new guy looking to go from stock to the cafe look

LOLOLOLOL you guys kill me i meant clip on crampons is what i use when i go mountaineering lolol

 

Hi 'driver,
let the fork tubes up through the triple trees, although they'll only go up an inch and a bit before they hit the bars.
Use clip-on bars above the top 'tree or bar setbacks if you need to go lower.
the limit then becomes when the fender hits the bottom 'tree on full bounce.
Shorter shocks will lower the back end.
An "arse up" stance quickens the steering; a tail-dragging stance slows it down.
Note that the more you lower the bike the less it will lean over before something grounds out.

 

I did the forks up thru the trees first but it was to close to my bars which made it right up on my hydraulic brake banjo...I could of got another shape fitting...but liked the hughshandbuilt drop to keep the forks functional...works great I did the 2 inch drop

 

The drag bars are comfortable too...I have brand new clubmans but when I mocked em up they didn't feel right cuz I use the stock footrests...unless you run rear sets maybe more comfortable. ..crampons or clip ons might work though

 

sounds good man. Good luck

 

Looks like an XS2...in pretty good condition. I'd consider restoring it personally. I wish someone would give me one of those...jealous!!!

 

Ditto! An unmolested 1972 XS2, 12k miles on the clock!

Expect more of this.

Definitely clean it up, get it running, ride it a bit before committing to any mods.

FYI, those early forks don't allow for lowering, can't slide the forks up through the trees.

 

Here's the manuals. Download everything on this page:

http://www.biker.net/70-73_650_parts/xs1 parts main.html

 

Yep, it's the second year produced. I'm not an expert on them as I've only had a '78 & '79... but I do think there are plenty of unique parts on it...Gas tank, side covers, etc are hard to come by if I recall...

There are experts on here that will likely point out the big ones.

 

Personal meaning of the machine trumps cash but you could sell that bike to a guy that wants to keep it as a "survivor" and get enough cash to buy a decent later special and a bunch of custom stuff too.

If you go ahead; the early years aren't really the best for cafe type riding. The frame brakes suspension are a bit ahem whippy. Early engines are strong running but a bit fragile compared to later engines.
72 has a one year only kinda weird front brake rotor setup with a mainly ignored service bulletin and a high parts count.

 

It is nice to see one of that age with the instruments not faded, especially the rev counter red.

 

Hi 'driver,
early frames are kinda flexible is all so you don't want to be too enthusiastic flinging the bike into curves.
Later frames were gusseted, braced and reinforced up the ying-yang to stiffen them
which made the later frames seriously heavier, swapping flexy for stodgy.