New member with a shed find 1975 XS650

CaseyH

XS650 Enthusiast
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Location
Smithville Ontario
Checking in to say hello
New member from Smithville Ontario.
I have a bad habit of having derelict old Japanese motorcycles following me home.
I meet a lot of people as a trainer in the Pipeline Industry and always turn the conversations to old bikes.
It is cool what you come across sometimes
I was training a new hire a couple of weeks ago and the guy said he had bought an old bike about 5 years previously and was planning to build a custom bike.
Thankfully he lost interest before he got started.
It was mine for the asking.
650 1.JPG

It is complete and has 13000 miles on the clock and free!
The engine is not stuck and turns over with good compression.
I have tucked it in the shop with the other completed projects and will start in Sept when I am back from vacation.
I have just completed a 1975 GL1000 and have also a 76 KZ900 and a 74 CB750 that i am still busy with.
XS650.JPG

The plan is to restore it to its original condition.
I have a long Canadian winter ahead of me.

First post and I look forward to using and contributing to this forum.

Casey
 
Glad to hear you're keeping it stock instead of chopping it. The '75 is a very desirable model for that. I think many will agree it has one of the nicest factory paint jobs. Looks like about all you really need is a stock seat.
 
What he said!
4B6BB935-8ED5-4CE1-A942-17A6B21406BF.jpeg
Welcome to the forum, I’m looking forward to your restoration, you clearly know which end of a wrench to hold. :laugh2:
I think it was Peter Egan that said, “ There’s nothing more expensive than a free motorcycle.” :D
Good luck with your project!
 
Looks like it is in pretty good condition for a restoration. I also like to keep them as stock as possible. Nice looking KZ900. My neighbor next door just picked up a 72 CB750 in pretty good shape. Here are a few of mine.As you can see I'm into the Kawasakis
My Z1 bikes.jpg
 
Thanks for the welcome.
I will start a build thread when I get into it.
I am on forums with the other bikes also.
The information that is available has helped me along the way.
Yes i do need a seat or even a seat pan.

Before I get to far I need to get it to fire and see how much love the motor needs.
XS650 1.JPG

The goal is to drive it to Paris next spring.

Casey
 
The price was right because this will be a lot of work.
XS650 4.JPG

The mice loved this bike as much as I hope to lol.
The wiring will need to be looked at for sure.
Mouse urine is pretty caustic.
I have a new battery box on the way. Ebay is good for some things.

Casey
 
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This is a wonderful motor and has a real "personality". It's great for running around locally and on the back roads. It's no high speed interstate touring bike but it was never meant to be. Use it as intended and you'll love it. It's big and heavy enough to ride nice, but not too big and heavy, and it makes enough power to be fun.
 
Checking in to say hello
New member from Smithville Ontario.
I have a bad habit of having derelict old Japanese motorcycles following me home.
I meet a lot of people as a trainer in the Pipeline Industry and always turn the conversations to old bikes.
It is cool what you come across sometimes
I was training a new hire a couple of weeks ago and the guy said he had bought an old bike about 5 years previously and was planning to build a custom bike.
Thankfully he lost interest before he got started.
It was mine for the asking.
View attachment 173180
It is complete and has 13000 miles on the clock and free!
The engine is not stuck and turns over with good compression.
I have tucked it in the shop with the other completed projects and will start in Sept when I am back from vacation.
I have just completed a 1975 GL1000 and have also a 76 KZ900 and a 74 CB750 that i am still busy with.
View attachment 173181
The plan is to restore it to its original condition.
I have a long Canadian winter ahead of me.

First post and I look forward to using and contributing to this forum.

Casey
Nice find
Ya gotta love the 75's
 
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