I am back with an XS

Britman

XS650 Addict
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Location
Fredericksburg Va.
After doing a bunch of "Hondas" all in a row I spent the day on the road yesterday picking up this 1979 XS from a motivated seller a couple of States over. The bike was on its third owner with a documented 9K on the clock, runs perfect, completely stock down down to sensors, vacuum petcocks, and everything works. When I parked the truck the first question from my Wife was, "Where is all the rust, dirt, grease, and cobwebs?" I will be listing it in the future after waiting in the "Rip Van Winkle" time zone here in Virginia to get into a damn DMV for a title transfer. Of course I took it around the block a few times, I had forgotten how much fun a 650 is to ride. I really wouldn't mind keeping it to add to my small flock, but there is just not enough room or time to ride. I will try an get it posted in the classifieds here also with discount to members if there is any interest. For those of you here who occasionally buy and sell vintage machines you know how hard it is to find bikes these days. For me it more of a hobby than profit making venture. If you count in the parts and labor I am really lucky to break even on most projects, but I have a ball bringing them back. One this one I think a little polishing and a pat on the head, it will be ready to go. I just hope it doesn't end up a Café Racer or Bobber, nice to see a complete stock one now and then.....
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Wow nice find. I hear what your saying about making any profit. Keeps me out of the bars I guess. I like the comment from your wife. This is what I will be working on this winterView attachment 177778

That is a nice selection to start on when the snow starts to fly. You have a lot more space than I do for sure. I spend half my time moving bikes around to get to the "Horrible Freight" lift which I had to modify on my 750 Chopper rebirth. (Never throw away your scrap lumber and remember on the Honda (1and4 2and3..............)

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Oh the 750 looks familiar, I loved those wheels from the late 70's. I started with the Amen rigid and ended up with the Savior.
 
I polished out the side cases yesterday and just generally went over the bike, it is in excellent condition, not showroom, but darn close. The sun came out and with an illegal tag and a devil may care attitude we took about a good 20 mile spin. The bike runs great, no hesitation, good mid range, and cruises at high speed perfectly. I have an appointment with DMV in the am to transfer the Pennsylvania title, (I got in within a week and in Virginia currently with Covid 19, that in itself is a pure miracle.) I may just end up keeping it in my small flock, you really don't find many in this condition anymore........

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Man that is a very nice bike, definatly a keeper...........78/79 Specials are my favorite..........lower bars really set it off
My 78 is its twin. I just wish I had the lower bars. I just can't get used to the "rototiller" bars and the stepped seat. I hesitate to do so because it would no longer be original. One day I may change it over 'cause I'm sure I would have much greater enjoyment riding it with lower bars.

Mike
 
I don't know Mike. I agree with you in regard to maintaining as much originality as possible. The bike is a '1978 XS 650 SE. That's the way God and those little Japanese engineers planned it. Remember, they invented the aircraft carrier, the Bullet train, the electronically controlled continuously variable transmission, the hybrid electric vehicle and the hydrogen car to mention just a few of their mechanical gems. By lowering the bars, you change the entire appearance of the vehicle and thumb your nose at the design. If the SE doesn't suit your stature, I'd sell it and buy a Triumph. If you just want flatter bars, sell it and buy an E. These motorcycles, in original condition, will become a relative rarity and accrue value accordingly. Just my opinion.
Cheers
 
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