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Let's See The XS's
- Thread starter XS650RR
- Start date
Maple
'79 XS650 NEWB
Thank you burns. Yeah it is as recent as last Saturday. I am focusing on getting it in sound running condition this year is all and then want to swap out the bars (do NOT like the cruiser style) and maybe the seat later but nothing too radical. Little more Triumph looking. Couple dents in the tank like it fell over in the back of a truck and a little bit of rust on the airbox covers but not bad. New tires with the whiskers still on. Ran well while test riding.
Thanks for the heads up on the float!
Thanks for the heads up on the float!
burns
OWG
The "big deal" with going Brit ("a little more Triumph looking") is the wheels. Cast wheels just don't work with that look IMHO. But, if you want to go that route I suggest wheels, seat, tank, exhaust headers from a '75 with bars (flat "euro" e.g.) and mufflers of your choice to match (cocktail shakers or pea shooters e.g.) a set of Koni's (or Girlings for form over function) and a Bates tail light will have all but the Limey purists thinking "English".
But, I think your bike is a very fine example of its genre would probably just a change the bars and shocks if it was mine.
But, I think your bike is a very fine example of its genre would probably just a change the bars and shocks if it was mine.
Finally got my first XS! I was reading the guide to buying post this morning and couldn't agree more about the first point about not believing a word the previous owner says. I woke to a big puddle of gas under it the first morning of having it home. Rebuilt petcocks my rear! But thanks to this forum I learned a few things and ordered some vacuumless replacements from Mike's. Pretty excited to start my journey. Here she is, my '79
nice one Maple .
79 is the best year
Finally got my first XS! I was reading the guide to buying post this morning and couldn't agree more about the first point about not believing a word the previous owner says. I woke to a big puddle of gas under it the first morning of having it home
WOW! It's beautiful! You don't find one like that too often.
The PO may have put kits in the petcocks, but was otherwise inept. Following the instructions from the XJ site will have it done properly. Rebuilding Yamaha Vacuum Operated Fuel Valves (Petcocks.) As was pointed out, one or both of your float valves need attention as well.
Keep the cast wheels. If you're going to ride the bike, they're more user friendly and look Triumph enough. The seat looks perfect! Enjoy your lovely bike!
Find yourself some of these Triumph bars and call it close enough.
burns
OWG
"79 is the best year" ? well, you may have some bias.
in general the "standards" are more sought after.
'70 is by far the most collectable
'75 is the fastest
'78 is mighty pretty
in general the "standards" are more sought after.
'70 is by far the most collectable
'75 is the fastest
'78 is mighty pretty
Maple
'79 XS650 NEWB
WOW! It's beautiful! You don't find one like that too often.
The PO may have put kits in the petcocks, but was otherwise inept. Following the instructions from the XJ site will have it done properly. Rebuilding Yamaha Vacuum Operated Fuel Valves (Petcocks.) As was pointed out, one or both of your float valves need attention as well.
Keep the cast wheels. If you're going to ride the bike, they're more user friendly and look Triumph enough. The seat looks perfect! Enjoy your lovely bike!
Find yourself some of these Triumph bars and call it close enough.
I agree with the about the cast wheels. Here in Montana I don't think I will run into too many purists and they will get me down the road to have a pint just fine
But I do agree with burns. Not going to do too much "to" it. Just a little
burns
OWG
I'm guessing those wheels (assuming they are not photoshop specials) reduced the resale value of that Trumpet by 30 percent IF you could find a Limey Lover to buy it, which I doubt. Dude, I'm tellin' ya no spokes retro Brit bikes are about as cool as a runny nose.
CDNTX650
XS650 Guru
Hate to tell ya dude. Late model bonnies came with mags...just like that late model bonnie. Gonna say you dont know your trumpys that well.
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CDNTX650
XS650 Guru
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mags, 2into1 exhaust, and 750cc all stock.
are you gonna be shocked when I they even had an 8 valve head on one of the last years...
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burns
OWG
True enough, the T140e had the "Morris" mags. But IMHO (and all such things are a matter of personal taste) the Brit bike classic look has spokes and drums.
Mags simply do not say "Made in England" from 30 feet away.
When I Britted up an '83 Special I laced a 19" Sun (Akront type) rim to a '59 Thunderbird hub, which is way "form over function" I'll admit - but it had "The Look"
I was going for a BSA Thunderbolt clone but if I was going to copy a Triumph it would be a T120 and not the "Yankeefied" 140.
I say if it is looks you are after stick with the classics.
Mags simply do not say "Made in England" from 30 feet away.
When I Britted up an '83 Special I laced a 19" Sun (Akront type) rim to a '59 Thunderbird hub, which is way "form over function" I'll admit - but it had "The Look"
I was going for a BSA Thunderbolt clone but if I was going to copy a Triumph it would be a T120 and not the "Yankeefied" 140.
I say if it is looks you are after stick with the classics.
I think this one had an eight valve head. I don't think it was offered with wire spokes either. Some will argue that the last real Triumphs were made in 1970.
troopthrowback
XS650 Addict
I think this one had an eight valve head. I don't think it was offered with wire spokes either. Some will argue that the last real Triumphs were made in 1970.
That's correct, the TSS had a Weslake style 8 valve head and electric starter. No wore spokes available. A very good bike in many ways, but about a decade too late. Quite rare so not often ridden, it's a shame.
troopthrowback
XS650 Addict
I have a brochure for a yamaha 750 dual overhead can twin model I've never seen. I'll have to post it up here and see what you guys know about it.
CDNTX650
XS650 Guru
I agree with marty, 1970 and older, are far nicer.
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burns
OWG
no doubt.
rick8928
XS650 Enthusiast
That would have been the TX750 (I think that was the nomenclature). I worked as a partsman at a Yamaha shop during the summers of '73 and '74. Got to ride one from the dealer to a outdoor mall parking lot where we were setting up a show. Very smooth (counterbalanced), torquey (compared to my RD350), and clean looking. Unfortunately, they had some initial reliability issues (related to the balancer) and with tarnished reputation quickly faded from the scene after a two year run.
