Some of the parts are getting a bit hard to find like tank,fenders and seat pans. Gages are going to be a problem also. I was lucky to come across two XS2 bikes that I purchased form someone who was going to restore. Between the two of them they had various problems. I would have liked
View attachment 114218 to restore both but common sense and funds came into play. I ended up taking the best of both. One of the engines was locked. The XS2 has a plug which I think they used to balance the starter gear on the crank. This plug came all the way out and locked the engine. When I looked at the second engine the plug was also loose and I could move it back and forth. Both engines had about 12,000 miles on them. The 447 engine does not use this plug and the gear is solid. I think this is the only problem with the XS2 256 engine other than the small end on the rod that 5 twins mentioned. I have seen many 447 rods with the same problem however. I have heard that some have been able to tighten this plug probably by peening the sides until it does not move, while this tightens the plug it does not correct the problem from happening again. To eliminate the problem I decided to use a 447 crank. I also wanted to keep the longer rod of the 256 engine. I purched NOS 256 rods and sent the crank to Falicon to be rebuilt using the 256 rods, new bearings, and had the crank welded. My intent was to keep the 256 characteristics. The 447 crank uses a different number of teeth at the crank sprocket. I wanted to keep the 256 cam so I sent the cam to Megacycle cams and had them install their press on collar which accepts their adjustable cam sprocket for the 447 engine. All the other cam parts were upgraded to the newer style engine. I also made rubber inserts for the front disc set up, so far so good. I think the XS2 is one of the best looking of the years
so if you come across one thats in resaonable shape I woluld jump on it. It may be a challenge if the parts are badly damaged.