Looking at an xs650 today, what to look for?

[jetmechmarty]

PS: I really like Marty's bike and would love to put spoked wheels on mine.

Larry

Thanks. But it isn't my bike. I pulled it from one of the XS650 forums. I believe the one pictured now has a 18" rear wheel laced to the hub. My bajillion spoke wheels need attention, so I installed the cast wheels. My SK is otherwise as I purchased it when new back in '83. It's still a Special.

[donebysunday]

Spoked wheels

With the rear drum brake you have lots of options for spoke wheels. You can use 72-75 19 front and 18 rear chrome or this most hard to find, the 79 only special aluminum 16 rear and 19" front. These are not the norm being only one year (but we are used to this)

[jetmechmarty]

This wheel came only on the SH. As XS650's go, it's not too common. I put them on my bike because they allow operation without tubes and they stay true.