Why the XS 650?

[goodgollyjosh]

Why would anyone dislike the sound of a 650 Yamaha?

Well, It is just a matter of opinion, and I am sure I stand alone on this one. The engine sounds a little flat to me. I came from a background of feather weight components. The type that when you snap the throttle it will startle you if you aren't expecting it. I am hoping with my build to make something that will have a little pop.

 

[oldbiker]

hi guys well about back in 1997-8 i was doing moulding machine plant maintenance.. and that year i got a tax cheque.. so i put it in the bank turned it into cash $1400,,, i lined up a guy i knew and he went to the bike shop to have a look.. ,,he took it for a ride up to the black spur the other side of healesville.. and i heard him leave and heard him coming back,,, he rectoned the frame was bent.... so the mechanic put a string ling along the frame ..to prove to both of us it wasn,t bent ,,, they did a roadworthy and delivered to my place and it sat the the back family room for 12 months.. then i got around to riding it and i,ve enjoyed it ever since...regards oldbiker

 

[nj1639]

Well, It is just a matter of opinion, and I am sure I stand alone on this one. The engine sounds a little flat to me. I came from a background of feather weight components. The type that when you snap the throttle it will startle you if you aren't expecting it. I am hoping with my build to make something that will have a little pop.

On the two that I have....one is set up with- or equivalent to- Mikes Commando headers and muffs. The other is with the cut Special headers and the Dunstall repro muffs. Damn son! I wouldn't change a thing for the sound and performance.....I'd throw them onto a hardtailed frame and call it done.....piss on open pipes and shorties......2 cents Yo.

 

[VosaME]

For me, it is all about the engine. Full ball and roller bearings throughout, air cooled, overhead cam, it is like a mechanics wet dream. In addition, there is a very large and friendly group of people that support and maintain them. Lots of parts are available, in fact it is almost to the point that if you have a neck and an engine you can buy the rest new!

There are even some locals that can help out and go for rides with, I take it you are in the Portland area?

 

[650Skull]

Because i just liked the look of them. After owning one since 1990 i have found them to be reliable and just nice to ride long or short distances. They have a sound that says it is a no bones bike and I always though it would become a classic one day and now i have my classic vehicle that is a usable asset.

That is when i get the bloody thing finally fixed and back on the road

 

[1974jh5]

I like the racing heritage and the sound. They are also a lot like the Brit vertical twins only a lot more reliable. On styling: I like the early bikes but the later 'Specials' leave me sorta cold. The great thing is they can look like the earlier bikes without a massive amount of work. I think that's what I like best, they are the ultimate 'blank sheet'.

Performance: they are plenty fast enough to get you thrown in jail. The handling stock leaves a bit to be desired but can be made a lot better with stiffer springs and a fork brace.

Reliability: they are much more reliable than the Brit twins they are compared to a lot.