:16 pm
by Coyote
Nice find!. the condition appears to be excellent --- and it's straight! You just don't see em in that kind pf shape anymore. I'm jealous.

Re: Just bought a 1966 Super Six t20 X6 Hustler

Posted: Sun Dec 14, 2014 7:02 pm
by Willie
Coyote wrote:Nice find!. the condition appears to be excellent --- and it's straight! You just don't see em in that kind pf shape anymore. I'm jealous.
Couldn't have expressed myself any better other than to add, Congratulations!
Willie
PS
Keep a close eye on the oil level in the transmission. A drop in it is indicative of a leaky seal(s) in the middle of the crank. I found it hard to believe that the center crank bearings relied upon oil from the transmission until I opened mine up and saw it for myself. In a very real sense, it took me over 20 yrs to find out why the trans oil was gone after my X6 seized at highway speeds.

Re: Just bought a 1966 Super Six t20 X6 Hustler

Posted: Sun Dec 14, 2014 7:09 pm
by Seattle Hustler
Thanks Coyote, I have wanted one of these for years. I have a 1964 Ducati 250 and while studying the race history of Ducati singles I discovered the T20 was the bike that took over in that class with very few mods and fraction of the price. I instantly wanted one. Anything that is faster on the track then a Ducati 250 from the same era and displacement has to be a fun bike on the street.

I've know about this one for awhile but the owner wasn't ready to sell. Last week I heard he was reducing his collection and I jumped on it emidiately. It's very stock and clean and I'm keeping it that way. I'm just going to do the needed engine work to make it a solid runner and ride it.

Re: Just bought a 1966 Super Six t20 X6 Hustler

Posted: Sun Dec 14, 2014 7:11 pm
by Seattle Hustler
Wow Willie! Thanks for the tip, I was not aware that was the oiling system on this bike.

Re: Just bought a 1966 Super Six t20 X6 Hustler

Posted: Sun Dec 14, 2014 8:55 pm
by Willie
Seattle Hustler wrote:Wow Willie! Thanks for the tip, I was not aware that was the oiling system on this bike.
Happy to be of some help. FWIW, I picked up an X6 in the late 80's to restore. When an old Suzuki mechanic/X6 nut told me that the crank needed to be rebuilt before I told him the mileage (less than 11k if I recall) I couldn't help but wonder why. I looked inside after he informed me about the oiling issue and found he was right. Fortunately, Suzuki improved upon the design for the replacement seals. Replacing them with the updated ones prevents the problem from resurfacing. Naturally, I took his advice. :)
That's another bike that I regret selling.
Willie