The US models didn't have straps, the same goes for the Kawasaki Z1 900 and other bikes of the 70's for the US market
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Are these bikes ever really done?
- Thread starter Mailman
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freddy3
XS650 Addict
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My OEM XS2, purchased from the original (US) owner in '75 (with less than 100 miles on the clock), has a strap. The US Yamaha XS2 sales brochure I posted previously shows the XS2 with a strap. So I reckon you must be right.
Perhaps it was a mid year change or dealer option... but not all US bikes had the strap.
Interesting
XS2 road test. Cycle World, Nov 1971..... no strap.
Hey Jim - I have "The Great Road Machine" original on paper, framed behind glass! One of my buddies took it down off his brother's wall, stating something like, "you don't have one of these bikes but my friend John does so I'm giving it to him". I wouldn't be surprised because this buddy of mine is a pretty good smart-ass. I'm glad his brother didn't argue. It lives in my office near my xs650.com calendar.
Wirenutt
XS650 Addict
In my case, when I think I'm done, (my SG is the reliable tractor) I find, or a friend of mine finds, another one that needs TLC. So far, I'm up to 4 XSs, my SG tractor, my 76 hot rod that's 95% done, and now I have a 78, (all 3 are complete, original, barn finds). Plus I have an 81 that was part-way into a cafe mod, that I think I'll change course on it and make it a dual-sport. So the answer is, even when you're done, another one comes up behind you and tugs on your shirt and says, "Please take me home and make me live again."
Yamaha had some great adds back in the day. I haven't done an adequate search but they might be thread worthy.
Did they really think the XS was smooth in them days? Or was that copywriter's licence?
Smooth is a relative term.
In it's day it was no better or worse than most bikes of the time. Obviously Honda and the beginning of the UJM would drastically change what we had and what we expected in a motorcycle... but in it's day the vibes were pretty unremarkable. Harleys... big British twins and singles.... ever ride a BSA Goldstar?
Saying it had "smooth, broad powerband" was a pretty honest, unremarkable statement to make in '72.
Totally agree with you @46th Georgia
I too have owned / restored a number of old cars from ALVIS TD21 to MG’s, 80’s Fiats to Alfasuds. All were lovely to own but eclipsed by even the cheapest Dacia of today. How times have changed.
That Alvis must have been a thrill Adam! 3 litre straight 6, 4 speed automatic, interior like a men's club drawing room and a body like Gina Lollobrigida. I can live without ABS and sat nav.
I dont think these bikes ever will be done.
I have used old " Last owner " Bikes and have been prepared to do a lot often.
Putting in time rather than money.
The bike was ready once .. And after that it is a downhill affair towards the scrap heap
With effort and money one can drag out on it but if you use it There will be leaks and things to do.
Sooner or later one drops it or worse crash.
Further on in time more problems. Until the exit happens and something else is needed.
I would not like the bike to be ready .. For me it is prime time quality life some Rock and Roll
In the spring sun .Figuring out how to solve a problem And do it. .Or polish
Main plan --- Nothing to the Shop.
Relaxing hobby forgetting other things.
I have used old " Last owner " Bikes and have been prepared to do a lot often.
Putting in time rather than money.
The bike was ready once .. And after that it is a downhill affair towards the scrap heap
With effort and money one can drag out on it but if you use it There will be leaks and things to do.
Sooner or later one drops it or worse crash.
Further on in time more problems. Until the exit happens and something else is needed.
I would not like the bike to be ready .. For me it is prime time quality life some Rock and Roll
In the spring sun .Figuring out how to solve a problem And do it. .Or polish
Main plan --- Nothing to the Shop.
Relaxing hobby forgetting other things.
Yeah, all of the above.
Except mine was a ratter, but all I could afford to join the club so to speak.
Could never afford the restoration costs, and just about kept it running.
But it was still my favourite car ever owned. Lost all the photos when my basement got flooded years ago. But will get a photo of a similar car to show.
One of the trends in vintage American cars is the resto-mod. As an example, you can take a '55'56-57 Chevy and fit all modern chassis and drivetrain components to the stock frame or there are companies that will build you an all new rolling chassis. Having said that, it will probably cost you 50-75k if you do the labor and 125k to how much ya' got, for a turnkey car.
Yep. From Dynacorn Mustang shells to turnkey new, classic Broncos. Bring ALL the money.
Well, that link certainly took ALL of the fun out of it. I expect men with that much money will have to keep coming back for service. I surmise there aren't many who can do mechanic work, or have the time or willingness.
