Author Topic: 74' RD250 or a 77' XS650? (Read 5525 times)

robdrobd · « **on:** April 27, 2012, 09:22:17 AM »

I have a chance to buy a 74 RD250 for $500 with 3,000 miles, or a 1977 xs650 with 20,000 miles for $1200. Any suggestions on which is the better buy? I have always done the Hondas, but was thinking about a switch.

grcamna2 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 27, 2012, 10:04:51 AM »

What kind of condition are they both in? original parts?

robdrobd · « **Reply #2 on:** April 27, 2012, 10:35:19 AM »

The RD will need a new tank ($150~$200), I think the xs650 needs a new starter button, but has more miles than the 25. That's about it. Both run and the xs has a current inspection as well.

grcamna2 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 27, 2012, 11:41:07 AM »

I wonder what he'd take for both as a package deal to you..$1350 ?

robdrobd · « **Reply #4 on:** April 27, 2012, 11:45:52 AM »

Different guys

grcamna2 · « **Reply #5 on:** April 27, 2012, 12:15:26 PM »

Do you have any pictures ?

robdrobd · « **Reply #6 on:** April 27, 2012, 12:39:08 PM »

Here are a few pics

kpier883 · « **Reply #7 on:** April 27, 2012, 12:44:15 PM »

What type of riding do you do? Touring, bar hopping, commute etc?

grcamna2 · « **Reply #8 on:** April 27, 2012, 01:15:19 PM »

Rob,
I've had an RD350 and they are great..but not too good in stop & go traffic;they like to be given a free reign and blasted.If it was me...and for the most desirable and best all around bike I'd choose the XS650.It's a real Classic(I hope the owner doesn't think so..for the sake of the $)with that said...I'd go over to the owner's place and ask to take the XS650 for a ride.."if it'll run

" and bring $1100 cash w/ me..and if he will take it and the bike has a clear title..RIDE AWAY LIKE YOU STOLE IT..w/o letting him see you're smile.Those bikes are a Cult Classic..even if it did need work.

Rob, get it before someone else "Grabs it Up"! She's a Beauty.

kirkn · « **Reply #9 on:** April 27, 2012, 02:24:48 PM »

Wow, either one seems like a pretty good deal 'round here. But, they're totally different riding experiences. Small bore two-stroke vs. big 4-stroke twin. Apples and bananas. Neither one is better, just different.

robdrobd · « **Reply #10 on:** April 27, 2012, 05:58:02 PM »

I think I may try to get a "great" deal on the 250 and he doesn't take my offer I'll go for the 650.

BeSeeingYou · « **Reply #11 on:** April 27, 2012, 06:15:30 PM »

Great prices so grab both of them. I would take the XS if I had to make a choice.

robdrobd · « **Reply #12 on:** April 27, 2012, 06:49:14 PM »

You guys are killing me. My wife will flip if I buy both of these bikes. Well anyway, I offered the guy $300 for the Rd250 and he accepted. If I can get the xs for around $1000 I think I'll be ok:)

grcamna2 · « **Reply #13 on:** April 27, 2012, 08:04:10 PM »

I hope you're able to get that nice XS !

Stev-o · « **Reply #14 on:** April 27, 2012, 08:24:12 PM »

If it was an RD350 I'd say get it, 250 is a little small, but bet it is still quick if running good. The Yammie is a real bike, a good value at 1300.
Don't tell your wife, think mine knows I have 7 bikes?!

grcamna2 · « **Reply #15 on:** April 27, 2012, 08:31:08 PM »

Quote from: Stev-o on April 27, 2012, 08:24:12 PM

If it was an RD350 I'd say get it, 250 is a little small, but bet it is still quick if running good. The Yammie is a real bike, a good value at 1300.
Don't tell your wife, think mine knows I have 7 bikes?!

The RD250 & RD350 have the same cases w/ the same crank and the stroke length is the same on both engines...the hot set-up is to install a complete RD350 top end onto you're RD250;the primary gearing is much lower on the 250..and w/ the 350 top end on it you'll have amazing acceleration.....and Wheelies

. Try not to flip it

!

MoMo · « **Reply #16 on:** April 27, 2012, 08:34:00 PM »

You definitely need both

as each one has its own niche...Larry

grcamna2 · « **Reply #17 on:** April 27, 2012, 08:37:37 PM »

+1 on Both...if you can get it to work out w/ you're family

.

robdrobd · « **Reply #18 on:** April 28, 2012, 05:46:46 AM »

I'll give it a try. The 250 is small enough to hide in the back of the garage anyway

robdrobd · « **Reply #19 on:** April 28, 2012, 05:50:28 AM »

Will an rd250 tank swap out with an Rd350 tank?

grcamna2 · « **Reply #20 on:** April 28, 2012, 06:52:32 AM »

Quote from: robdrobd on April 28, 2012, 05:50:28 AM

Will an rd250 tank swap out with an Rd350 tank?

Yes,the tanks are the same.In fact both bikes are the same exact thing except the RD350 has 351-******* for the engine # & the RD250 has 352-****** for it's engine number w/ lower primary gearing than the RD350 and a smaller bore.
I hope your able to strip the tank & side covers off the RD & stick it in the corner as a "bunch of parts"...

, as far as you're wife is concerned.

robdrobd · « **Reply #21 on:** April 29, 2012, 05:15:32 PM »

...so if I need any part, 250 or 350 parts will all interchange?

grcamna2 · « **Reply #22 on:** April 29, 2012, 05:43:48 PM »

Quote from: robdrobd on April 29, 2012, 05:15:32 PM

...so if I need any part, 250 or 350 parts will all interchange?

Yes Sir

and..uh hang on tight when you get her running Nice.

grcamna2 · « **Reply #23 on:** May 05, 2012, 06:05:31 AM »

Let's hear more about your purchase Rob.

tango911 · « **Reply #24 on:** May 05, 2012, 07:20:48 AM »

in my opinion id go with the older bike. the 77 xs650 starts too look 80's ish to me. Id love an older xs650 tho. I think the RD will get more looks too.

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Author Topic: 74' RD250 or a 77' XS650? (Read 5525 times)