Picking up a 1982 XS650 tomorrow

[itswaynebradyson]

Got a possible crazy deal from a girl who's moving away and wasn't able to sell her bike so she's letting me take it for $650 I'm bringing a battery because apparantly the current one is dead, if it starts up I'm taking it home. I am a bit weary since she's letting it go at about half it's value, so I was wondering if ya'll had any advice or pointers for me to keep an eye out for. Thanks!
-Daniel

 

[650Skull]

Read these two threads............best advice to get started

http://www.xs650.com/threads/guide-...checklist-for-the-condition-of-your-find.367/
http://www.xs650.com/threads/bike-wont-start-running-rough.390/

To many individual things to be specific and these threads will help to give you a start.

 

[motormike]

...ck the fluids prior to start.... it may not start.. these 82's had a side stand non-start feature... if it's loose.. no start.. I bypass'd mine.... also.. the fuse box under the seat.. the fuse holders (clips) sometimes weaken and results in electrical gremlins.. Mikes XS sells a replacement fuse box..I got a unit from the local auto parts store... Once it run's... grab the volt ohm meter.. ck for proper voltage. Think book said.. 13-14volts at 2200 rpm's... ? double ck the book or on this site.. (hey, it's early here.. )
I have a 82'..nice bike. post photos of your's...

 

[NastyBeads]

Mike, I just spent 10 minutes google-ing and drooling over your collection of bikes. Very impressive Sir! You have great taste.

 

[fredintoon]

Got a possible crazy deal from a girl who's moving away and wasn't able to sell her bike so she's letting me take it for $650 I'm bringing a battery because apparantly the current one is dead, if it starts up I'm taking it home. I am a bit weary since she's letting it go at about half it's value, so I was wondering if ya'll had any advice or pointers for me to keep an eye out for. Thanks!
-Daniel

Hi Daniel and welcome,
for $650 rent a truck and haul it home regardless.
Even if it's totally fucked and can't be registered in your name it'll part out for a grand or more.

 

[MaxPete]

I'm with Fred on this one - buy it.

Pete

 

[azman857]

Yes, even if it doesn't run now it shouldn't take much to get it going.

 

[itswaynebradyson]

Hi Daniel and welcome,
for $650 rent a truck and haul it home regardless.
Even if it's totally fucked and can't be registered in your name it'll part out for a grand or more.

Sounds good, I am gonna haul it home asap in that case. I'll keep yall posted and share some pics once I get it home.

 

[gggGary]

California is a bit different from Wisconsin but for $650 it should run and if it doesn't, it better look damn fine.

 

[itswaynebradyson]

California is a bit different from Wisconsin but for $650 it should run and if it doesn't, it better look damn fine.

I went and saw it the other day, it was cranking but wouldn't turn over, she said it'd been sitting for about a month so idk maybe the petcock is clogged up or something like that. As for cosmetics it's a bit rusty in places, the plastics are faded and brittle, the tanks rusty and dented on the right side, the brake lever is bent bad, she definitely laid this thing down hard at least once. But overall it doesn't look so bad and it's definitely got potential

 

[itswaynebradyson]

Sorry I meant it turns over but wouldn't start

 

[MaxPete]

Sorry I meant it turns over but wouldn't start

Well, that’s a big victory in itself!

 

[MaxPete]

Sorry I meant it turns over but wouldn't start

Well, that’s a big victory in itself!

 

[motormike]

Does it come with t/signals, t-light....? seems the first thing that gets toss'd are the handlebars. Stock they came with what was referred to as " Buckhorn " handlebars.. how they got that term I have no Idea.... I still have them on my 82'. Did you ck for spark ? Once you get it running... make the motor very happy and drop some " teeth " off the rear sprocket. One of the negatives about the 16 inch rear wheel is higher engine rpm's at highway speeds. I drop both my XS units to a 32 rear sprocket. Stock sprocket I believe at 18-34.
For $650 it's a good deal. Send more photos.... the talent on this forum will have ya eat'n bugs in no time.

 

[gggGary]

82 needs sidestand up to get spark, I'd want to check for spark or you may need to spend a couple hundred on ignition to start with. If nothing else it's a strong negotiating point.

 

[kshansen]

82 needs sidestand up to get spark, I'd want to check for spark or you may need to spend a couple hundred on ignition to start with. If nothing else it's a strong negotiating point.

Not if you leave it in neutral, assuming the neutral switch and relay stuff is working!

 

[fredintoon]

Hi Daniel,
the photo shows that besides the bike having it's ergonomically disastrous rototiller bars swapped out it's also been
upgraded by adding the leftside front brake disk & caliper and that's two good things already done for you.
Check if the brake upgrade included swapping out the stock fabric reinforced brake hoses for stainless hoses
which turn a good thing into a better thing.
Always remember that every little upgrade the bike comes with is one you won't have to do and pay for yourself.
And don't sweat the price.
Up here you can't buy even a derelict XS650 for less than US$1,000, let alone a reasonably good one.

 

[itswaynebradyson]

Not if you leave it in neutral, assuming the neutral switch and relay stuff is working!

I feel stupid but I think I may have had the kickstand down the whole time... But it was cranking over, so IDK what that means.

 

[itswaynebradyson]

Hi Daniel,
the photo shows that besides the bike having it's ergonomically disastrous rototiller bars swapped out it's also been
upgraded by adding the leftside front brake disk & caliper and that's two good things already done for you.
Check if the brake upgrade included swapping out the stock fabric reinforced brake hoses for stainless hoses
which turn a good thing into a better thing.
Always remember that every little upgrade the bike comes with is one you won't have to do and pay for yourself.
And don't sweat the price.
Up here you can't buy even a derelict XS650 for less than US$1,000, let alone a reasonably good one.

Excellant, all things I will look into. Yeah it sounds like at the price I'm getting it i'm coming out on top no matter what.

 

[xjwmx]

I may have had the kickstand down the whole time... But it was cranking over, so IDK what that means.

I remember the TCI for the kickstand switch years has an additional wire that comes from the switch. I think I remember that, anyway. If the switch locked the starter out, that wouldn't be necessary, so maybe the switch just locks out the spark.