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WyoRay

XS650 Enthusiast
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Howdy from Wyoming!

Bought and rode home a silver 81 Special today. First one I've owned. All my previous bikes have been either for going fast on, or hauling myself around on long trips. This is my "old guy" bike I guess...
Ran like a finely-tuned Japanese sewing machine on the 180 mile trip home, temps in the hi 40s. Rolled over 11k miles enroute. Low mileage, all original stocker, third owner. Going to run it just as it is, no mods other than details and detailing. Pics tomorrow.

WyoRay
 
WyoRay said:
Howdy from Wyoming!

Bought and rode home a silver 81 Special today. First one I've owned. All my previous bikes have been either for going fast on, or hauling myself around on long trips. This is my "old guy" bike I guess...
Ran like a finely-tuned Japanese sewing machine on the 180 mile trip home, temps in the hi 40s. Rolled over 11k miles enroute. Low mileage, all original stocker, third owner. Going to run it just as it is, no mods other than details and detailing. Pics tomorrow.

WyoRay
Click to expand...

Welcome to the madhouse Ray, and congratulations on your new bike! They really are a good choice if you’re looking for some retro fun and they’re easy to work on. Looking forward to seeing your bike! :thumbsup:
-Bob
 
Welcome ! ... photos... lots of photos.. was it " frost " as opposed to silver that year.. can't recall.... they had a very vibrate red specials also. Years ago.... I did a week in Yellowstone.. my 82' Special and a buddy on his Kz750.... we camp'd outside Jackson Hole.... rip'd around .. Idaho... Cody.... Greybull... neat planes ! .. back up Via Little Big Horn.... terrible gas mileage on the special... stock gear'n.. 70 mpg.... got to the hotel in Deadwood... my Mn lic plate vibrated off somewhere middle of Montana... :)
 
I like the '81 Special, especially if not intended to modify. It's got a very functional ignition. It got that security chain on the right side. It got the only cast wheel drum brake. The Frost color is one year only as well. Note, the engine has grey cases, black jugs, grey cylinder head, and black valve cover. Yep, nice bike! Welcome aboard!
 
Wyoming riding... Tetons on your list ? Very jealous of your upcoming riding season right now! I believe an 81 can be a very reliable scenic byways cruiser.
You better get your photo taking skills up for us !
 
Welcome from north of the border - 90+/- miles from Yellowstone. Relatively short riding season but plenty of beautiful scenery. Beware wildlife of all sorts................Enjoy.............
 
WyoRay said:
Howdy from Wyoming!
Bought and rode home a silver 81 Special today. First one I've owned. All my previous bikes have been either for going fast on, or hauling myself around on long trips. This is my "old guy" bike I guess...
Ran like a finely-tuned Japanese sewing machine on the 180 mile trip home, temps in the hi 40s. Rolled over 11k miles enroute. Low mileage, all original stocker, third owner. Going to run it just as it is, no mods other than details and detailing. Pics tomorrow.
WyoRay
Click to expand...

Hi 'Ray and welcome,
like they said, nice bike, don't "improve" it.
OK, check the tires' age stamp, check if the dreaded PO swapped in a front brake lever sized to fit ONE caliper and ditched the stock rototiller bars, eh?
 
Welcome to the club! Greetings from Southern Arizona! My Special is a year older than yours, so it's very close to yours. They are great machines. Ride the wheels off yours. Pics! We like pics!
 
Pics coming; got tied up with 1001 other things yesterday. Jumping through the insurance and registration hoops today.
Really digging this bike. Neither a crotch rocket, heavy cruiser or dual-sport. Closer in feel to the CX/GL500s I've owned, but WAY more vibration. Reminds me of my old solid-mount Ironhead sporty from years ago, but lighter. I do believe it's a keeper.
 
"security chain on the right side." I noticed a small plastic triangular box on the right side with a small wire loop inside welded to the frame. Did this box hold a chain of some sort, or was this the toolbox?

Handlebars are buckhorn style, I'm guessing original, as the scratches and patina on the chrome is about the same as for the rest of the chrome. Might change those out, but I need to evaluate first with a few hundred miles.
 
WyoRay said:
"security chain on the right side." I noticed a small plastic triangular box on the right side with a small wire loop inside welded to the frame. Did this box hold a chain of some sort, or was this the toolbox?

Handlebars are buckhorn style, I'm guessing original, as the scratches and patina on the chrome is about the same as for the rest of the chrome. Might change those out, but I need to evaluate first with a few hundred miles.
Click to expand...

Yep, tool box. Not sure about the wire? Yep, buckhorns are original. You will find it is harder to roll the bike around and keep it balanced with those bars. ( Mine are not buckhorn but pull-backs and a bit more narrow but about the same) However, my bike is a 77 and long flat seat. I can scoot back with weight on my arms, like regular bars, sit in the middle with no weight on my arms or scoot forward. After getting used to my XS's bars, riding a Honda 750 feels like I'm trying to take the ole lady's bike away from her and she's on it. I'm all scrunched up, the contour seat won't let me move. Cruising the back roads ain't much fun. But, I'm 6' 2" and 180 so....
 
No, tool box is on the left side, behind the battery box .....

1jkIpTx.jpg
 
WyoRay said:
"security chain on the right side." I noticed a small plastic triangular box on the right side with a small wire loop inside welded to the frame. Did this box hold a chain of some sort, or was this the toolbox?
Handlebars are buckhorn style, I'm guessing original, as the scratches and patina on the chrome is about the same as for the rest of the chrome. Might change those out, but I need to evaluate first with a few hundred miles.
Click to expand...

Hi 'Ray,
the rightside triangular box left the factory with a security chain inside it.
The chain's built-in lock worked with the bike's ignition key and is sturdy enough to act as a dog leash unless it's a big dog.
Just because I found the stock buckhorns to be an ergonomic disaster don't mean that you will.
Choose to use them a part of a backyard windchime or sign up with the group's "buckhorn Gang".
 
Snapped these at work just before I left for home. I hope these don't break the internet...
 

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