New around here and have a question.

gorgeous · Mar 12, 2015

As the title states, I'm new around here. My names Ian and Im from NYC.

I've been looking to buy and XS for years and am hopefully picking up one this weekend. I've ridden before and worked on a pre-unit triumph and my buddies aermacchi sprint, but this will be my first bike. So I do have a basic understanding of mechanics and how to ride.

My question is, Im going to either buy a 83 Heritage special with about 6k miles on it or an all original 73 tx650 with 29k on the clock. Both bikes are right around $2k give or take. I do really want the TX because cooler and its original. But on the other hand, i have heard of handling problems and know the engines are a little different. If you all wouldnt mind giving me some pros and cons between the two. Ive read a lot on this forum in the last few weeks, just looking for a little specific advice.

Thanks, this site has already been a great resource!

5twins · Mar 12, 2015

For better parts availability and pricing, you would probably be better off with a latter 447 engined model like the '83. The 447 engines started in '74.

member3480 · Mar 12, 2015

WELCOME!!!
I am here in NJ and if you got questions just ask.
I agree with 5twins . Older the bike sometimes makes it hard to find parts unless you go to TEXAS and raid TWOMANYS garage. If its your first project go with the easier bike to work with and you can make it look like a older one. I have a couple XS 650 floating around in BROOKLIN and STATENISLAND and if you ever seen it because I know he rides the hell out of it a Chopped CB550 in BROOKLYN and a CM450 automatic
KEEP CHOPPIN!!!
Rich

gorgeous · Mar 12, 2015

Thanks. I dont really plan on doing any full on chopping. If I do get the 83, i will just do somethings to make it a little less cumbersome looking. If I were to pick up the tx, i dont think id do a thing to it cosmetically.

EvenmoreXS · Mar 12, 2015

First off Welcome to the site !

I agree with 5twins and daddyg. If you want the TX for originality or nostalgia...well,... they're both old and will give you similar vibes...but, the 447 bike is easier to get parts for and help with. Plus....you will at some point want to do something with it. Its human nature. You will want to make it your own. Maybe not chop it up, but you'll get a wild hair up your ass one day an want to do something with it and one of two things will happen....you'll be glad you bought the 447 and options are abundant.....or you'll regret having paid that price for a part for the tx....and a used part probably at that....don't get me wrong.... You wont regret the tx....just the effort and time and money you'll spend when you need or want parts for it. You'll get everything you want from an 83 plus a little extra piece of mind.

Go with a 447 motor, install a pamco... ride till you need rings..

Barb · Mar 12, 2015

Hi Guys,

Umm.....am I the only one to think, "Get 'em both!" ? Restore the early one--they are fun (even my '77) and people still sometimes ask, "Is that a Triumph"? Then chop up the newer one and no great loss.

Right now, out in my shed, sits my '77 "D" and an 81 Special. The 81 may well end up modified and lightened and outfitted with a big Suzuki single with a twin-pipe exhause....thinking along the lines of the Brit pre-WWII singles. Might be fun......

Whatever, I'd keep the TX stock. They are getting hard to find.

Just my opinion, of course. Whoever drops down the money gets to call the shots on the bike, right?
:bike:

member3480 · Mar 12, 2015

Yep that would be cool but I think he said they are $2000.00 each a little high price. Now both for two grand sounds better.

nj1639 · Mar 12, 2015

Here's a little something from the tech tab.......
http://www.xs650.com/forum/showthread.php?t=367

I would take a volt/ohm meter and check the charging system on the '83.
6K on the clock? Yeah, the lower the mileage the better. May still have he original brushes.
Welcome aboard!

Airwolfie · Mar 12, 2015

If I had the money, I'd have both,but if you only got enough for one, get the later one with the lower mileage.

TwoManyXS1Bs · Mar 12, 2015

If you get into the older models, you really have to be on your toes, or it'll cost you. Look closely at these 2 eBay snapshots. Look at the prices, and what you're getting. Then, realize that the points cover is the same part for all the 70's models.

fredintoon · Mar 13, 2015

gorgeous said:
- - - My question is, Im going to either buy a 83 Heritage special with about 6k miles on it or an all original 73 tx650 with 29k on the clock. Both bikes are right around $2k give or take. I do really want the TX because cooler and its original. But on the other hand, i have heard of handling problems and know the engines are a little different. If you all wouldnt mind giving me some pros and cons between the two. Ive read a lot on this forum in the last few weeks, just looking for a little specific advice. - - -

Hi gorgeous and welcome,
FWIW, the TX650 has more street cred with the antique bike crowd.
It's also the first of the e-start bikes and the frame & forks are kinda flexy.
OTOH the Heritage Special is the better bike.
It's extra 10 years of development has improved the bike's handling, upgraded the forks and improved the ignition.
You can even drop on a Standard tank to get back the extra gallon of fuel capacity that the stylists took away.
Which you choose is up to you.
Hey, if you can raise the cash, buy them both.

gorgeous · Mar 13, 2015

Thanks everybody. Going to check out the 83 tomorrow.

fox23 · Mar 13, 2015

fredintoon said:
Hey, if you can raise the cash, buy them both.

Fred knows what's up.

5twins · Mar 13, 2015

2K would be a bit high for my area, unless maybe the bike was like new. Offer him 12 and meet in the middle somewhere.

Alexpell · Mar 13, 2015

I'm not to far up from the city in Goshen if it was me I'd go with the 83

New around here and have a question.

gorgeous

XS650 New Member

5twins

XS650 Guru

member3480

RICH

Attachments

gorgeous

XS650 New Member

EvenmoreXS

1981 XS650

Barb

XS650 Addict

member3480

RICH

nj1639

Paleo-simplistic

Airwolfie

XS650 Guru

TwoManyXS1Bs

BBQ Hunter

Attachments

fredintoon

Fred Hill, S'toon.

gorgeous

XS650 New Member

fox23

XS650 Addict

5twins

XS650 Guru

Alexpell

XS650 Member

Similar threads