'73 tx650 and '83 xs650 - which to use for cafe?

A

awoz87

XS650 Enthusiast
Messages
49
Reaction score
0
Points
6
Location
san diego, ca
ok so i recently picked up two bikes, an 83 xs650 and a 73 tx650. both are in rough shape and i plan on turning one into a bobber and one into a cafe racer. Im looking for opinions on which bike to use for which. i read that the later model frames were designed to handle better, which if true seems to make that the obvious pick, but let me know what you guys think.

and please save any comments about how i shouldnt cut one up and its gonna be the same as allll the other bobbers out there, i dont care. :)
 
83 for the cafe, it has a stiffer frame. the 73 will walk the 83 in stock form, so maybe the 73 engine in the 83 frame. If you plan on engine mods though, mod the 83, its easier to find parts for. Which reminds me, I shoulda bought up those 256 motor 707cc kits when they were on ebay all the time, I havent seen them in forever.
 
Bob the TX, they were a pretty rubbish handling bike out of the box, so worsening it by de-engineering it is hardly a crime. Leave the 256 motor in the TX, if the idea in bobbing is to make the bike as uncomfortable to ride as possible, then you'd want the 256 motor, which is inherantly more vibratory than its successors.

By the 80s they'd pretty much sorted out the handling so the 83 would be best as a cafe... the 447 motor means its easy to bolt on a 750 kit, now you're talking a sweet cafe.

I.
 
+3 In general early bob, late cafe. 72 and earlier you are throwing away cash by cutting. A so so stock 71 just SOLD for $2750 on flea bay.
 
The earlier engine has a higher compression ratio and a better flowing head.
 
jamesgs4 said:
The earlier engine has a higher compression ratio and a better flowing head.
Click to expand...

Other than the compression ratio and the cam profile (sprocket/teeth) how is the earlier head different? Just curious. I would definitely bob the early frame.
 
Last edited:
Okie said:
Other than the compression ratio and the cam profile (sprocket/teeth) how is the earlier head different? Just curious. I would definitely bob the early frame.
Click to expand...
Something about slightly different port angles making it flow better, but they all taste the same to me.
 
The port shape as well as angles are the main thing. They made about 3 more hp, and was a bit stronger across the rpm range. I also think the raised floor carbs had somethink to do with them running stronger. The flat floor made the air flow through the carb at a higher velocity. This filled the cylinders a bit better. More air in more power out.
 

Similar threads

Diebold2020
Cafe Racer build in Texas
2 3
Replies
40
Views
3K
jetmechmarty
jetmechmarty
C
Electrical gremlins - blown main fuse, melted connectors, bad neutral switch, and dead turn signal
Replies
6
Views
483
5twins
5twins
toglhot
Mini XS650 cafe racer.
Replies
0
Views
396
toglhot
toglhot
TwinLewi
Twin Lewi’s new 73 TX650
2
Replies
26
Views
2K
TwinLewi
TwinLewi
velocejoe
TX650 72-73 US Model Model 366 Wiring diagram needed
Replies
9
Views
836
velocejoe
velocejoe
Back
Top