Toying with the idea of buying an XS650

[650mark]

the "retro" xs650 is an "82 heritage special. I built it for a guy in Toronto who wanted "kind of a vintage" look. I put on Harley fenders and mufflers, painted the motor and wheels gloss black after rebuilding them. not my favorite xs650 redo but, then, I didn't have to ride it! all of my xs650's got about 55mpg.
and marty, you're right. the 650 will run away from the 1100 in the twisties. but I don't do the twisties much any more and I like the comfort of my 1100 a lot. it runs down the hiway at 75mph at about 4500rpm and is VERY relaxed.

[fredintoon]

I know some of you are quite knowledgable about the XS650's and I've always secretly wanted the old school Brit look but with Jap reliability. My buddy in high school came home with a shiny new gold XS650 in 1970 and I was sold, but I have some questions, as to which are the best years, easiest to maintain, easiest to get parts for etc etc. Can anyone enlighten me on what to stay away from for one-off year parts etc etc and which will be easiest to restore? I kinda like the earlier non specials myself.

Hi Courtney,
for the best "Brit look" you gotta build a Frankenbike.
'77 thru '79 Standard with '75 deep groove aluminum rim wire wheels and an '80 or later engine to get the pointless ignition.
All the parts swap like LEGO so no worries.
For all that folks claim the XS650 looks like a Triumph, it don't. It looks far more like a Matchless. Paint job should be black with red pinstripes.
Bought my '84 Heritage Special NOS in '86 and still have it.

[jetmechmarty]

I think Fred's right. Omar's even has the proper knee pads.



Here's an XS650 Matchless:


XS650

[Courtney]

Those are SWEET bikes!

[jjz28]

BR549 on the plate, that's awesome. What is that little fairing on the black one on your photobucket. All bikes look great. I'm sorry, this comment is for 650mark.

[mharrington]

I always liked the look of an old XR Harley. This bike is a 79 special with 1975 tank and side covers. Very little work to add the dirt tracker seat. Harley sportster mufflers were cheap and sound very nice. The 650 yamaha twin is simply a NEAT FUN motor.

[donebysunday]

I know some of you are quite knowledgable about the XS650's and I've always secretly wanted the old school Brit look but with Jap reliability. My buddy in high school came home with a shiny new gold XS650 in 1970 and I was sold, but I have some questions, as to which are the best years, easiest to maintain, easiest to get parts for etc etc. Can anyone enlighten me on what to stay away from for one-off year parts etc etc and which will be easiest to restore? I kinda like the earlier non specials myself.

I've done 56 XS650s in the last 15 years not to mention the ones I fixed for others. The 77-79 standards, my favorites if you plan any real time in the saddle the 78-79 Special seat more comfy on these years but needs special seat latch to lock. Keep the original seat just in case you want to change it back for originality. For more hwy. comfort to slow the engine down and decrease vibes go with the smaller rear sprocket and add the electronic ign. like Boyer, I did, no more messing with points.
On the other hand if you go with the 80-83 Specials or Special II they have electronic ign, the 80 Special ( not II it is the same as the 78-79 ) has the most comfy seat of all and fits right on the newer bikes. Put the smaller rear sprocket and 80 seat on the 81-83 and the bars of the standard ( the LTD bars from JCW are almost exact ) ( I'm 5'10" 200lb. ) I had 2 80 Specials and 5 78-79 specials and that rear brake will spin you around if stepped on a little hard the rear drum brake is not bad just not up to the stopping power of the rear disc. I've never owned older than 75, worked on Doon's 74. Any questions PM me or post. Here's me and the last 2 I sold when I got the 11LH.
http://tinyurl.com/jwjp8st

[Courtney]

Wow, gorgeous work Donebysunday, I LOVE the two tone painted one!

[jetmechmarty]

A little help for UD.

[donebysunday]

Thank You Very Much !

That 2 toned one is a 77 D was Maxi Moroon just like the one I bought new in late 77 for $1269, down from $1899, year end special, standard before they came out with the Specials. I have pics of most of the XS650s I've done but takes up to much bandwidth. Let me just say that they can be tuned and geared for comfy 65-75 mph. for 100 mi. then rest, bike and you ! That 77 you like, I gave $100 trade in on an excellent 81.

Thank You Marty !!!!!

[jetmechmarty]

UD,
Those pics take up no band width, because they're hosted someplace else.

[donebysunday]

UD,
Those pics take up no band width, because they're hosted someplace else.

You want to see them all ? ? ?

[jetmechmarty]

You want to see them all ? ? ?

Why not?

[Roadman48]

The XS650s are a load of fun. I bought my most recent one about 4 years ago to attach to a sidecar. Long story short, once I got into the re-build it turned into a mild cafe. Parts are readily available, but it is easy to get more invested than they can be sold for.

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[Courtney]

Very nice!