Again Thankyou for your thoughtful responses...I have been in attendance of the VYR rally since 2010..It is always a treat..But last year for me was the biggest thrill..To see the place packed all with vintage yamahas and then also to learn and see all the wonderful XS/XJ650s and 550s and 400s and on...that were there... I must have counted a dozen bikes forsale everything from a XS650 to the Turbo Seca 650..to XS11s..BTW - if you come to the Iron Horse, I am sure you'll find a nice XS650 for sale. Bring your Maxim and you might even be able to make a good trade...
The XS650 really is a superb bike to boot around on, as stated by 5Twins. The other key point is that among this group there are so many helpful experts that no problem you ever experience will defeat you and finding parts is absolutely a piece of cake. About the only component that really is difficult to find is an original exhaust system. Other than that, everything else can either be found used, NOS (just type the original Yamaha part number into a Google search window on-line) or a new pattern part can be sourced from one or more vendors.
I bought a complete brand new wiring harness and both LH and RH handlebar switches for my 1976 XS650C from a vendor right here in Canada for less than $175 CDN all-in.
You'll likely be a bit surprised by the vibration after riding a four cylinder bike, but once the carbs are dialed in, they are really not that bad and the handling is very relaxed with a comfortable upright riding position, plenty of power and a beautiful exhaust note.
Pete
As for a trade..unfortunately i do not have a bike currently..The last bike i had was a 2007 Suzuki Bandit 1250S that I wrecked 1 month after the VYR last year...well at least i got to ride it there..so i have to save some $$$ and bide some time before i can again swing a leg over another bike...