XS2 scrambler build

[ramer0909]

just picked up these 2 yesterday they were sitting in a shed since 1984. the 650 was 100% there I have the carbs soaking that's why they are not in the pictures. the 400 doesn't have a rear-wheel which made getting it out of the shed take an hour. Besides the rear wheel, the headlight is missing but everything else is there. I plan to turn one into a scrambler/ tracker. then part out the other. Which would you guys keep and why? I have done a couple of eBay searches and it looks like getting parts for the 650 is going to be difficult. but it already has 2 wheels. I know either way I have a lot of wrenching to do.

 

[GLJ]

The 650 looks to be a 72 XS2, very collectable. You might want to do some research on it. The frames are not the strongest 650 frames that were made. If you decide to part it out PM me.
Myself I would restore the 650 and part the other one out.

 

[Jim]

Which would you guys keep and why?

Both. Why? Why not....
The little 400 makes a good little "around town bomber." We have a sister site for it.... XS400.com It's not as active as this site, but you'll find your answers there.
The XS2's are getting harder and harder to find. Restore it to it's original glory. There's a few threads on here for help and inspiration for a resto.
Btw. Parts for either ain't that hard to come by. Ask questions here and someone will have a source for what you need.
Oh.... and welcome to the forum.

 

[ramer0909]

Thanks for the reply. My main concern with restoring the 650 is all the chrome is rusty or has the weird green rust on it. What would be the best websites to find parts for the 650? I purchased a key off eBay but can't seem to find a carb rebuild kit.

 

[Jan_P]

The 650 twin is a well proven working concept And has been around. Forever and I believe it will be around Forever.
It is large enough ( aeehum..mm) for a little longer tours...
You can bring the wife to the cafe should she want to come along.
It is quick enough for some inspired riding even if this one might benefit from a softer touch.
Whereas the 400 is to small in both all categories what i hear.
Here you would have a hard time trying to sell one without a wheel .
Very few are interested on the grounds above.. I have seen Cafe racer builds looking cool
But overall few interested.
So the solution
Restore the 650 and stash the 400 away. For a while.
Or try to find a user for the 400 I would expect that to be difficult Have tried with a Honda 400
Low mileage but rusty.
No takers ended scrapping it.

 

[Jim]

What would be the best websites to find parts for the 650?

You're kidding... right?
You're already at the best website to find parts... or more correctly, where to ask about parts. There's quiet a few aftermarket places and a fair bit of OEM parts are still available. As I said, ask and someone will point you in the right direction. Start a build thread in the garage and ask your questions there.
There's too many to list here, but this is a screen grab of my "parts" folder. Lot's of places for XS parts.

 

[ramer0909]

Seems like 650 is deferentially the better bike. I have a 74 honda cb550 witch would be fun racing. I'm only 15 so no concern about having room for a passenger. I kept my CB stock since it was in pretty good condition. but I really have an itch for a cafe racer/ scrambler.

 

[ramer0909]

You're kidding... right?
You're already at the best website to find parts... or more correctly, where to ask about parts. There's quiet a few aftermarket places and a fair bit of OEM parts are still available. As I said, ask and someone will point you in the right direction. Start a build thread in the garage and ask your questions there.
There's too many to list here, but this is a screen grab of my "parts" folder. Lot's of places for XS parts.


View attachment 193524

Thanks for the picture I am about to order 2 carb rebuild kits from Mikes XS

 

[GLJ]

I've used Mikes carb kit in my 72. Make sure you compare the needles real close. The ones in kits I've gotten were not the same as my originals.
You should also get throttle shaft seals.

 

[GLJ]

Before rebuilding the carbs I would suggest going to the Tech section and read up on them.

 

[jetmechmarty]

I have an alternative opinion. The 650 is collectible. You should be able to get some money for it. I suggest selling it and use the funds to make something of the XS400. I think the 400 could make a nice custom on a low budget. Especially, if you’ve not done this before, the 650 could be a more intimidating project and might give you the most value in its current state.

 

[ramer0909]

I have an alternative opinion. The 650 is collectible. You should be able to get some money for it. I suggest selling it and use the funds to make something of the XS400. I think the 400 could make a nice custom on a low budget. Especially, if you’ve not done this before, the 650 could be a more intimidating project and might give you the most value in its current state.

Would it be better to sell it complete or part it out? what would be the big-ticket items if I parted it out?

 

[halfmile]

The whole thing evolve`s around the "Title". If you don`t have the title`s put both of them on eBait or FB at stupid prices, sell them and buy a tracker or scrambler already built with a title.

 

[jetmechmarty]

The whole thing evolve`s around the "Title". If you don`t have the title`s put both of them on eBait or FB at stupid prices, sell them and buy a tracker or scrambler already built with a title.

Of course, this depends upon where you are. Many states don’t require a title for something that old. If you don’t have a title, you should find out if it’s required. There’s certainly a market for a complete XS-2 if it has the proper paper. It’s a lot easier than parting it out.

 

[ramer0909]

They Guy I bought it from is a family friend when I went to pick up the bike he didn't have the title but I am 90% I will be able to get it. I bought 2 other bikes from him and we picked the titles up a couple of weeks after. I know I only have a couple of photos of it but what would you say it's worth?

 

[GLJ]

Need better pics.
Title will make hundreds of $s difference. To some guys no title = no sale. To others it's about the dollars and hassles of getting one in their state.
Don't get your hopes up too high about the price.

 

[jetmechmarty]

but what would you say it's worth

There are too many variables for me, including your location.

 

[cra-z1]

Nice find on the XS2. I would restore it if possible(anything is possible if you throw a bunch of money at it). It depends on what you consider restored. I would get the 400 in running condition and sell it to help finance the XS2. Part of the restoration process is the satisfaction you get once the thing is in running order. I can tell you it can be an expensive process. Took me 2 years to complete mine. I also have a 74 CB550 in the restoration process and has some very expensive problems. You need to commit the money from the start if you have any chance to complete it.

Did I read it right that you are only 15. Is that 15 years old or a typo

 

[Jan_P]

The value and difficulties depends on
The first thing I would look at would be the odometer mileage
Then the exhausts.
The the tank.
I have seen high prices asked for exhausts and tanks here in Europe.
So please check the prices on the market for those before selling anything.

 

[kshansen]

They Guy I bought it from is a family friend when I went to pick up the bike he didn't have the title but I am 90% I will be able to get it. I bought 2 other bikes from him and we picked the titles up a couple of weeks after. I know I only have a couple of photos of it but what would you say it's worth?

Well if this "family friend" was the last person to have the bikes licensed in Virginia then it should not be too big a job to get a replacement title.

Several years ago I came into possession of a bike that had been registered and titled in Virginia but the person I got it from did not have the title. Seems the bike had been taken to a dealer for some repair work and guy never came back for it, story was he had died somehow. I contacted the Virginia DMV and they gave me the address the title showed for the owner. I was told to send a registered letter with the title application to that address. Requesting a return if not deliverable. Then once the letter came back as undeliverable stamped by Post Office I had to send that unopened letter to the DMV. I believe thy den did a stolen vehicle check on it and when that came back as "None Found" they issued me a new title. Forget the total cost but was not that much, I'm sure it was under $100.00.

On the other hand I also got a XS400 with no title but it was last registered here in NY. I knew the name of the guy who last registered it but he had dropped off the radar and New York did not offer me any easy way around it on this bike so I ended up selling it to a guy near Binghamton, NY who had several 400's and he wanted it just for parts.