I'm looking for a 70s xs to restore/modify is there any huge downside to a US import as there seems to be a fair amount about.
Exactly mate, that's why I'd rather one that isn't a UK or pristine example. I'm not setting my budget for the bike itself very high so I'm a bit limited as to what's availableA U.S. import is probably going to be your best bet.
Alegedly an original UK spec bike in original condition is worth more than a grey import, but what the hell, if you're going to mutilate it anyway - who cares ?
If you are modifying, buy an import. US prices will undercut any UK machine even when import taxes are taken in to account.I'm looking for a 70s xs to restore/modify is there any huge downside to a US import as there seems to be a fair amount about.
That was what I wondered, I'd also rather not mess with a decent standard UK bikeIf you are modifying, buy an import. US prices will undercut any UK machine even when import taxes are taken in to account.
Originality is immaterial in your case. My bike was an import and has continued to be modified during my ownership.
Fair comment Grewth. I agree any bike in original clean condition should be preserved. As you say there are tons of usable machines in the US which would make a great candidate for Dom's project.I'd rather people didn't mess with a decent, standard US market bike either.
It sort of rankles with me that a motorcycle has survived intact and unmolested for 40+ years in the US.
It then gets shipped to the UK and three weeks later its frame gets sawn in half.
There are plenty of abandoned projects, badly modified, or just stripped down into a million parts bikes out there to go at.
But the proverbial "blank sheet of canvas" seems to have an irresistable attraction.
So another perfectly restorable 650 Special gets chopped up.
Honestly mate I'm not intending using a tidy bike but would rather one that isn't a rust bucket. A US import or former US bike in tatty condition at the right price would be fine by me. They did make over half a million so it's not like its a rare model even nowWell I can't stop people from buying nice tidy original bikes and then chopping them up.
The 650 Special seems to be the favourite candidate because firstly they fetch less at auction than a "standard", and secondly because they already have a 16" rear wheel fitted.
The upside for me is that all the good parts that get junked in the process of building the ultra cool lowrider or whatever usually end up on eBay and sell very cheaply.
Forget about DK Spares prices, what your 650 Special seat will fetch in the real world is probably a third of that.
So my loft and shed are stuffed full of good Special parts - I've got enough to last me the rest of my lifetime already.
I like Specials. My garage is full of them. I think mine is pretty nice. It's certainly a well loved stock bike. Truth is, after I'm gone, who will there be to keep it going? So, what difference does it make?So another perfectly restorable 650 Special gets chopped up.
Do your thing Dom! Who cares what the crowd thinks?So much of this group is about chopping up XS650's I wasn't aware I would cause offense by suggesting I might lightly modify one
To be honest as modifications go I think it will be as simple as wider lower handle bars, care racer style seat and rear end tidy up, smaller front mudguard and slight lowering of the suspension. So mild.Do your thing Dom! Who cares what the crowd thinks?
View attachment 222355
I get endless crap about my handlebars. Do you think I care? Keep it coming. I like the attention.
No! You may not buy my bike and modify it!
Do your thing Dom! Who cares what the crowd thinks?
View attachment 222355
I get endless crap about my handlebars. Do you think I care? Keep it coming. I like the attention.
No! You may not buy my bike and modify it!