just picked up a 1979 xs650 special

[79yam]

hello xs650

i just recently picked up on monday a 1979 xs650 special. it had been sitting in a barn since 1992 i bought it off the original owner.

when the guy opened the garage door i was in shock too see how good it looked , since it was only $500 and it did not run and it was in a barn for so long.

so i replaced the batterie and cleaned out the shutoffs and carbs, reassembled them back on the bike , the tank had fuel in it but it had a red tint to it , does anyone know what might have been added to it?

so i added clean fuel and thought i would have a go craning it over the starter seem too skip and not want to start then i tried the kick and boom it started right up. ,
then i burn my arm on the pipes.

the big plans are too make it into a bobber hardtail , but first the get everything working.

 

[lettle]

You could just enjoy the motorcycle for what it is. A great little bike.

 

[jayel]

hello xs650

i just recently picked up on monday a 1979 xs650 special. it had been sitting in a barn since 1992 i bought it off the original owner.

when the guy opened the garage door i was in shock too see how good it looked , since it was only $500 and it did not run and it was in a barn for so long.

so i replaced the batterie and cleaned out the shutoffs and carbs, reassembled them back on the bike , the tank had fuel in it but it had a red tint to it , does anyone know what might have been added to it?

so i added clean fuel and thought i would have a go craning it over the starter seem too skip and not want to start then i tried the kick and boom it started right up. ,
then i burn my arm on the pipes.

the big plans are too make it into a bobber hardtail , but first the get everything working.

Sta-bil.... it heard you thinking of chopping it, taking its revenge now

 

[79yam]

Are most people not a fan of the bobbers on this site ?

 

[Classic]

Some people like xs650 choppers. Some don't. This one is in very good shape. If you want an xs650 chopper it might be better to get a basket case.

 

[YOURADHERE]

Are most people not a fan of the bobbers on this site ?

The general consensus seems to be that the clean barn finds should be restored/kept orginal and the basket cases should be bobbed. I say screw it, it's your bike, do as you please. Great find btw.

 

[jayel]

some of us are not, but have to pull you guys chain once in a while, it's just a Special whack away

 

[79yam]

i have the stock mags on the bike , would the wire wheels be the same size ? im looking too buy new tires and i want them too work for both sets.

 

[jamesgs4]

I say chop away, they only ones worth any money are the O.G. early 70's anyways, I would chop the hell out of one of those too. Did you do the "reach across the hot pipe and burn your forearm" tradional xs650 method. I have matching scars on both arms that I like to freshen up every so often lol.

 

[nj1639]

You have rear discs with that bike, the wire rims don't come with rear discs.
Jayels right about the burn.

 

[jamesgs4]

i have the stock mags on the bike , would the wire wheels be the same size ? im looking too buy new tires and i want them too work for both sets.

It depends, the 80's special II's and heritage specials used a 16" rear, while the 70's standards used an 18" rear spoke wheel. All the cast rears are 16".

 

[Tech7]

Cut away! Ain't no love for Specials here. ( as far as I know) Before and after.

 

[79yam]

are their any way of getting spoked wheels for the bike?

and yes i reached around to grab a wrench. am im sure i will do it again.

 

[79yam]

really nice looking bike tech7

 

[Tech7]

If you're doing a hardtail, you can put anything on the rear. You're gonna have to fab shit anyway. Front wheels are a straight swap as far as I know.

 

[jayel]

i have the stock mags on the bike , would the wire wheels be the same size ? im looking too buy new tires and i want them too work for both sets.

find a stock 18'' wheel hub, new rim on a re-spoke any size you want but you would be going to drum rear doing that

 

[xjwmx]

Chopperising is a mental disorder.

 

[Kingwj]

Esso/Exxon gas used to be red in color. It would tint the carb bowls over time.

 

[pumps]

Great score for $500. Do whatever you want to it. It's yours isn't it?

 

[79yam]

yup it is ! , my heart is set on a bobber