Heritage Special

Tillerman · Mar 11, 2020

Hi all, I'm new to the forums and wondering if anyone can help. I have the chance to buy a Heritage Special, in bits, for the right price.only I'm not keen on the look of them and prefer the classic standard look of the 650.
I was wondering if the frames are the same and can I put the European tank, seat etc on this?
Many thanks,
Tillerman

nighthog · Mar 11, 2020

Hi Tillerman, welcome and I too have a Heritage Special. There's a lot you can change on these bikes, I guess it all depends on what kind of look you're aiming for. I've made a lot of changes to mine, as I also wanted a more European look but a bit more cafe-style.
I'd recommend you look at the Tech section, and do lots of searches on this site - it's a mine of information and the members are both very knowledgeable and willing to help. Everything you want to know is here somewhere!

jetmechmarty · Mar 11, 2020

There is a direct swap flat seat available from Texavina. Seat & side covers are the tricky part. 78&79 Specials are easier.

aldo5468 · Mar 11, 2020

What Nighthog said above - lots can be done, depending on what look you want and how deep your pockets are. Before you do anything to change the look, I recommend that you first make sure that the tires, brakes, forks, fusebox, charging system, ignition, turn signals, etc., are all in good shape for safe, reliable operation. Lotsa info on this site about the weak points and operational fixes / upgrades, how to's, etc., for our beloved XS650's. Attached pic's show mine as bought 10 years ago, totally unmolested except for missing generator brushes, and how it pretty much looks now. It's more a café roadster look than racer.

Tillerman · Mar 11, 2020

Cheers folks, really appreciate it. Always had four pot bikes apart from my Buell. Always wanted one of these so now's the time. Not really into the Heritage look so if I can transform it to look 'proper and standard' that'll be great.
The bike has had a lot of work, powder coated frame and plenty of re-croming. The engine has been stripped, needing little end bearings, but the price is right so I'll probably go for it.

Tillerman · Mar 11, 2020

P.S, Aldo, love what you've done. Good example of what could be done

5twins · Mar 11, 2020

I have a Heritage Special too. I hate those mega-spoke wheels but hey, the price was right .....

Here it is after cleaning and polishing some, and a handlebar chance as well. The bar change alone transforms the look so much for the better .....

Next major change was ditching those funky wheels in favor of normal 36 spoke alloy ones from a late '70s Standard model .....

Next up was a complete new exhaust. I didn't care for the original's looks at all, too short .....

Next and about last on my "must do" list will be getting rid of that butt-ugly hump back seat, lol. Although I have to admit, the thing is pretty comfortable.

Tillerman · Mar 11, 2020

It looks good. I'm not sure if a standard seat can be fitted.

5twins · Mar 11, 2020

No, it can't, at least not without lots of work (welding hinge mounts to the frame). And even if you went through all the trouble, the seat line wouldn't follow the angled tops of the side covers very well. I have acquired an earlier Special lift-off seat. These didn't have as pronounced of a ''hump" in them and I'm hoping it will do the trick .....

650Skull · Mar 11, 2020

Tillerman said:
Cheers folks, really appreciate it. Always had four pot bikes apart from my Buell. Always wanted one of these so now's the time. Not really into the Heritage look so if I can transform it to look 'proper and standard' that'll be great.
The bike has had a lot of work, powder coated frame and plenty of re-croming. The engine has been stripped, needing little end bearings, but the price is right so I'll probably go for it.

Do some research...............only the early XS1 had little end bearings............Yamaha changed to a coppercoating on the little ends on later models...........check vin and engine no's

jetmechmarty · Mar 11, 2020

Texavina Seat for Heritage Special

IMG_4887__03706.1566287251.1280.1280.jpg

Bike Seat Factory for Heritage Special

a20792913cb60464ad80f0_l__22095.1361299110.JPG

XS650SG, XS650H, XS650SH, XS650SJ, and XS650SK all use the same seat. Those two sites may provide other acceptable seat options. Mike's XS had a cafe seat for those Specials, but seems to have discontinued it.

5twins · Mar 11, 2020

Gosh, they cost more than the whole bike did, lol.

Jim · Mar 11, 2020

5twins said:
Gosh, they cost more than the whole bike did, lol.

Yeah, but you stole that bike. Fillin' up the tank costs as much as you paid for it.

jetmechmarty · Mar 12, 2020

I'm making an observation. Back in the day, Specials were all the rage. Nobody wanted a standard. Specials outsold them seven to one. Today, the opposite appears to be true. Usually, it's like the Ford Mustang. It was popular then, so it's popular and valuable now. I'm not sure what to make of it.

Tillerman · Mar 12, 2020

[

Bike Seat Factory for Heritage Special

XS650SG, XS650H, XS650SH, XS650SJ, and XS650SK all use the same seat. Those two sites may provide other acceptable seat options. Mike's XS had a cafe seat for those Specials, but seems to have discontinued it.[/QUOTE]

jetmechmarty said:
I'm making an observation. Back in the day, Specials were all the rage. Nobody wanted a standard. Specials outsold them seven to one. Today, the opposite appears to be true. Usually, it's like the Ford Mustang. It was popular then, so it's popular and valuable now. I'm not sure what to make of it.

Tillerman · Mar 12, 2020

I much prefer the standard, so I'm going to hold out for one. Though the special I was offered has had a lot done to it.

member28833 · Mar 12, 2020

Understood. When you do come up with a potential "Standard" to buy, get back on the site with more questions. In the mean time, surf our gallery

Tillerman · Mar 13, 2020

It's a great informative site, with so many people willing to help. Thank you

fredintoon · Mar 13, 2020

Tillerman said:
I much prefer the standard, so I'm going to hold out for one. Though the special I was offered has had a lot done to it.

Hi Tillerman,
the only unchangeable difference between a Standard and a Special XS650 is the angle of the rear shocks.
Everything else swaps like LEGO.
1980 and newer XS650s have the desirable lift-off seat and no points ignition and can be parts-swapped to look just like a Standard.

Tillerman · Mar 13, 2020

Thank you. So a standard seat will fit? I thought modifications were needed as standard is hinged.
Will standard side panels fit too?

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