75 XS650

[TommyT]

I just bought this beauty. Im discovering it's quirks, such as it has a frame from 1980, like the seat, and the swept back mini-apes. The rest looks like a 1975. It has had two previous owners, both were wrenchers. It has 25k miles on the clock. The clutch adjustment is hard to get right, finding neutral while running isnt happening. And it has stainless steel pipes. I've never seen stainless pipes after riding since a teen. Should I get stainless mufflers?

 

[Jim]

Welcome aboard!
Give us the VIN (you can black out the last 4 numbers if you're paranoid ) and we can figure out just what you have.
From the looks of the pic, it's an '80 SII with a '75 tank and badging on the sidecovers.

 

[Jim]

1980 Special II

 

[TommyT]

I just bought this beauty. Im discovering it's quirks, such as it has a frame from 1980, like the seat, and the swept back mini-apes. The rest looks like a 1975. It has had two previous owners, both were wrenchers. It has 25k miles on the clock. The clutch adjustment is hard to get right, finding neutral while running isnt happening. And it has stainless steel pipes. I've never seen stainless pipes after riding since a teen. Should I get stainless mufflers?

VIN 3G0004099

 

[TommyT]

1980 Special II


View attachment 367182

I would say the 75 gas tank and side covers were put on a Special II

 

[TommyT]

I have a Harley forward control roadster. For this ride I'm going for the Bonne-killer look not a HD cuiser. I will replace the handlebars and seat for a more authentic 75 look. Fun

 

[Jim]

At the top of the page is a button for the TECH menu. Get to know the Tech section well, it's a gold mine of information.

Here's what Tech tells us....
Very first line on this page. 3G0-004..... a 1980 XS-G. Otherwise known as a Special II.

 

[Jim]

75 gas tank and side covers were put on a Special II

'75 uses different side covers. Those are from the '80 SII with the '75 decals applied.

 

[Jim]

Btw, the alerts at the top of the page are very slow the show up. Hitting your browsers refresh button periodically will bring the alerts up in real time.

 

[650Skull]

I just bought this beauty. Im discovering it's quirks, such as it has a frame from 1980, like the seat, and the swept back mini-apes. The rest looks like a 1975. It has had two previous owners, both were wrenchers. It has 25k miles on the clock. The clutch adjustment is hard to get right, finding neutral while running isnt happening. And it has stainless steel pipes. I've never seen stainless pipes after riding since a teen. Should I get stainless mufflers?

Tank if from an original 75, about the only thing. The rest is straight up 80G/SII as Jim points out.

Fist link in the tech menu or 4th link in the garage part of the forum. Gives detailed ID/Vins and handy links to common problems found

 

[jetmechmarty]

Here’s a simple solution for your seat. It’s a direct no modification seat replacement for your Special II.

https://texavina.com/1978-1979-yama...profile-cafe-racer-motorcycle-seat-sku-l7063/