Newbie here

takehikes · Aug 7, 2020

Just picked up a 1981 XS650 Special II with only 9,000 miles. Many owners and each messed with it some but I'm going to bring her back. Runs and rides superb. My first XS650 though only the latest in a long line of bikes going back over 50 years. I always wanted one but never seemed to get there.

lakeview · Aug 7, 2020

Welcome! Please show us some pictures.

kshansen · Aug 7, 2020

lakeview said:
Welcome! Please show us some pictures.

Yes pictures!

If it runs and you have rode it it has to be better than what many have started with so you are way ahead of the game at this point.

I have a 1978 that I have had since 2008 and I have not moved it under it's own power yet! But that's more due to laziness and life getting in the way! I did have it running last year while on the work table!

5twins · Aug 7, 2020

Well, if you like to tinker, you've now found the "holy grail", lol. The '81 is a good year, one of the later models and more refined than the early ones. But, that doesn't mean there aren't things you can do to improve it. You'll find lots of little, low cost tweaks and mods you can apply to it here on this site.

takehikes · Aug 7, 2020

My background is early 70’s worked at AEE Choppers, so far back our customers included Arlen and Sugar Bear and others of the time. Had many bikes/chops through the years.
This XS has a Tuffsude seat and grips in prime condition so going to try to use them. I’d love to chop it properly (new frame not hard tail) but think I’ll go another way. Only had it a few days so still formulating a plan.

Boog · Aug 8, 2020

Hello Takehikes and welcome from Virginia. My '81, "Rusty" is still awaiting restoration to begin. Yours look so much better than mine. Good luck and I'll surely watch what you do.

Newbie here

takehikes

XS650 Addict

lakeview

XS650 Guru

kshansen

XS650 Guru

5twins

XS650 Guru

takehikes

XS650 Addict

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