Introduction from Chicago.

[pythonregius24]

Hello. My name is Martin. I am new to XSs and motorcycle in general. I just finished the MSF course last week and I am about to purchase a 1974 XS650 on Monday. I am really excited.

The seller said its in excellent running condition and mechanically sound. The only parts missing is a front brake lever( which I already ordered from mikesxs) and headlight(which he will include in the sale). The good part is its only for $1000!

So what do you guys think? Is this a good deal? And in the future, I want to turn this into a cafe racer. Is this a good year/frame for cafe racer conversion?

 

[jchrisk1]

Welcome to the site Martin. Looks like a decent bike and should clean up well. Would make a nice cafe, but be prepared for a little bashing from the purists when you decide to start cutting things off of it. But, it's yours so do what you like.
Rule #1, never believe anything the PO tells you.
Be sure to look in the Tech section at the top of the page and use the search functions. They are your friends.
Here are a couple of threads to get you started.

http://www.xs650.com/forum/showthread.php?t=367

http://www.xs650.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2736

http://www.amckayltd.com/carbguide.pdf

 

[pythonregius24]

ok! Thanks jchrisk1 for the links! Bookmarked!

 

[jurand]

what part in chicago are you. I live in jefferson park(austin-lawrence). welcome...

 

[Paulrxs650]

Welcome from a wet and windy England! Nice bike! Will Make a great cafe racer!

 

[kvanderploeg]

Congratulations on passing your course and your purchase! Welcome from the far SW suburbs!

Kent

 

[Paddy399]

Is this were all the Illinois folks are checking in? South Sider here, Bridgeport.

 

[hooktool]

Good for you on taking the course. You'll learn a lot being working on it, and that will make a nice cafe racer. It would be best to get it running nice and ride it some, first.

John

 

[pythonregius24]

Thank you guys! I live in Blue Island! Hope we could set a little meet up soon!

 

[epic_garage]

Im in Aurora... just took my first ride last night, still a few things to work out on my build...

Guys if we all want to meet up there is a Poker run on Sat July 14th right near my shop (in Sugar Grove) we could have the 650s meet up before and then do the run together...

 

[epic_garage]

dup post

 

[Paddy399]

I wish I could but my bike isn't ready yet. Still some mechanical issues and trying to get the title straightened out. Soon though, soon.

 

[XSLeo]

That may be a 74 but that's a 75 tank, the 74 was Cinnamon Brown.
Nice bike though.
Leo

 

[LilMoney]

Welcome ! From Lake in the Hills !

 

[angus67]

welcome martin.
about the bike. did the seller say it ran excellent , or did the bike tell you it ran excelent. you have a endorsment now, why didnt you ride it?
do get it running first, do all the clean up in stock form, and get used to wrenching on it, then go for the cafe'. most cafe conversions are reversible, choppers are not


epic garage, what rear end is in the truck? i see a vw wheel back there. Maybe did a torque tube to a transaxle?

 

[epic_garage]

That's my buddies truck, its Ford 8" rear end...

 

[BruceDeuce]

Hi from NJ