Newbie looking to buy an xs650

hey what's going on everyone. new to this forum, was pretty hesitant of signing up since I haven't been on one since the days I was stuck in a black hole of a subaru forum. but I've been really interested in buying an xs650 that's been up for sale locally and I wanted to pick your brains.

background on me, been riding for 9 years. started off with a 95 ninja 500. sold that, and have owned a 2005 honda f4i that I'm currently converting into a streetfighter. no I didn't crash it, I just like the streetfighter looks and maneuverability of upright handlebars. (plus my back will love it, too). been starting to get bored of the smoothness and how refined newer inline 4s are. I want something more raw with some grunt and torque.

I'm an automotive mechanic but have done some minor work on bikes. I don't know shit about carbs but always wanted to learn.

enough about me. the bike in interest is a 1979 xs650. the gas tank is rusted out and needs replacement. needs mufflers and a battery, has minor rust here and there, and the only things that aren't stock are the headlight fork ears and the ugly his and hers seat. everything else is original. now the sellers are actually an old mom & pop yamaha dealership a few blocks away from my shop. they have a deep history in dirt and ice tracking and were planning on converting it into another street tracker. it was their own project, but they just lost steam and it's been sitting in the back of their showroom for years. when I walked in, they had no problems talking my ears off about the bike and their history of xs650s. they basically know their shit. they said when they bought the bike, the motor was seized so they ripped it apart, did a first over bore, and replaced what needed to be replaced with the abundance of new old stock parts that they've had in inventory, so it was "no cost to them." also, since they were planning on turning it into a street tracker, it has newly laced 36 spoke 19 inch wheels front and rear. rear suspension is new and the front forks were rebuilt. they're asking $1950, but the price is negotiable. please note that we're located in the nj/ny area just for any reference in pricing. I don't plan on going over 1750, but do you think that's even a fair price? it's pretty much ready to ride, just needs a tank, battery and mufflers. plus you can't beat a newly rebuilt motor done by guys who know what they're doing. would def like to hear your guys thoughts on it. thanks

sound's like it could be a good deal , you have to like the idea that they are flexible on price , and it give's you a good base to start with so you can build it to suit yourself . i.e. it's easy to have the seat recovered to your preference : soft , hard ,high ,low , standard . or you could go the tracker style ,change the tank to a XT 500 , slim seat and motocross handlebar's . it's all up to you

oh yea. i wanted something that didn't require too much to run, but knew the motor was good. and then tear it apart and have my way with it. I've always had a soft spot for cafe racers and brat style racers. been having ideas since forever. raw metal with honey leather tuck and roll stitched seat. been brainstorming more than I think I should be

I would grenade the seat first thing. The tires look old, anything past six years and I would add them to the list to be replaced. A front fender from Motolana would do wonders for the bike.
As far as the price goes, $1750 might be generous. I would offer $1300 and then stop talking. Leave your phone number in case they come to their senses.
Keep us updated on your progress.

There may be the original seat pan and foam inside that seat, they were sold two different ways, conversion and complete replacement. I have a personal phobia concerning that style of aftermarket headlight mounts. Maybe you should negotiate on the price, it's not a complete bike in my opinion. That tank is probably salvageable without too much work. I'm partial to bullet turn out mufflers on Honda twins.

Scott

That appears to be a '79 Standard or Roadster model, as opposed to the Special. Not too common. Nice.