Just throwing this out there

T

trentbob

XS650 Member
Messages
13
Reaction score
0
Points
1
Location
twin cities
So i recently bought one of these bikes as a commuter. I've only ridden it for a couple months so far, and its still fun being out on the open road but i gotta know something... what do all of you see in these bikes! They're a chore to ride cause they vibrate like crazy and the trans is missing a gear! Plus, to anyone who doesn't know what the bike is, they look at it and think the little twin is a 250 or something. I mean, lets be honest here...
 
Trentbob,you are certainly entitled to your opinion.
Most guys and gals on here will tell you they love the simplicity of thier 650.
They will agree they vibrate,but you got to understand the machine.
The 650 engine is 41 year old technology, you are riding an antique,a classic,a dinosour.
Does it go like stink,no.Does it handle good,no.Could it use another gear,yes.Does it vibrate,oh yeah!
But for me,that is the cool part,it is raw and un-refined.
I love working on my bike alot,more so than riding it,but thats me.
To own one of these bikes you must either be "hands on" or have "deep pockets" to have someone work on it for you,because it is going to need maintence,up grades,and it just might break down.
Would I say that the 650 is a good commuter bike,sure, if your commute is not on the interstate.
If it is,the 650 is not for you,you will find it vibrates far too much to be comfortable,and you will learn to hate it.
You would be better off with a 4 cylinder bike.
Just my opinion.
 
Last edited:
Well, since you want honest. If your concern is what others think about the bike you ride, then perhaps an XS650 is not for you. Historically the XS650 is the best British twin that they never built. Therein lies it's charm. It does vibrate but no more or less than all the 360 twins that preceded it. The bike is light weight and handles well. It lends it's-self to modifications and self expression. And finally, it is reasonably priced.
 
If you have to ask......well all I can offer you is this. Ride it a year and if your still asking the same question then, sell it and find a ride you won't have the same question and buy it. I love my '80 SG. I can eaily modernize it and have done so with the electics and brakes and ignition. I love that its a naked bike and not plastic enveloped. I can change the style to suit me. I would take this beast coast to coast south to north, I trust it that much. It goes quick and fast enough for me and can increase it if I want. Sure it has some minor drawbacks. The vibration. Big whoop. Ever ride a solid mount big twin hog? 74-80 throbing cubic inches of vibration! I've owned 2, so I know first hand. The electrics. Brushes in the alternater! So does a /5 to /7 BMW's big whoop. It also uses the same style alternator where you need a functioning battery to have it work. I've owned a /7 beemer too. I'll stop now. You get the jist....Every owner has thier own reasons about these or any vehical they own. Find yours...
 
I'd duck, because when you throw things out there, you usually get them thrown back...especially a seemingly biting and short-handed crap review of the XS650 that you've had for a few months. And, you're posting on a 650 forum full of guys like me that love this thing, and that includes all of it's problems and advantages...
 
There are so many bike choices out there, that there is no reason to ride one that doesn't suit you. I like my xs b/c it's different than your average bike on the road. It is a classic, it's fun to work on, you can actually see the motor, and the variety of things you can do with it (bobber, chopper, tracker, brat style, stocker) is endless. I also like that after several years of owning this thing, that I am comfortable diving into a project on it.

It's also handy that for a vintage bike it's fairly easy to attain parts for. I also ride a KLX250. A lot of guys would call it a beginner bike or just a pos, but I put 10 000 kms on mine last year, and I love it. It suits what I need. If you don't like your xs sell it to one of us!
 
Picked up an '81 a couple weeks ago. First XS650 I've ridden. I've had XJ750s, CB750s, other 4 cylinder bikes. But riding this bike home, 34 miles, in 42 degree weather, and a slight drizzle, with vibration, (which really wasn't that bad), was the most fun I had on a bike in a long time. I enjoyed the torque and light weight feeling of the bike (it could have a better kickstand). Besides that I think its cool looking, and if someone else thinks it looks like a big moped, so what?
 
I agree with Patches. If you don't like it you need a 2000 HD SuperGlide.
 
I also love the xs for their simplicity. Also they are one of the few jap bikes that sound awesome with drag pipes. There is also so many different was you can make the bike your own. Which you don't see a lot of different bikes. If you sell it you will miss it. I cried like a baby when I sold my first one and said I would buy another and never sell it. If I was using it to commute I would do the 5th gear overdrive.
 
you can stop the crying, i'd gladly sell you mine! No, i expected the reaction i got from all of you, and everyone is entitled to their opinion. And you're all right, everyone likes their things for different reasons and this bike just isn't for me. I think i'll ride it this season, cause i must admit it is cheap, easy to work on, and reliable... and next year get something fun and comfortable above 30mph!
 
trentbob said:
you can stop the crying, i'd gladly sell you mine! No, i expected the reaction i got from all of you, and everyone is entitled to their opinion. And you're all right, everyone likes their things for different reasons and this bike just isn't for me. I think i'll ride it this season, cause i must admit it is cheap, easy to work on, and reliable... and next year get something fun and comfortable above 30mph!
Click to expand...
Hi Bob, You are right, this bike is not for everyone:shrug: Most of us here have other bikes as well for commuting and long distance rides etc.... Compared to a modern bike it is slow and does buzz but for many here that is the charm :) You are probably a young guy and this probably is just not the bike for you. I bet you would like it later in life after some years in the saddle and get the "need for speed" or "look at me" out of your system:D I had a lot of "look at me" when I was young I must admit :laugh: I don't think you are wrong to ask us old geezers what we like about these bikes, like I said they are not for everyone and there is nothing wrong with that. Get another bike, and another, ride for years and then come back to the old girl, you might find a new attraction you missed the first time around :bike: Good luck mate and just keep on riding no matter what it is as long as it's what you like and not for what others think, enjoyment, thats the reason we :bike:
 

Similar threads

M
Not a BMW guy but just got this...
Replies
6
Views
228
gggGary
gggGary
C
XS750 question, starter not engaging neutral
Replies
4
Views
616
Bruno_c
B
JBMatthews82
Ignition trouble when hot?
Replies
7
Views
492
JBMatthews82
JBMatthews82
JBMatthews82
Ignition trouble?
Replies
1
Views
340
Raymond
Raymond
blank slate
start button dead 💀 pics included
2
Replies
24
Views
427
blank slate
blank slate
Back
Top