cmyoch
XS650 Junkie
So I currently own 3 motorcycles; a 1978 XS650 Special, 1976 Honda GL1000 naked Goldwing, and a 1984 Harley XLH1000 Sportster. All 3 have very unique attributes and personalities but if a gun was held to my head and I had only one to choose to keep, it's the XS! The other two can go in a heartbeat!
I bought this bike in sad shape for $500 when I was unemployed because I needed something to keep my mind busy. It was cheap, worn out (65,000 miles), leaked oil like a sieve, wire harness was fried, etc, etc, I spent the better part of a year learning all the nuances of the XS through this forum and managed to resurrect it back from the dead. I was even graced by a personal visit from Grizld1 to help with my cam chain alignment and a good visit. I never knew how strong the following of these bikes were until meeting Dick and joining the forum. Issue after issue is met with quick, knowledgeable responses from members here and not one single smart ass is in the group. You guys really love to help and keep these old bikes on the road. Not one time did I ever feel dumb by asking a question, even if it has been asked multiple times.
My other bikes have their positive attributes as well. The GL1000 is shaft driven, smooth as silk, and very powerful. The Harley has a ton of torque, has a nice rumble, and it's the first bike that I can sit on and touch flat footed to the pavement. BUT, the XS is dear to my heart. It's the first bike I ever rebuilt from nothing, I have a ton of pride in it, I think it's a beautifully designed bike, and it still gets noticed. I spent this past winter resurrecting the Sportster, and addressing the 4 synchronized carbs on the Goldwing with much frustration. Today I broke out the XS just to start it up and ride around the block. She fits me like a glove, sounds beautiful, and was a true joy to zip around the neighborhood, even if it was only for a few minutes. It will definitely be getting the most love of the three this riding season.
There's really no point to this post other than to exclaim my love for the XS. I have been away from the forum for a while and used this as an excuse to check in with you guys.
Take care!
Craig
I bought this bike in sad shape for $500 when I was unemployed because I needed something to keep my mind busy. It was cheap, worn out (65,000 miles), leaked oil like a sieve, wire harness was fried, etc, etc, I spent the better part of a year learning all the nuances of the XS through this forum and managed to resurrect it back from the dead. I was even graced by a personal visit from Grizld1 to help with my cam chain alignment and a good visit. I never knew how strong the following of these bikes were until meeting Dick and joining the forum. Issue after issue is met with quick, knowledgeable responses from members here and not one single smart ass is in the group. You guys really love to help and keep these old bikes on the road. Not one time did I ever feel dumb by asking a question, even if it has been asked multiple times.
My other bikes have their positive attributes as well. The GL1000 is shaft driven, smooth as silk, and very powerful. The Harley has a ton of torque, has a nice rumble, and it's the first bike that I can sit on and touch flat footed to the pavement. BUT, the XS is dear to my heart. It's the first bike I ever rebuilt from nothing, I have a ton of pride in it, I think it's a beautifully designed bike, and it still gets noticed. I spent this past winter resurrecting the Sportster, and addressing the 4 synchronized carbs on the Goldwing with much frustration. Today I broke out the XS just to start it up and ride around the block. She fits me like a glove, sounds beautiful, and was a true joy to zip around the neighborhood, even if it was only for a few minutes. It will definitely be getting the most love of the three this riding season.
There's really no point to this post other than to exclaim my love for the XS. I have been away from the forum for a while and used this as an excuse to check in with you guys.
Take care!
Craig
