Beginner looking to purchase first bike

[notthechef]

Hey all - I'm new to the site and bikes in general. I'm looking to buy my first and take a rider safety. I've come across an XS650 special that I am considering as my first bike. The seller says it has all new fluids as well as a new oil filter, fuel filter, new tires front and rear, and a new battery with a clean title and original paperwork. The only thing missing is the gas cap. About 11k miles.

Any feedback/thoughts would be appreciated! It looks to be in good condition and a very fair price - asking $1200.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Its been a long time]

Welcome to the nuthouse. On the assumption that you have some experience on smaller bikes, an XS650 makes a great first bigger bike. I don't know what your expectations are, but don't expect to just pour fuel in the tank and expect it to be like a modern bike. As long as you know what to expect, you'll enjoy owning it. Good luck.

 

[Downeaster]

Not a bad choice at all for a first bike. Relatively small and light (by today's standards) with adequate power, suspension and brakes. The mild state of tune means it's understressed and will last basically forever with routine maintenance.

Potential downsides for a new rider with limited mechanical experience are the fact that it's carbureted (vice fuel injected) which will likely require periodic adjustment and maintenance. That appears to be a late enough model that it will have TCI (electronic ignition vice breaker points) which in itself is a double-edged sword: When it works its trouble and maintenance free, but when it breaks, parts can be hard to come by.

In short, if you are willing to learn and tinker, it will make a great bike for you.

 

[notthechef]

Welcome to the nuthouse. On the assumption that you have some experience on smaller bikes, an XS650 makes a great first bigger bike. I don't know what your expectations are, but don't expect to just pour fuel in the tank and expect it to be like a modern bike. As long as you know what to expect, you'll enjoy owning it. Good luck.

This will actually be the bike I learn to ride on - so no experience previously. I'm looking for a good bike to learn the ins and outs of mechanically - something to tinker with and grow with. Thanks!

 

[Its been a long time]

This will actually be the bike I learn to ride on - so no experience previously. I'm looking for a good bike to learn the ins and outs of mechanically - something to tinker with and grow with. Thanks!

OK understood. Have you actually tried this bike? These things literally shake everything. Everything. Including every part of you. I honestly think you should try it before buying it, even if it's a short 5 yard trip along the sellers drive. These bikes aren't trouble free, even 45 years ago they had some known issues. All are very fixable but it does require some skill and knowledge. Not trying to dissaude you but trying to help with what you expect from a 45 year old 650 Yamaha. All the best!

 

[notthechef]

OK understood. Have you actually tried this bike? These things literally shake everything. Everything. Including every part of you. I honestly think you should try it before buying it, even if it's a short 5 yard trip along the sellers drive. These bikes aren't trouble free, even 45 years ago they had some known issues. All are very fixable but it does require some skill and knowledge. Not trying to dissaude you but trying to help with what you expect from a 45 year old 650 Yamaha. All the best!

I appreciate the tips! All great information to know.

 

[Its been a long time]

I appreciate the tips! All great information to know.

All the best, whatever you finally decide to do!

 

[gggGary]

only thing missing is the gas cap

Looks like a pretty nice bike at that price but...........Sorry, a gas cap is not all that it needs.
That's a classic no matter how much he did, there was another thing needed doing, and he's tired of working on it, wants to ride this summer, ad.
There will be a 20 line list of needs doing yet. Is that how you want to spend THIS summer? If so have at it but For a "wants to learn mechanics" guy start with a bike that runs, shifts, stops rides "fine", lights all work charging system is good. THAT bike will also nickle and dime you for a while. But at least you stand a chance of some fun, learning to ride before wrenching a "bunch".
After several hundred used bikes I might have some idea of how this will go.
All that said If you pull the trigger we are all here to help. Including getting you "just a gas cap".

 

[Its been a long time]

Looks like a pretty nice bike at that price but...........Sorry, a gas cap is not all that it needs.
That's a classic no matter how mach he did, there was another thing needed doing, and he's tired of working on it, wants to ride this summer.
There will be a 20 line list of needs doing yet. Is that how you want to spend THIS summer? If so have at it but For a "wants to learn mechanics" guy start with a bike that runs, shifts, stops rides "fine", lights all work charging system is good. THAT bike will also nickle and dime you for a while. But at least you stand a chance of some fun, learning to ride before wrenching a "bunch".
After several hundred used bikes I might have some idea of how this will go.
All that said If you pull the trigger we are all here to help. Including getting you "just a gas cap".

Well said, 100% agree. Most important thing is to fully overhaul the 45 year old brakes. They weren't great 45 years ago. And your life depends on them. And....... remember that the disc brakes on this era of Japanese bike don't work well when it rains. There's like 3 second delay when the front disc is wet! We can help with that, but that's just one thing to bear in mind.

 

[notthechef]

Looks like a pretty nice bike at that price but...........Sorry, a gas cap is not all that it needs.
That's a classic no matter how mach he did, there was another thing needed doing, and he's tired of working on it, wants to ride this summer.
There will be a 20 line list of needs doing yet. Is that how you want to spend THIS summer? If so have at it but For a "wants to learn mechanics" guy start with a bike that runs, shifts, stops rides "fine", lights all work charging system is good. THAT bike will also nickle and dime you for a while. But at least you stand a chance of some fun, learning to ride before wrenching a "bunch".
After several hundred used bikes I might have some idea of how this will go.
All that said If you pull the trigger we are all here to help. Including getting you "just a gas cap".

