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XS1204

XS1204

XS650 Enthusiast
Messages
62
Reaction score
55
Points
18
Location
WA
So, I have a friend here in Washington who has owned this XS for a few years. It was last registered in 1998. Motor turns and looks like someone has been in it not too long ago. Has new K&N pods on it, updated fuse block. It appears to be a 79 year with what looks like a TCI ignition swap in? I thought 79's came with points....anyways here is the best parts. I got it for FREE, FREEEEEE!

The red tank is dented on the other side but he threw in a brand new black tank. It has an aftermarket Yamaha Cafe seat...not sure if this is from Yamaha or not but there is a part number on the bottom. I also got a box full of brand new and used parts. The only down side, no title. So my plan is to get it running again and figure out what to do with it.

Here is the engine frame number: 2F0-207769. Maybe someone could help me out with the ignition setup on this. It does have the black ignition box which I believe is from the TCI setup. I popped the top covers where the points usually are and they're empty which I assume is right as it isn't a points setup.

Thanks guys, looking forward to working with you all again :) Maybe one of you will wanna pick it up off of me!

IMG_3041.JPG
 
Get a title before you put anything into it.

no use in putting money or energy into a bike you cant put on the road (There are a handful of reasons you may not be able to register it).

I know of a few people who built bikes, went to get a title for them an we’re not able to, one of which was actually impounded because at some point it was stolen.
 
If your buddy owned it can he get a duplicate title? Or has it been untagged so long it's not in the computer?

If it's not in the computer, get a bill of sale and notarized release of interest, take those to your chosen tag agency. They'll give you a form, make an appointment at a state patrol inspection station, take the bike and that form in. The cop will verify VIN matches whats on the papers and run it through their system to verify its not stolen. They'll then give you another form, take it to the tag office and pay extra for the 1st year tags. Then in 3 years you can apply for a title.

PS make sure the bike looks complete, if it doesn't and you get a cop who feels like a dick you might get a salvage title and then have to get it reinspected to get a rebuilt title.
 
Regulations vary by state. Some states don't require a title if a bike has a certain number of years on it. In others, like Illinois, a bike with no title is either a parts bike or a crapshoot--some guys have put money into title bond and refurb, only to lose the scoot to a PO who abandoned it to begin with and decided to claim it in improved condition. Ratranger is from your state and knows its regs.
 
Thanks for the info everyone. I got the bike from a buddy who has owned it for a few years and he is going to write me up a BOS. He did say when they first got it from a man here in Washington who builds and works on XS's that they ran the VIN and it is clear and good to go. I will plan on making it look clean and road worthy and taking it in for an inspection to get a new title. I'd like a title either way, if I keep it or sell it. I don't usually acquire bikes without titles as know the headache to follow but he was going to just toss it on craigslist for dirt cheap so he gave it to me instead!

Good to know this is an 80's model year. I wrapped up rebuilding that 78 motor no too long ago. I plan on opening up the carbs, fresh oils, checking valves and all the essentials and see if she'll come to life. The battery in it still has a little juice and all the lighting comes on. I may reach out to the guy in Marysville, WA and see if he has any more info on it.

Thanks guys!
 
Nice work so far ! I've not needed to have a "vehicle inspection" on a motorcycle. Not even a photo. WA just wants to see that BOS and having it in the WA system will make the titling a piece of cake & of course if from out of state, WA wants some cashola on a value..
A stated purchase price in the BOS covers that.
Oh Ya, the 2 gals on Andresen Ave, Vancouver, are the ones to go to for no questions ;)
:D
 
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Never turn down a free bike, lol. That's how I got my 1st XS but luckily it had a title too. A few months work and cleanup, and it's served me very well for more than a dozen years now. Even if titling doesn't work out, parts bikes are great to have. There are so many little oddball and unique parts that are N.L.A.

I see BS34 carbs on there, another indication it's an '80 or newer.
 
I honestly quit giving a shart. I've been switching tags from bike to bike. I do try to at least keep XS to XS and Triumph to Triumph. I just can't afford to tag and insure multiple motorcycles. I have gone to the BMV and had the vin ran to make sure it's not stolen. I just say I'm looking at a bike with the vin. I have a relative in Michigan. She has gotten me titles before. I don't wanna go in depth about the process because I don't rightly recall. It's not that difficult tho. Pay a tax on the estimated value. Then it comes down to inspection in your state. I do not let something not having a title (motorcycle) stop me from a purchase. Cars are different. Lol
 
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Ratranger said:
PS make sure the bike looks complete, if it doesn't and you get a cop who feels like a dick you might get a salvage title and then have to get it reinspected to get a rebuilt title.
Click to expand...

Thanks Rat, I didn't know this. My experience is that The State wants to charge sales tax based on the value of a fully restored bike. I'm expecting that my XS will need an inspection as it's an Oregon title. I was going to take the frame with me to get it transferred (to prove it's a non-running vehicle). I didn't anticipate that they would brand the bike with a rebuilt title. :yikes:
 
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Hi XS1204. Your free bike is in way better shape than my free bike. And all the extras too... I'm jealous!

Great bike... You'll have the project finished soon...

See yah... I'm heading down to the DOL to put in a lost title form on a '80 Yamaha XS650 serial number... just a moment while I scroll up to the first post... oh yeah 2F0-2...

Just kiddding...

But you may want to edit your post to remove the number. Just a sec while I write the number down...

Really, just kidding... ;) :)
 
No.. thats not a worry Ron. My last Oregon import was taxed on the amount shown on the bill of sale
($1300) no questions asked. And I could have lied about the price when bought but I am genuinely honest.
It was also a non running project and I managed to get a normal title even though it had been passed around in Oregon twice. The documentation was a mess, but did exist.
Now a bike without a title at all that is not in the WA system without a bill of sale is sprap iron.
-R
 

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