75 US model - should it have a grab rail

[AlanW]

Just acquired a low mileage 1975 US spec XS650B. It has a non standard grab rail / sissy bar attached. Should the bike have a grab rail as standard for e.g. lifting the bike onto the centre stand? I’m a newbie so apologies if this has been discussed. I couldn’t find a reference with the search option.
any info and advice appreciated.

 

[650Skull]

early frames 74 to 78 Standards should have a handle on the left hand side of the frame near the rear indicator for lifting the bike onto the side stand.............in 79 the bike got a passengers grab rail that removed the frame grab rail


74TXA

76XSC

78XSF

 

[AlanW]

That’s great - thanks. just noticed there are a couple of holes in the frame so mine looks like it has been removed!! Presume it’s welded onto the frame?

 

[jetmechmarty]

Presume it’s welded onto the frame?

 

[5twins]

Yes, it's welded to the frame .....

 

[AlanW]

Thanks. I’ll speak to my local fabrication shop to reinstate.

 

[Tinker Taylor]

Hi, @AlanW I was curious if you were shooting for a full restoration?
'TT'

 

[AlanW]

TT. - no but it seems such an original bike - apart from the frame “modification“. shame.

 

[AlanW]

So I visited my local bike shop today - they specialise in older machines, especially Yamaha 2 strokes- and there was a 75 UK spec XS waiting for some work to be done. I took a look and that also has had the lifting handle removed from the back of the frame!! So is it a common “mod”??
and, if it is, does anyone have one sitting in their workshop that I could have?

 

[jetmechmarty]

So is it a common “mod”??

I think indiscriminately cutting XS650s all to pieces is a common mod. As far as focusing on that handle, I can't imagine why.

 

[nj1639]

I think indiscriminately cutting XS650s all to pieces is a common mod. As far as focusing on that handle, I can't imagine why.

Aftermarket rear carrier for one and adding a chrome grab rail for another.

 

[Tinker Taylor]

Curious about this coincidence. Is it possible the UK/European model was shipped without the handle, possibly?
'TT'

 

[arcticXS]

I think indiscriminately cutting XS650s all to pieces is a common mod. As far as focusing on that handle, I can't imagine why.

Aftermarket rear carrier for one and adding a chrome grab rail for another.

Exactly. When fitting a "Denfeld" luggage rack/ pannier holders to my 77, I had to remove that handle. But I did keep it should I change my mind. One could wish Yamaha had used a bolt on chrome rail instead, like on the RD 350. I guess that would have added a small cost though.

 

[Kevin Werner]

My winter project is an 81. Absent the rear loop for tailight there is no handle. I will cut this loop 1 to 1 1/2 inches aft of the rear mount . Then I have a grab handle for lifting and a place to attach bungees.

 

[xjwmx]

My winter project is an 81.

That looks like a Special II grab bar, which will just bolt on an '81. I thought there was plenty of space around it for tying things on. Also, somebody was offering for free a nice sissy bar that would fit an '81

 

[Kevin Werner]

That looks like a Special II grab bar, which will just bolt on an '81. I thought there was plenty of space around it for tying things on. Also, somebody was offering for free a nice sissy bar that would fit an '81

Yes, Special II. I have a sissy bar N/C, I think the shipping would be problematic. The box dimensions get pretty big. I took it to a shipper and it measured out to $50 or $70.

 

[xjwmx]

I don't get what your plan is in the picture and what you want to achieve. I didn't remember who had the sissy bar. Very gracious of you to offer it up.

 

[Kevin Werner]

I don't get what your plan is in the picture and what you want to achieve. I didn't remember who had the sissy bar. Very gracious of you to offer it up.

I will use the shock mount to rear frame mount section as a grab handle. Shortly after of the rear mount I will cut. Cover the end and call it done. Non stock taillight.