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Tracking Down an XS850

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  • #1

    Tracking Down an XS850

    I've been on the look out for an XS850 Special to do another build with. I love the XS line more than a fat kid like chocolate and I want to do a build with a "rarer" bike. Triples are really cool and I've always wanted to own one to make a racer out of but I can't seem to find a decent one.

    What's the deal with the lack of 850's out there? I know I could just get a 750 but there's plenty of those on the road. Were there not very many of the 850's made or have they just all been scrapped?

    I'd be looking for a 1980 XS850SG or XS850LG to be specific.
    Last edited by D0wn5h1ft; 04-29-2014, 07:37 PM.
    78 E - 2to1 exhaust, dynatek coils, special headlight [SOLD!]
    79 F - gas tank refurb, headgasket change, straight pipes, late model carbs, virago lowering shocks, special headlight and gauges, TC fuse block, GSXR-1100 carbs (WIP)


    "May my tires not fail me, nor my engine grow cold"
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Do some research on Hitachi carburetors before you dive in.
    Marty (in Mississippi)
    XS1100SG
    XS650SK
    XS650SH
    XS650G
    XS6502F
    XS650E

    Comment

    • #3
      Originally posted by jetmechmarty View Post
      Do some research on Hitachi carburetors before you dive in.
      Many 850 owners on the triple forum swap from Hitachi to MKII. The triple MKII are easy to come by.

      For the record, I don't think the 850 is much quicker than the 750...there were pollution control modifications that counter-acted some of the benefit of the larger displacement.

      The 850 did have the oil cooler...

      If it's the appearance you like, then your preference for 850 is well founded.

      I'm surprised you don't find 850s available as easily as 750s - they seem equally available in the Detroit MI area.

      I wasn't leading up to this intentionally, but it just occurs to me I have an extra 750.....and you're only 15-20 miles away if you haven't moved to Texas yet....

      Ian will probably chime in with some comments...
      -Mike
      _________
      '79 XS1100SF 20k miles
      '80 XS1100SG 44k miles
      '81 XS1100H Venturer 35k miles
      '79 XS750SF 17k miles
      '85 Honda V65 Magna ~7k miles
      '84 Honda V65 Magna 48k miles (parts bike)
      '86 Yamaha VMAX 9k miles

      Previous: '68 Motoguzzi 600cc + '79 XS750SF 22k miles +'84 Honda V65

      Comment

      • #4
        Originally posted by jetmechmarty View Post
        Do some research on Hitachi carburetors before you dive in.
        What's the deal with Hitachi carbs? I did some research and didn't find anything specific. Are they crap or something?
        78 E - 2to1 exhaust, dynatek coils, special headlight [SOLD!]
        79 F - gas tank refurb, headgasket change, straight pipes, late model carbs, virago lowering shocks, special headlight and gauges, TC fuse block, GSXR-1100 carbs (WIP)


        "May my tires not fail me, nor my engine grow cold"

        Comment

        • #5
          Hitachi carburetors are great! Pretend you need parts. See what you can find.
          Marty (in Mississippi)
          XS1100SG
          XS650SK
          XS650SH
          XS650G
          XS6502F
          XS650E

          Comment

          • #6
            I have two 850's and love them. However, I have standards. Never liked the specials. As far as Hitachi vs. Mikuni, I think Marty was pulling your leg a little. I disliked the tunability of the Hitachi's, as they used a different jetting system. They are much more sensitive to modifications over the Mikuni BS carbs, which are what the MKII's are.

            I will tell you this: NOTHING SOUNDS LIKE A TRIPLE!!! The roar from that stock exhaust sends chills through me. Very nice. A much lighter bike than the 1100, with a decent-sized tank over my 750. Not much better gas mileage. I agree, the XS line are great bikes, but I honestly can't say they're any better/worse than Suzuki GS series bikes or Honda CB. It's kind of a preference, and you can find flaws with each one. I'm not into modding bikes, so buying an old used bike is no-longer on my agenda.

            And, another thing, I just want to ride. I'm cranky cuz I'm tired of tinkering all the time. I admire those whom buy these with intentions of modding, etc., but I bought mine to ride.
            Last edited by IanDMacDonald; 04-30-2014, 10:43 PM.
            1979 XS1100F
            2H9 Mod, Truck-Lite LED Headlight, TECHNA-FIT S/S Brake Lines, Rear Air Shocks, TKAT Fork Brace, Dyna DC-I Coils, TC Fuse Block, Barnett HD Clutch Springs, Superbike Handlebars, V-Star 650 ACCT, NGK Irridium Plugs, OEM Exhaust. CNC-Cut 2nd Gear Dogs; Ported/Milled Head; Modded Airbox: 8x8 Wix Panel Filter; #137.5 Main Jet, Viper Yellow Paint, Michelin Pilot Activ F/R, Interstate AGM Battery, 14MM MC, Maier Fairing, Cree LED Fog Lights.

            Comment

            • #7
              Originally posted by IanDMacDonald View Post
              I have two 850's and love them. However, I have standards. Never liked the specials. As far as Hitachi vs. Mikuni, I think Marty was pulling your leg a little. I disliked the tunability of the Hitachi's, as they used a different jetting system. They are much more sensitive to modifications over the Mikuni BS carbs, which are what the MKII's are.

              I will tell you this: NOTHING SOUNDS LIKE A TRIPLE!!! The roar from that stock exhaust sends chills through me. Very nice. A much lighter bike than the 1100, with a decent-sized tank over my 750. Not much better gas mileage. I agree, the XS line are great bikes, but I honestly can't say they're any better/worse than Suzuki GS series bikes or Honda CB. It's kind of a preference, and you can find flaws with each one. I'm not into modding bikes, so buying an old used bike is no-longer on my agenda.

              And, another thing, I just want to ride. I'm cranky cuz I'm tired of tinkering all the time. I admire those whom buy these with intentions of modding, etc., but I bought mine to ride.
              Yeah, I hear you there. There's more to be done with my 11 but I think I'm done with cranking on it until I get another 500 miles at least out of it. Just like an old muscle car there's always something to be done or fixed it's just a matter of whether or not it's a game breaker.

              Have you ever considered getting rid of one of your 850s? I just like the tank from the special but I'm sure those aren't terribly difficult to find.
              78 E - 2to1 exhaust, dynatek coils, special headlight [SOLD!]
              79 F - gas tank refurb, headgasket change, straight pipes, late model carbs, virago lowering shocks, special headlight and gauges, TC fuse block, GSXR-1100 carbs (WIP)


              "May my tires not fail me, nor my engine grow cold"

              Comment

              • #8
                Again, mine are standards. And, I own a ton of bikes. Not sure I'll sell any, anytime soon.
                1979 XS1100F
                2H9 Mod, Truck-Lite LED Headlight, TECHNA-FIT S/S Brake Lines, Rear Air Shocks, TKAT Fork Brace, Dyna DC-I Coils, TC Fuse Block, Barnett HD Clutch Springs, Superbike Handlebars, V-Star 650 ACCT, NGK Irridium Plugs, OEM Exhaust. CNC-Cut 2nd Gear Dogs; Ported/Milled Head; Modded Airbox: 8x8 Wix Panel Filter; #137.5 Main Jet, Viper Yellow Paint, Michelin Pilot Activ F/R, Interstate AGM Battery, 14MM MC, Maier Fairing, Cree LED Fog Lights.

                Comment

                • #9





                  They sure are pretty, and I just love their exhaust note!
                  Marty (in Mississippi)
                  XS1100SG
                  XS650SK
                  XS650SH
                  XS650G
                  XS6502F
                  XS650E

                  Comment

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