My XS2 build thread... kinda

Hey XS650,

I am sure some of you reading this saw me posting questions and asking for advice on a bike I was eyeing out for a while. Thanks for all the replies and guidance, I pulled the trigger on the bike and collected her today. A little bit of back story to those who didn't see the original thread, the bike is an XS2 from what looks like the triple tree back. The forks, wheel assembly and front disk are from a Suzuki, the front engine mount looks slightly modified but the frame and engine numbers all match up, and the tins all look original with new paint - apologies to anyone that is a big fan of the red. The seat and the speedometer are not original and it does not have the hand rail. With all this in mind, getting the bike original and stock is not in her future unfortunately (especially being halfway across the world from any OEM or NOS spares), but the plan is to get the bike reliable and on the road again. It will be my first bike and I have done so much reading through this forum and tech section already and I am almost as keen to start wrenching as I am to start riding. Took a few snaps of collecting today and will link some videos when I have the bike firing up - got a friend at a local bike shop who will be helping me with a full once over.

I promised more pictures and to start out a build thread so here goes... sorry for cheesy smiles, I was very excited

Welcome, looks like a fun project. I actually like the change of color in the factory graphics. Especially since it is not a restoration piece. Remember to keep the pictures coming.

Smuggy said:

sorry for cheesy smiles, I was very excited

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I feel you brother! You just can’t help yourself! Me at the beginning of my XS2 build,


Good luck on the journey you are about to begin. As for the kind of restoration you are doing, after doing a faithful nut and bolt restoration on my XS2 , I have to admit, I doubt I’d ever do it again. It cost stupid money, and while I got to check it off my bucket list of things to do, it didn’t really make the bike any more fun to ride. Whoever grafted that dual disc Suzuki front end on, did a pretty clean job of it, from what I can see. I’m looking forward to seeing some more detailed photos.
Make it mechanically sound and safe to ride, then ride the wheels off of it!

We all will enjoy this, mebbie not to shit eat'n grin level you got going on but still!
Nice graphics on the truck, you work for a Yamaha dealer or is that yours?

Congrats man! As you’ve already noted, and I am living proof of, there’s several lifetimes of collective XS650 knowledge on this site that can get you where you’re going.

Good luck on your project and looking forward to following along

Mailman said:

I feel you brother! You just can’t help yourself! Me at the beginning of my XS2 build

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Haha I remember this picture well from your build thread that you linked to me - not sure if anyone has read the entire thing retrospectively, but I have to admit I have spent a while going through it. What an absolutely amazing tribute to the bike you did there. I actually came across your videos months ago and couldn't believe the condition of your bike, so it was amazing to see the work you put into it, belongs in a museum somewhere for sure.

Mailman said:

Make it mechanically sound and safe to ride, then ride the wheels off of it!

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I plan on it and can't wait to ride the wheels off it. Thanks for the kind words Mailman

gggGary said:

We all will enjoy this, mebbie not to shit eat'n grin level you got going on but still!
Nice graphics on the truck, you work for a Yamaha dealer or is that yours?

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Hahaha true! But thanks, I will try and include as many pictures as possible, I know I love the build threads that are 90% pictures and videos The truck is not mine, I have a contact that works at one, so they helped me out with picking it up, I'm definitely going to have to invest in a pickup (we call them bakkies in South Africa) soon, or make a very good friend that has one and doesn't mind bailing me out from time to time

willis said:

Welcome, looks like a fun project. I actually like the change of color in the factory graphics. Especially since it is not a restoration piece. Remember to keep the pictures coming.

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Thanks Willis! I must admit I also really like the change of color, I don't think I will change it. Thanks for the welcome, I'm going to be sending lots of pictures for sure, and will also share some of the places I go on my rides. Always find it interesting to see different parts of the world, so I like to share the slice of the world I call home as well

SomervilleXS650 said:

Congrats man! As you’ve already noted, and I am living proof of, there’s several lifetimes of collective XS650 knowledge on this site that can get you where you’re going.

Good luck on your project and looking forward to following along

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Thanks Somerville! Yeah I am always in awe of the knowledge almost everyone on here has. It's such a joy to meet people so passionate about a bike and wanting nothing more than to help others get theirs on the road enjoying them as much as they do. I'm super hungry to learn and I'm sure I will be leaning on the collective expertise and experience a fair bit! Thanks again man

They say a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Bess' git to walkin' sonny.
And in case it ain't been mentioned, don't forget to take pics along the way.
Looks like you got some good bones to work with. Welcome to the site. I'll be following along.

Make sure and take lots of pictures during disassembly. If you don’t it will come back and haunt you.
Mailman has been bailing me out.
I just thought I had a good memory.