new girl in town

[crazy steve]

No, not really. The main issue with these is on the early 650s, Yamaha added a too-small starter to them that didn't really have enough poop to start the motor reliably (hence the compression release) so you'll end up kick-starting it on a fairly regular basis. The XS-1 bikes were kick only, the later bikes got better starters.

My XS-2 was one of the more reliable bikes I ever owned, and the only one that you could do all regular maintanence on (valve adjustments, set the timing, etc) with the supplied tool kit (with the addition of a point file and feeler gauges to the kit).

You might want to swap the points out for the later electronic ignition..

[Cuda 69]

welcome to the sight Allie,a bunch of good people here.I also will be looking for an xs650 to add to my 11 special sometime in the future.Good luck with the build.

[Ncbikebabe]

thanks! just gotta decide which one to start on lol.

[conquest87tsi]

Do the 650 first. Maybe I'm just tired of working on my 1100, or it could be that I really want a TX650.

[jetmechmarty]

The main issue with these is on the early 650s, Yamaha added a too-small starter to them that didn't really have enough poop to start the motor reliably (hence the compression release) so you'll end up kick-starting it on a fairly regular basis. The XS-1 bikes were kick only, the later bikes got better starters.

Hey Steve! I have an '83 XS650 and it's electric foot isn't so great either. I think the starters are actually all the same from the XS-2 forward. I think the mothership decided the compression release wasn't necessary. I use the electric foot only after it's warmed up.

It's a 72. Is that a bad thing?

An XS-2 can bring a nice chunk of change if it's a complete original or restored to original. Cut-up, it's just like any other cut-up XS650.

[fredintoon]

Hi Allie and welcome,
4 pages of posts in 3 days, wow. Where to start? At the front of your XS11. Compared to modern bikes the XS11 forks are frail and wobbly, best you put the front fender back on, it also acts as a fork brace. Further improve the fork by adding a TKAT fork brace. Best $100 I ever spent.
Now to the back end. I'm so effin' old I spent my first 5 years riding rigid frames because those pre-war bikes were just affordable clunkers back then, not the priceless antiques they are now. Oh how I lusted for a bike that had rear suspension. My back still hurts just thinking about how hard those old bikes rode.
Unless you want the bike to be an unrideable showpiece do NOT hardtail it. Your backbone will be grateful.
On to the XS650s. They had a 14 year production run and there's lots of them out there. The older Standard models like your '72 are the most valuable so long as Sally Sawzall ain't been at them.
If you absolutely must chop one, a late model Special will lose you the least amount of resale value.
Great to have you on the list.
Ride long and prosper!

[crazy steve]

Hey Steve! I have an '83 XS650 and it's electric foot isn't so great either. I think the starters are actually all the same from the XS-2 forward. I think the mothership decided the compression release wasn't necessary. I use the electric foot only after it's warmed up..

If I recall, mine would start on the starter if the motor caught right away (cold or hot), but if you missed the first try you ran out of battery quickly. It did tend do better hot, but I still kicked the bike a lot... I tried disconnecting the release, but there was no way without the release.

I still remember that lever/switch 'pulsing' against my finger...

[donebysunday]

Hi Allie !

I'm pretty new here too but have done 56 XS650 Yamaha in the last 15 years.

You will need some tools, electrical, compression, dip stick for final drive oil/grease level and mid drive, plus a few more for valve adjustment and carb sync/vacuum.

I bought a P.O. semi modified 81 LH and it's been a night mare compared to my 650s. I had a brand new 1979 XS1100FS but back then changing oil, plugs and valve adjust was about all I was into. Good for me 56000 miles before I sold to a bud with only help from another bud when on of the fuse holders broke.

Not trying to scare you but take your time, ask first and do what you do right the first time, ask this list they helped me with my newly arrived 1981.

I'll help if I feel I'm up to it depending on what it is ?

Don };~)

[tweeleft]

Hello
Liked ALL the pics. Looks like a 79SF Welcome

[mmatches1]

I picked up a 1979 XS this past summer with a touring package and plan to convert it into a custom unit. I have stripped the speedo and tach unit and will install a single speedo. I also have to install a new wiring harneess and headlight amont other things.

Good luck with the project.