Trying to figure out what year my bike is

[vdubplate]

I just got a new donor bike today without a title and I'm trying to figure out what year it is. I have read in the past that the serial is under the bike on the frame. I went under there with a flashlight a few minutes ago and there is a ton of muck so I wiped some of it away but no dice. Does anyone know the exact whereabouts of this numba? Thanks in advance for the help guys.

- John

 

[deadchef]

check the vin number up on the neck. then go to the tech section here...

http://www.xs650.com/forum/showthread.php?t=42

 

[vdubplate]

Thanks, Ill do that now

 

[jamesgs4]

there is also a serial # on the front of the engine.

 

[vdubplate]

I found my serials and I checked that link. So am I supposed to have one of those serials or or is it if i am between numbers than that is the year I have? The reason I'm asking is I have two bikes one I have papers for and its a 75. The other has a similar number and if I am between numbers on that sheet than I should be within a year of the 75. Thing is the engine is different

 

[gggGary]

Yup the number listed is the first serial number for that year, they go up from there.

 

[vdubplate]

Strange, you would think that the engines would be a lot more similar. I have to check over the engines to see if they were swapped. One bike has a window to check oil wile the other doesn't. One had a different look where the cam chain tension adjustment would go.