So I got a free XS650

[ShaggyXS]

My brother in law was given this bike by an old lady he was doing some work for. It was her brothers who has been dead for some time. It was driven into her basement about 20 years ago. It's all there and the engine turns over freely with the kick starter. I'm picking it up tomorrow. 41k on her. Only problem is she didn't have a title for it. My new winter project.

 

[Mikeinnh]

Congrats on the good fortune!

 

[NONclow]

Welcome to the site! That's a nice looking XS2! But.... get that title first before you do any work, it might be all for naught if it is going to be a hassle, or expensive to get a release of interest. On the other hand, great parts bike!

 

[ShaggyXS]

It was registered in Maryland I think. he still knows the lady and we can stop by there if need be. I'm going to look into getting a title right away. Anyone have some good title tips?

 

[NONclow]

With the PO being deceased, the next of kin should be able to release it. Never been to WV or Maryland, so I'm not sure about their laws though. Good luck

 

[nj1639]

The reason Delaware doesn't slip into the bay is because Maryland sucks.....
Sorry, personal reasons. Good luck on the title and great score on the bike!

 

[ShaggyXS]

More pics. I stopped at the car wash on the way home. she was dirty from 20+years in the basement.

 

[Bigfeet]

Wow. That one I think I would have to find a way to get titled.

 

[5twins]

That's in wonderful shape. Please don't cut it up. It appears to have some nice aftermarket rear shocks, possibly Konis.

 

[angus67]

That's in wonderful shape. Please don't cut it up. It appears to have some nice aftermarket rear shocks, possibly Konis.

And a sweet airhorn!! TOOT!!TOOT!!
I brought back to life a 71 that sat in a grage for 20 years. If the motors free, it will run.

 

[gggGary]

Great find! and welcome to the site.

Now that you got every nook and cranny wet, get it inside somewhere HEATED to Completely dry! Sorry but the car wash moisture everywhere may do more injury than 20 years in a dry basement did.

 

[xjwmx]

My brother in law was given this bike... My new winter project.

Get your brother-in-law to sell it to you. Maybe your sister can help

I hate to see any survivor get cut up. It's always some spaz doing it to the survivors; the person least fit to judge how it should finish out eternity.

 

[ShaggyXS]

Its in my heated basement! I also wiped it down when I got her home. I hate getting my bikes wet even for cleaning. I usually keep them so clean all I do is wipe them down with Plexus!

 

[5twins]

The car wash is a very bad thing for bikes and not recommended under any circumstances. That high pressure gun forces water into all the wrong places, like wheel bearings and wiring connections.

If we banned all the spazed out bike builders and hacks, this site would only have about a dozen members, lol.

 

[Johnt3]

Good for you ShaggyXS! Great looking bike you have there. Good luck with the title.

 

[Vincenthdfan]

I hope you can get a title for that wonderful looking survivor.

Please, whatever you do...don't cut or hack that bike up.

There becoming more and more rare every day and that bike looks like its 99% original and complete....wow.

 

[Vincenthdfan]

P.S.,

If you do get a title for it and decide you want to sell...I get first dibs!! (Ya hear that gggGary?) LOL

That's the only one of the early XS's that is missing from my "Trifecta" that I am shooting for.

 

[SPUd]

Everyone who doesnt want him to chop it up should be making cash offers or swaps for part built bikes.

I understand the desire that some people have in keeping these bikes in original condition, but if people are serious about saving them, they need to pony up some cash and save them.

Just my 0.02.

Bike looks great by the way. Does look like it would be worth some very decent money as-is, for someone interested in collecting XS's


EDIT: Vince is on the right track. This is what should be happening.

 

[ShaggyXS]

I'm already researching title options. I'm going to contact the lady who had it. I'm hoping she can get a title from Maryland for me. Since her brother left it there for over 20 years and died sometime in between there is also abandoned title options I think.

 

[650Skull]

Everyone who doesnt want him to chop it up should be making cash offers or swaps for part built bikes.

There is more than 1 person on here who have cut up good examples of these bikes and are now kicking themselves and wishing...................

Advice is just that