Ha, I definitely don't expect it to *actually* just need a gas cap and to not need to put time and work into it. That's part of what I am interested in anyways, otherwise I'd be looking at a newer bike that actually needed nothing. Appreciate it!

 

[gggGary]

Ha, I definitely don't expect it to *actually* just need a gas cap and to not need to put time and work into it. That's part of what I am interested in anyways, otherwise I'd be looking at a newer bike that actually needed nothing. Appreciate it!

That's fine as long as you are eyes open and not afraid of standing stranded alongside the road a few times while you learn the ropes.
Read through this thread https://www.xs650.com/threads/367 for some hints on XS ownership.
found with LOTS of other info for the XS rider in tech menu.
If it starts the headlight should come on, and get bright when the motor is revved a bit. (shows the charging system works)
It should idle, run, and go through the gears smoothly with little or no smoke out the exhaust.

 

[grouchie83]

I learned to ride on my Dad's previously now my XS. Buddy took me out to an abandoned parking lot at the end of some old industrial park and showed me the ropes.

Rode it for years (without ever getting my Class M, foolishly) before thinking someday my luck would run out and Johhny Law would stop me only to discover I had no Class M.

Trailered it to my local DMV to try for my Class M, failed (the braking killed me, as others have said).

Signed up for a rider course like you're suggesting. They put me on a little Suzuki TU250x. Liked it so much I ended up buying a brand new one afterwards.

Eventually traded that little 250 in for a Triumph Speed Twin 900.

Long story short is you can probably learn to ride on it just fine, but it may be easier to try for your Class M on a smaller bike with modern brakes and not worn-out suspension and steering bearings.

I still have the XS, and am in the process of rebuilding the motor and then making a hardtail out of it.

My modern Triumph is basically a British XS, since from what I understand, in 1977 the XS was essentially a Japanese Bonneville.

 

[grouchie83]

Also, I might add that I ended up attaching two ammocans as saddlebags, and carried around spare clutch cables and tools and rags. Kinda frustrating when the cable snaps and you gotta call a buddy with a trailer and wait and hope Johnny Law doesn't stop and see what the deal is only to discover that you don't have a Class M.

 

[zrx1100]

BTW, in the same family, a late XS400 is a good starter bike. The ignition is electronic, alternator does not need brushes, timing chain adjusts on its own, pistons do not rise at the same time, so shakes much less and, overall, a mild machine. good luck!

 

[jetmechmarty]

That bike looks like it hasn’t suffered much outdoor storage. That’s a plus.

The XS650 was my first bike. I still ride it, still love it. When I got mine, it was brand new. Even so, there was a lot more TLC involved than a new bike today. The chain, sprockets and tires didn’t last the first year. You are going to have to learn and understand the charging system and the carburetors. Your experience might not be good if you don’t. Put up those long winters can be a problem and I assume no alternative to ethanol fuel in New York. Proper winter storage will be imperative.

A slightly used RE Interceptor would be pretty cheap and much less maintenance.

Hey! That 650 Special is the real deal. I’ve been enjoying mine for 42 years!

 

[Jim]

You're asking a bunch of old bastards souls who own XS650's and spend all their friggin' free time posting... on an XS650 forum. So yeah... of course we love our bikes. Take that with a grain of salt.

Having said that, I agree with about everything said here. As long as you go into it knowing damn good and well that sellers lie and a $1200 bike is a... well, $1200 bike. It's gonna need work. If you're willing to learn, and put in the hours studying things like the carb guide and Tech Section, then yeah, go for it.

Since you can't ride it, I'd suggest finding a buddy that can take it for a spin. Someone who's either familiar with these ol' 360° twins, or is willing to study a bit before hand so he knows their quirks.

Someone mentioned above... the XS400 would be a good starter bike. I've owned 2 or 3 of 'em and I agree, they're great little bikes. The down side is parts and experienced forum members are hard to come by.
Not the 650. Parts are plentiful and the experience here on the forum is second to none.

Please keep us informed?

 

[Pat D]

Also, I might add that I ended up attaching two ammocans as saddlebags, and carried around spare clutch cables and tools and rags. Kinda frustrating when the cable snaps and you gotta call a buddy with a trailer and wait and hope Johnny Law doesn't stop and see what the deal is only to discover that you don't have a Class M.

I was on my way to the first show after I finished my initial "restore" on my '74, and the clutch cable went away about 15 miles from home. Fortunately I "staged" the trailer and tow vehicle where the folks could easily jump in and come get me. Too many antique cars have taught me to expect a stranding.

 

[Jan_P]

Not sure if mentioned but it looks as if the cylinder head gasket is leaking which is not uncommon
I suppose one can try re torque .but might not help .
Then it is a matter of taking the engine out which is a large job
Not everyone want to do
And can be used for price negotiation

The seller is talking about new tires not so important new fluids ? Not much -- Oil filter barely is one Fuel filter the same
Sounds a s a car sales person not really into bikes.
Will it run at all .Without gas cap ? Has it been sitting for a long time ?

Charging check Listening for rattles and look for smoke
Go through all gears
Perhaps a friend can come along and test-ride

 

[nj1639]

Appears to have tape over the gas tank fill opening? The tank needs venting for the fuel to flow properly…..it’d be funny if the current owner is having issues with the bike shutting down for no apparent reason.

Yeah, seeing the clocks still showing red is a plus.

 

[notthechef]

Thanks everyone for your advice! It's been helpful - I'm going to wait on the 650 and go smaller for now. I tend to be a "go big or go home" person but a first bike probably isn't the place for that.

I'm going to look at a 2005 xv250 tomorrow. Maybe the XS650 will happen down the road.