Let's See The XS's

[londoncabby]

Ohhhh, a green one, don't see too many of those. A 650E would technically be a '78 model. It appears some parts swapping was going on. The tank and side cover decals are '78, along with the petcocks. The headlight ears are off a Special model and the seat looks like a '79 version (square pleat pattern and more of a "hump").

Hi 5twins so would it of left the factory like that I don’t think it’s been messed about with but I haven’t got much history with it so who knows,I’m not keen on the seat and was thinking of changing it for a level flat seat would that be more in keeping with that model?

 

[member28833]

I’m not keen on the seat and was thinking of changing it for a level flat seat would that be more in keeping with that model?

Seats are easy to switch. Check out the 75 or 76 era . They are flatter and harder and tough !

 

[member28833]

So does your "79" have that left side frame loop for handling such as center stand lifting?

 

[londoncabby]

Yes it has got the frame loop I just went out to the garage to have a look I never noticed that before!

 

[5twins]

Well, '78's definitely had that but apparently '79's might come either way, with or without.

 

[member28833]

So, what are your gauges like ? Green faced reading to 140 mph ? Or black faced reading to 120 mph ?
Your chrome headlight is also sourced from a "Special" model ..
Gauge pic?

 

[member28833]

Mfg date on the steering stem sticker ?

 

[650Skull]

Here's my take on it.

US import 78E, (Vin to be verified), Vin should be Between 2F0 000101....2F0 02000...

looks to have the 78 gauges from what i can see Green face white needle.........headlight bucket holders off a Special as 5twins points out......
78E gauges...............................79F gauges



Seat is from a 79F Standard
78E Standard Seat.....................79F Standard seat

 

[member28833]

Agree. A Green 78E is a great find

 

[londoncabby]

Sorry my mistake just checked the log book (title) and it is a 78 and the clocks are the 140mph with the White needles and the vin number seems to be right so it seems the headlight and seat are wrong mmm wonder why?

 

[650Skull]

It's a US import so these guys will buy a bike and replace parts with what they can get their hands on, or buy from sellers who advertise the parts for the wrong models thinking it is for their model.........

 

[member28833]

Intentional ? Look at em. The 79 seat looks more Triumph like. And the Chrome headlight as well.
The stock XS Standard pipes are likely the biggest challenge to find if you want it back to original anyway.
Nice Bike !

 

[UTBirdman]

Picked this up a few months ago. A 1980 Special, repainted to Vintage Burgundy. Mainly stock with 15,000 miles (Carbs still have caps on the pilot screws). Since purchased a few months ago have installed xs1 handlebars, replaced the clutch seal, gone to a single clutch shaft, put some new tires on it, replaced screaming speedo with a '79 special speedo (120mph), adjusted the valves, and just had fun riding. Did a 1200 mile trip with my son's 81 XT250 in the fall. Looking forward to some rides this year. First bike was a ratty 78 XS650, kind of fond of these bikes, cannot really explain it.

 

[Superjet]

Awesome looking bike UT!

 

[Stone Co Rambler]

Out for a little toodle in the Ozarks the other day.
Sadly, I'll miss the rally here--again--- this year. Happens during a music workshop weekend where I'm otherwise occupied.

Cheers!

 

[WT100]

Out for a little toodle in the Ozarks the other day.
Sadly, I'll miss the rally here--again--- this year. Happens during a music workshop weekend where I'm otherwise occupied.

Cheers!


View attachment 134254

Great looking bike. Mind saying where you got the headlight screen?

 

[Stone Co Rambler]

Thanks...it was an eBay purchase a few years back. Advertised to fit "most Jap bikes of the 70's area" and on whatever the headlight measurement is. Sure enough, it fit. Can't recall who sold it and the vendor is long gone.Bet you could find one tho.

It is zip tied in some strategic locations around the chrome trim ring on the headlight and has held strong.
Mounting hardware that came w/ it was of no use.

 

[WT100]

Winter refresh completed by Tim Pierce. Ceramic coated exhaust and new muffler. Sounds great!

 

[ShaneWey]

Hey guys, just wanted to introduce myself. I've been lurking in the shadows for months and I just wanted to say thank you so much to all you guys sharing your knowledge. I'm currently going through the, "get to know your bike" checklist. My plan is to film each step and post it for fellow newbies. Anyway, enough chat, I'll throw some pics up of the scoot because I know that's all you vultures want.

 

[TwoManyXS1Bs]

Welcome to the forum, ShaneWey.
Nice bike.
Your next mission, should you decide to accept it, is the BBQ thread...

http://www.xs650.com/threads/the-great-2m-bbq-hunt.53974/