Too much for a xs650?

[CA]

So I have been emailing a guy off of CL about a xs650. He titled it a project bike, but listed it for 900. I kindly emailed him elaborating why that was way to much and I am a Yamaha expert...all that BS. First he said 750 now 700.

Am I missing something? Are 650's that desirable. I think this guy actually believes its a good deal. He says it need engine mounts, paint, and a battery. I would add carbs, and the seat redone. I feel as though 500 would be a fair price. But that would even be hard for me as I paid $350 for my xs11. Here is a pic:


Oh and I am looking for a bike for my brother. This way I will always be able to put him in his place. What type of MPG do these get?

Thanks

[79XS11F]

The 650 is a VERY popular bike and the older the better. Many desire them and will pay a pretty penny for them. They represent fine examples of Japans first copy cat effort of the British twines of the day. Many chop and or bob them. I wouldn't mind having one myself to restore.
Rob

[vanhump]

CA Check the Roanoke, Va craigslist. There has been several 650's on there lately, with good prices and some appeared to be in excellent condition.

[Cobia]

They're sought after

I keep in tune with the value of certian bikes. And have consistently noticed exactly what 79XS1100F said. The xs650 is coveted for these purposes. Goes to show you how little they value the versatility of the 11.

[XS1100 Newbie]

Don't know about all that stuff of valuing the 650. I have not got a response on the sale of my XJ650 in over a month on multiple listings. Maybe it is only the older twins they want.

[crazy steve]

Don't know about all that stuff of valuing the 650. I have not got a response on the sale of my XJ650 in over a month on multiple listings. Maybe it is only the older twins they want.

Your XJ is a 4 cylinder, the XS is a twin. As Rob said, it was nice copy of the British twins (minus the Lucas electrics thankfully!) and was also the last bike I owned that you could do virtually all maintainance including tune-ups with the included tool kit (ok, I had to add a point file and feeler gauges to the kit..). Kind of the 'Volkswagen' of Yamahas; simple, easy to work on, they made a ton of them, and parts are still fairly easy to find.

And yes, they're still bringing pretty good money. I sold mine to get my 11... sometimes I miss that bike.

'78E original owner

[Geezer]

The chopper crowd has chosen the XS650 for the best non hogley copper power plant. The next one down is the CB450/500 Honda twin. Both of these bikes has seen a sudden increase in price over other siblings in their line for this reason.

It's too bad. The XS650 used to be the best bargain in it's size range...

Geezer

[fredintoon]

So I have been emailing a guy off of CL about a xs650. He titled it a project bike, but listed it for 900. I kindly emailed him elaborating why that was way to much and I am a Yamaha expert...all that BS. First he said 750 now 700.

Am I missing something? Are 650's that desirable. I think this guy actually believes its a good deal. He says it need engine mounts, paint, and a battery. I would add carbs, and the seat redone. I feel as though 500 would be a fair price. But that would even be hard for me as I paid $350 for my xs11. - - -
Oh and I am looking for a bike for my brother. This way I will always be able to put him in his place. What type of MPG do these get?

Thanks

Hi CA,
lucky you, 5 years back I paid a grand for my XS11SG.
Although some will post they only paid $100 for one in better shape, ~$700 is not unreasonable for an XS650.
As a comparo to an XS11, it's over 100lbs lighter, steers and shifts far nicer, gets ~45mpg and develops ~50hp.
They were in production from 1970 to 1984 compared to the 1978 to 1981 of the XS11.

[jetmechmarty]

You can buy just about any part you need for an XS650...new. They are popular to restore, bob, chop, and cafe. I have four of them. I bought the first one new in 1983, and I still ride it often.

I think the availability of parts probably increases the value a lot. It's also easy to work on. See www.mikesxs.com www.650central.com etc. I also find a surprising number of parts still available from the dealer. Fun bike!

[Stoffa]

Those 650s

In OZ the a reasonable 650 brings $3500 - $6000. We have quite a few US imports here now to, going for $5K - $7.5K! MikeXs has probably added to this value as nearly all parts are available for restoration. The US had the lions share of the million or so made, so parts in the rest of the world has been limited. I have 4 myself with one being a 72 US XS2 model. They are easy to work on and the 11 is very similar - just more powerful and somewhat smoother, noise from both is worth it.

[CA]

Hmm

Well I emailed him not too long ago, and never heard back. Perhaps I will try again. You all have persuaded me towards it a little more. Afterall it would be nice to have an option of the beast and the dog...

Ill see what I can do to get on it.

Thanks for the insight. I will let you know how it goes.