New member from southwestern PA

[jabcb]

Old enough to remember when Yamaha started selling the XS650.
Have been collecting mostly Suzuki two strokes & am a member of that forum (same user name).

Recently acquired a nice 1975 XS650.
Here is a recent pic from my first ride on the bike:

 

[Royboy]

Nice find Jacob! It's obviously had some great care over the years. Noted the front stainless brake line among other touches.

Welcome to the forum and all things XS650.

roy

 

[gggGary]

You did good! Welcome in.

hmm, chrome rims...........

 

[Royboy]

Think maybe I made up the "Jacob" part. Could stand for "Just as Bill caught Betty" or "Jim and Bob catch bass" or "Jeez, a bitch'n cycle bro".

roy

 

[weekendrider]

jabcb, Welcome to the site. You found a nice one.

hmm, chrome rims...........

Easier to keep clean? They look good.

 

[lakeview]

Welcome to the site. That is a very nice example of the standard.

 

[jabcb]

Think maybe I made up the "Jacob" part. Could stand for "Just as Bill caught Betty" or "Jim and Bob catch bass" or "Jeez, a bitch'n cycle bro".

roy

You're too creative.

jabcb ==> just another biker collecting bikes

 

[jabcb]

Based on some other posts, I might have overpaid.

But all I did before the trip was:
check the oil (was OK)
check the air filters (looked ok)
fill the tires
put it on a BatteryTender for a few days
add fresh ehtanol-free gas + Stabil
check the brakes (working OK)
check the lights & horn (horn missing)

It started without too much fuss. Stalled it once one the way to lunch.
My clutch hand was tired when I got home.

Needs some carb work in the spring + I noticed MikesXS has some improved parts for the clutch.
Also will have an XS650 expert go over it.


Sadly, they salted the roads because of ice & my riding season is now over.

 

[jaybird51]

Welcome, That brings back memories. Had a new one just like it in 75. Good find looks almost new!

 

[DC Cycle Works]

I LOVE that bike

 

[5twins]

Clutch lever pull is a bit stiff on these compared to a newer bike. It's important to keep the cable and worm gear well lubed. That, and insure that the cable routing is as good as it can be and not binding anywhere. I do an annual "spring cleaning" under that left side cover and it includes lubing these things.

None of the "improved" clutch parts that Mike's sells will ease lever pull with the possible exception of the worm gear, and that's only if yours is worn out. Don't buy their clutch cable, it's junk.

 

[CDNTX650]

Before you buy anything from mikes...double check the mikes parts review thread.

Sweet ride.

 

[jabcb]

Before you buy anything from mikes...double check the mikes parts review thread.

Sweet ride.

Thanks. Definitely something I need to know about.