Topic: will i be kicked out of the sohc/4 if i buy a yamaha xs650

[jamesb]

thinking about getting one any input on these would help. i've good things about them has anyone had one or had experience with one. i still have my hondas

[cb650]

Funny someone asked that same ? many years ago if I remember right.
I had a 77 xs 650 in hi skol.   A few good sites for them around.

[Terry in Australia]

No, you'll be safe mate, they're a single overhead cam engine, and the early ones in particular are great bikes, I'm not a fan of the last models with the ugly mag wheels etc, but the XS1 and XS2 in particular were very pretty little bikes. Not great handlers of course, but most Jap "classics" fall into that category. Cheers, Terry.

[Bob Wessner]

Never owned one, but they (earlier models) are one of my favorites in terms of "classic looks." Go for it! 

[333]

Yes.

[Duke McDukiedook]

Yes!!

[BeSeeingYou]

I have two and I am still here.   One I have owned for 32 years.  Has been rock solid reliable and never let me down in 30K miles many on cross country trips.  Easy to maintain, reliable with excellent parts availability.  The early ones 70-73 are the more collectable but handling is a bit shaky.  Improved frame in 74 and then improved again in 77 with better forks and brakes.  I prefer the bikes up to and including 1979 as I find the later ones with the stepped seat uncomfortable for my long legs. My shorter friend has an 81 and finds it a good fit.  I think the BS38 carbs more tunable than the BS34 of the later bikes too.  A large percentage of the parts interchange through the whole model line but there are some internal engine differences from the early years 70-73.  If your intention is cafe/chooper/bobber it may matter little as to which year you get but if you want something stock there is enough variation through the model run to find what you like.  I would not cut up a standard model whatever the year unless it was already in bad shape.  It vibrates a bit but to me it looks, sounds, and feels like what a motorcycle should.

[Roach Carver]

Had a 74 and loved it for what it was. Vintage bike with great looks. The do vibrate though. I would start mine on the centerstand and watched it scoot around.

[333]

I have two and I am still here.

Had we known....

[Scott S]

 I hope not, or I'm in trouble. My past and present XS's.

 Rode this one for 135 miles yesterday;




 Sold this one before the cafe' craze took off. Probably could've gotten twice as much for it these days.


 My first XS


 Same bike. It now belongs to my Dad and looks like this


 He also has this bobber

[madmtnmotors]

The only way to amend such an agriegious infraction is to provide copious amount of beer... for everybody!

 

[BeSeeingYou]

I hope not, or I'm in trouble. My past and present XS's.






 My first XS


 

I like the XS750 tank.  Direct fit?

[Scott S]

 Almost. I'll update tonight when I get home from work.

[demon78]

Ha ! Who among us has not sinned ?
Bill the demon.

[jamesb]

another reason why i like this forum! thanks everyone for the help and advice. i'm going to try and pick it up today weather permitting.the sad part is that i'm going to chop/bob it out. i have always liked the looks of the chop/bob look on these bikes. and basicly it's for my son which he does not know yet. i thought it would make a cool little bike for a 22 year old boy. thanks for the pics also those where great.well i hope your guys have a good day

[fmctm1sw]

I have two and I am still here.

Had we known....

+1.  I think "excommunicated" is a better term though...   

[333]

Ha ! Who among us has not sinned ?
Bill the demon.

Well, me, for one.  Ridden, yes.  Owned, no.

[Scott S]

 Here's the way I did the tank:

http://xs650temp.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=project&thread=4820&page=1

 And here's a build thread:

http://650rider.com/index.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=3095&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

[Terry in Australia]

Ha ! Who among us has not sinned ?
Bill the demon.

Well, me, for one.  Ridden, yes.  Owned, no.

Don't get all self-righteous on us mate, you allowed a "foreigner" between your legs, so that just makes you a Ho.

[jamesb]

well it came down to go pick up the 650 first the the guy said brakes needed tinkering which thats cool i can handle it. then it went well the carbs need work after i asked does it run then the last and final was the battery doesn't come with it unless you want to pay me extra 50.00. so i passed on the deal who knows what else was wrong with it. he has had it for awhile it started out as 1500 dollars now he is down to 800 so there has to be something else wrong this is why it sucks checking something out that is over 50 miles from where you live. some guys get pissy when you ask them a million questions.i have now learned that if they get pissy they know deep down they have a piece of crap and more than likely the sale is lost.some people depend on the ''well you came this far you don't want to waste your time''.oh well the winter search continues maybe i just ought to spend some time withh the green manalishi and get her looking real good this winter.so she can out do the harleys again at the big bike show next spring.thanks again for all the help you guys gave me.

[gane]

As an "owner", offer these. the xs650 (in it's many guises, from TX onward) was (in MHOP) the BEST English twin never built. or, more accurately, a fairly reliable , nearly oil tight vertical twin.... In england, they've achiieved a "cult-like" status w/up to like 900 cc displacements/staggered cranks/cams &what not. Statewide, not so much.. The plus side, is like early VW'S & CB750's there were lots of after-market bits made... If you're aim is to build a "bobber/tracker" (again MHOP) This is the best platform to begin with. Be AWARE, however,the xs in spite of being a "simple" Jap twin, It VIBRATES.....It's HEAVY....And unless you find the secret formula, making real HP is of unobtainium. luck g