Beginner question about parts

[stand_me_up]

Hi all. I'm looking to buy my first XS650 and I'm going to have a lot of questions, but I think this is the most important right now for me so I can narrow down my search. What got me looking at XS650's was hearing that they're easy to find parts for. I like having older project vehicles to work on, but looking for hard-to-find parts is my least favorite thing about a project. Now that I started looking at XS650's, I want to buy almost every one that I see - they're beautiful bikes. To my question: are the older models harder to find parts for than the newer ones, or will I have an easy time finding parts no matter which year I get? I'm currently looking at a '71 XS1B, for example, but there's a good chance I won't buy this bike (just because I want to learn more about them before I decide on one) so I'd like to know about all the model years for now.

Thanks in advance.

 

[5twins]

Yes, it is a bit harder to find parts for the early models, and they usually cost more too. For a first 650, I would stick with a '74 or newer model. This was the year the motor internals were changed and these "new" motors are called "447" motors. '73 and older ones are called "256" motors. This is based on the three numbers most of the part numbers begin with. Some parts remained the same and the "256" part numbers were carried over, but most of the part numbers on the newer motors start with "447".

 

[stand_me_up]

Thanks for the great info @5twins!

 

[spresser]

It also depends on where you are located. The US and UK have an abundance of parts as opposed to other countries.

I'm in Australia and have a hard time finding them. It's not impossible, there is just a lot less available, and I'm often needing to pay large shipping fees ordering from overseas.

 

[650Skull]

First thread is a fairly comprehensive post on the different models and changes from year to year. From 74 Yamaha changed the frame. Unless you want to spend a lot of money and time searching for hard to find parts, stay away from 70-73 bikes. Not saying don't get one of them, they are more likely to appreciate in value and they have more of an XS650 character, (some would contend), due to style and the early bikes had a bit more grunt due to the cam and Compression ratio that Yamaha played around with the first 3 or 4 years

There are 2 models Standard, (74-79), and Special (78-83/4). there was a Special and Standard model in 78 and 79. The frame from 74-83/4 is basically the same with different tabs to take the change between the Standard and Special models and the top mount for the rear shock. A lot of parts interchange between the 74 and 83/4 bikes.
https://www.xs650.com/threads/xs650...workshop-manuals-and-other-information.30569/


Just a how to on gauges and differences
https://www.xs650.com/threads/gauge...0-83-gauge-repair-honda-70-71-750-4-ko.52013/

carbs changed every 2 years, 70and 71 had changes within those 2 years, up to 74-75, carbs were separate with a throttle cable to each carb. 76-83 the carbs are linked with a single cable.........
70-79 the carbs, (BS38's), the jetting changed every 2 years, carbs need to be identified before re-jetting. Jet to the carb not the year of the bike
80-83/4 Yamaha changed the carbs to BS34's. These did not change after 1980 and the jetting stayed the same
https://www.xs650.com/threads/tentative-carb-id-layout.43392/

 

[toglhot]

Here's the model history: https://xs650.org.au/model-history/

Funny thing about XS650 parts being hard to find in Australia. I just dumped a whole heap of parts, after advertising them at giveaway prices for nearly three years, nobody wanted them, so they all went to land fill.

I managed to sell one set of carbs, seat lock, and two ally wheels. But, battery box, tachos, speedos, another set of carbs, seatpan, indicators, side covers, airbox, tail light, headlight, and a heap of other parts are now quietly rusting away six foot under.

 

[jetmechmarty]

Some of this club hate them, but Specials are the most plentiful. The ‘80 and later have a reliable crank triggered TCI (ignition). The 82 & 83 can present a more challenging restoration due to their particular cosmetic parts.

 

[stand_me_up]

This is loads of great information. Thanks, everyone. This gives me plenty to read up on after work today.

 

[650Skull]

Here's the model history: https://xs650.org.au/model-history/

Funny thing about XS650 parts being hard to find in Australia. I just dumped a whole heap of parts, after advertising them at giveaway prices for nearly three years, nobody wanted them, so they all went to land fill.

I managed to sell one set of carbs, seat lock, and two ally wheels. But, battery box, tachos, speedos, another set of carbs, seatpan, indicators, side covers, airbox, tail light, headlight, and a heap of other parts are now quietly rusting away six foot under.

Shame you didn't advertise on here, might have had better luck selling.

 

[Grimly]

Shame you didn't advertise on here, might have had better luck selling.

I do believe he did, a couple of times.

 

[650Skull]

Not in the classifieds.