Another new member

[Tiggertoo]

Hi folks,

I’ve been lurking on the site for some time and, after taking delivery of my new (to me) ’79 XS650 Special last weekend, I have now become a member.

I purchased my bike from a UK Royal Enfield dealership who had taken it in as a part ex from a customer. The bike has been (mostly) restored in the last couple of years. I don’t have much of its history (yet) but it was imported from the US in 2021, restored and UK registered.
The bike starts and runs great on my first test ride, but there are a few issues to get sorted;
Some popping/misfiring on RH cylinder on deceleration or rolling off the throttle – need to adjust mixture screw a bit richer and check carb balance I think.
When hot, the clutch creeps and unable to change gear at a standstill – will try adjusting the clutch as the lever has a bit too much slack.
Gave it a good looking over and found an exhaust mounting bolt loose and halfway out. (Note to self - buy some Loctite!).
More worrying was when I took the side panels off to check the condition of the air filters – there weren’t any fitted! Filters are now on order.
The factory toolkit and owners manual were missing and I only have one key – trying to source a new key locally, if not I will order one online.
Its been sat at the dealership for around 9-10 months and I don’t know when the last oil change was done (though it looks pretty clear) so I’ll be doing an oil change and checking the oil filters when I get the time.
Apart from these little niggles I am well pleased with it

 

[Its been a long time]

Well done. Looks like a new bike.

 

[JOHNDADDY]

Very nice!
Looks to be in really good shape.
Welcome.

 

[Adamc]

Hi folks,

I’ve been lurking on the site for some time and, after taking delivery of my new (to me) ’79 XS650 Special last weekend, I have now become a member.

I purchased my bike from a UK Royal Enfield dealership who had taken it in as a part ex from a customer. The bike has been (mostly) restored in the last couple of years. I don’t have much of its history (yet) but it was imported from the US in 2021, restored and UK registered.
The bike starts and runs great on my first test ride, but there are a few issues to get sorted;
Some popping/misfiring on RH cylinder on deceleration or rolling off the throttle – need to adjust mixture screw a bit richer and check carb balance I think.
When hot, the clutch creeps and unable to change gear at a standstill – will try adjusting the clutch as the lever has a bit too much slack.
Gave it a good looking over and found an exhaust mounting bolt loose and halfway out. (Note to self - buy some Loctite!).
More worrying was when I took the side panels off to check the condition of the air filters – there weren’t any fitted! Filters are now on order.
The factory toolkit and owners manual were missing and I only have one key – trying to source a new key locally, if not I will order one online.
Its been sat at the dealership for around 9-10 months and I don’t know when the last oil change was done (though it looks pretty clear) so I’ll be doing an oil change and checking the oil filters when I get the time.
Apart from these little niggles I am well pleased with it

Welcome. Nice looking bike that seems to be all there. All you need to sort it is contained within this forum.
Keep us posted with progress and piccies.

 

[46th Georgia]

Hi folks,

I’ve been lurking on the site for some time and, after taking delivery of my new (to me) ’79 XS650 Special last weekend, I have now become a member.

I purchased my bike from a UK Royal Enfield dealership who had taken it in as a part ex from a customer. The bike has been (mostly) restored in the last couple of years. I don’t have much of its history (yet) but it was imported from the US in 2021, restored and UK registered.
The bike starts and runs great on my first test ride, but there are a few issues to get sorted;
Some popping/misfiring on RH cylinder on deceleration or rolling off the throttle – need to adjust mixture screw a bit richer and check carb balance I think.
When hot, the clutch creeps and unable to change gear at a standstill – will try adjusting the clutch as the lever has a bit too much slack.
Gave it a good looking over and found an exhaust mounting bolt loose and halfway out. (Note to self - buy some Loctite!).
More worrying was when I took the side panels off to check the condition of the air filters – there weren’t any fitted! Filters are now on order.
The factory toolkit and owners manual were missing and I only have one key – trying to source a new key locally, if not I will order one online.
Its been sat at the dealership for around 9-10 months and I don’t know when the last oil change was done (though it looks pretty clear) so I’ll be doing an oil change and checking the oil filters when I get the time.
Apart from these little niggles I am well pleased with it

Welcome aboard! Nice bike.

 

[DaveO]

Some popping/misfiring on RH cylinder on deceleration or rolling off the throttle – need to adjust mixture screw a bit richer and check carb balance I think.

The loose fitting of the exhaust might be the problem here. Leaks at exhaust or carburettor manifold can cause popping and banging.

Welcome. A great bunch guys here.

 

[jaybar6]

what year is it?

 

[Jim]

Very nice!

 

[Tiggertoo]

what year is it?

Hi Jabar6, funny you should ask that, it was first registered stateside in 1979 though looking through 650Skull's charts on here the engine/frame numbers say its a 1978 XS-2F (Code 3N0 - whatever that means!). Kinda makes sense as it was first registered Feb 1979, must have had a long voyage LOL

 

[jaybar6]

Hi Tiggertoo, Mine is also a 1978, but it is a roadster not a special. metallic green.

 

[650Skull]

Hi Jabar6, funny you should ask that, it was first registered stateside in 1979 though looking through 650Skull's charts on here the engine/frame numbers say its a 1978 XS-2F (Code 3N0 - whatever that means!). Kinda makes sense as it was first registered Feb 1979, must have had a long voyage LOL

I have to apologise. The ID chart is wrong. ID # and code, 3N0, is right, but the date is wrong. I tried to change it but the file wouldn't let me change it, (can see where I tried to black it out to change it), an I never got around to fixing it.

I would say it is a 79 2F/SII. They had Spoke wheels, 16" rear, 19" front. Your wheels have been changed to a Standard set, commonly called mud catchers, 19" front, 18" rear.

Another tell it is a 79 is, the 78 year had 2 models a Standard and a Special model with a dusk brake rear wheel. It had 2 mounting tabs cut into the frame for the rear MC. From what I can see, your frame has not had them. Special II's first came out in 79 in the US

 

[jetmechmarty]

Welcome!

The exhaust looks aftermarket from here. Your bike has a few part swaps. The original foot rests were black, not chrome. Side covers had decals, not those nice badges. It’s hard to say whether the changes happened over here or over there.

I have a G for comparison. It’s very close to what your bike was originally.