They're getting rare in my neck of the woods.
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Exactly. Just because you see them all day on the internet doesn't mean they are on every corner. Like going on a home-built airplane site and claiming that they are not cool because everyone has one. Plus I'm sure there are tons of people riding around stock XS650s that never post them on the internet. I'm sure just about every XS650 that has been chopped has been posted on the net.
Also.. guys, remember to be respectful when you argue. No point in personal attacks or telling someone to STFU. Read the site rules and guidelines.. specifically, the ones that talk about not being an ass.
Lastly.. I say to everyone..
I guess that goes for my argument above as well.
XS-IVE Habit
XS650 Addict
At 20, and a rider of a virtually bone stock - original '75 XS650B I guess I might break the mold of the young guys who want to trick them out. But at the same time it is their bike and I cannot blame someone for wanting to put their signature on one of the best motorcycles of all time. So my advice: Do what I do and buy everyone you can find, and sell em to your friends who'll appreciate them for whatever purpose serves them and if there is a stocker left over keep it for yourself 
TeeCat
One-Mik Wonder
Me too! I know there are other XSs in Maryland, but I have not been able to get to any meetups, and have never seen another XS of any ilk on the road here.
TC
Unfortunately many of the problems with clean stockers being cut is our governments heavy handed inability to produce VIN plates for custom builders.
Also is the inablity to reinstate a salvaged VIN or obtain title after its lost.
Seems to go against our nations sustainability plans. If you want people not to throw away junk, make it easier for them to sell it or own it legally.
And I work in government!
Also is the inablity to reinstate a salvaged VIN or obtain title after its lost.
Seems to go against our nations sustainability plans. If you want people not to throw away junk, make it easier for them to sell it or own it legally.
And I work in government!
We can do titles if we are desperate enough. My herd is huge, wife claims 13 I argue some, but I think the most I paid for any bike I own is $400 that tells you how "rare" they are. The worst "crime" is lost titles. Due to my age and back I don't keep hardtails but anything else is fair game. The funny thing is by the time I get a bike running well and do all the reliability issues I have a hard time starting "mods". I have the stuff to do them but I seem to end up going back to stock most of the time.
My personal "comfort point" is can it be ridden? A bike that is just art and is impractical or suicidal on the street just bugs the crap out of me.
My personal "comfort point" is can it be ridden? A bike that is just art and is impractical or suicidal on the street just bugs the crap out of me.
I'm old enough to remember all this same stuff being said about Harley 45's. I did a bunch of these some stock,some not. Now it is happening with the xs. They are,or were cheap enough so as to have a few different styles,and not break the bank. I have a bone stock 76,a hard tailed 78,and a 77modified swingarm bike. All 3 total about 2500 bucks so depending on the day,and mood you can ride what suits ya. Also the key word to my bike,or bikes is MY!! Do what you want with what you own.
Some guys take the finish off vintage guitars,now that really makes me mad.
Some guys take the finish off vintage guitars,now that really makes me mad.
sidewinder
XS650 Addict
Chop them all!!
69er
XS650 Enthusiast
you obviously have never rode a chop!!.....more fun than ridin your ol.....oh never mind..you wouldn't understand!!
you obviously have never rode a chop!!.....more fun than ridin your ol.....oh never mind..you wouldn't understand!!
I have rode choppers-- lots of them-- and most are unsafe at any speed. But it's your bike and your life so cut them up anyway you like, the value of my stockers keeps going up.
69er
XS650 Enthusiast
I have rode choppers-- lots of them-- and most are unsafe at any speed. But it's your bike and your life so cut them up anyway you like, the value of my stockers keeps going up.
yes, there are some unsafe...poor welds etc...agreed some people should not be building bikes!!
but one put together right, is a absolute hoot (and has safe as any factory bike)!!!
hell I have seen "factory" bikes I wouldn't ride either...cobbled up repairs, bald tires, literally put together with haywire!!
yes, there are some unsafe...poor welds etc...agreed some people should not be building bikes!!
but one put together right, is a absolute hoot (and has safe as any factory bike)!!!
hell I have seen "factory" bikes I wouldn't ride either...cobbled up repairs, bald tires, literally put together with haywire!!
Safe as a factory bike? Safe as a 1948 Harley-Davidson perhaps but nothing like as safe as ANY 1970s factory machine. For starters, choppers suffer from rigid frames that add hundreds of pounds to the rear suspension loads. Even the best built choppers are ill handling monsters no matter what the brand or how well the welds are made.
Suspension serves far more than cushioning bumps.
To imply that ANY chopper or rigid frame bike is safer shows a complete lack of suspension basics. The swingarm was one of the greatest advancements ever made to increase the handling capabilities and make motorcycles safer to ride. And don't get me started on the springer...
I promise you that if rigid frames and choppers were safer or better handling then every racing bike ever built would be rigid and chopped. Or had you not noticed that racing bikes have swingarms?
Seriously, Dude, it's your bike and I welcome you to do with it what you like but let's keep claims somewhere near reality. Ride, build, have fun but keep it real.
bobadame
XS650 Addict
Have you silly old geezers forgot that we just discussed this last week?
I can relate.
I am Carbon
shade tree mechanic
nice edit
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cros36
thread killer
im rolling 25-45 almost all the time that i ride my chop. i havent even been on the express way yet. my input on the safety (besides weld quality
) and the racing argument is suspension at low speeds TO ME makes no difference. im not racing. im not even racing or pushing myself. taking a right from a stop isnt going to make me lowside because of road bumpy conditions. going around a sweeping turn at 45 is the same.
i know that my next point is pretty much invalid because were on two wheels but in nascar, when those redneck hillbillys are doing 180+ around a corner, their suspensions are 100% bottomed out.
at daytona raceway, do you know what vehicle has the fastest all time lap time when they race the road coarse? a freakin go-kart! no suspension at all.
i loooove these threads. i think we should start talking religion and politics more as well. and feel free to fact check me. to be honest im just going off of what my motorcycle teacher told me
69er
XS650 Enthusiast
your shooting from the hip....
I am guessing a swing arm came along for comfort rather than safety..(please note your source!!)
a hardtail "lightens" the bike"...scales do not lie!!!!
Springer are kinda .."bouncy"...lol
motorcycles are dangerous ..anyway ya look at it...
gear up in your fancy ridin suit/armor and $500.00 full faced helmet..and have your fun...I love my chops and my suspended bikes too!!!.......52 years young and been ridin since age 12.....must be doing something right!!
please really put some miles on one before you form a opinion!!.....ALL bikes handle differently...
why do some Road Kings with rear suspension/swing arms have death wobble???????????????..
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cros36
thread killer
the rear suspension keeps the rear tire on the ground at all times. if your turning and your tire comes off the ground then you have problems. that is the safety point.
again, love these threads
again, love these threads
tadd442
dude.....
I did my own taxes a few years back.......
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