Buying my first xs650 and would some advice on the transaction. Please give me your input.

[650Skull]

I think with your attitude and practicality, then getting a bike that needs some work, and with the advice and information on this site you will learn and advance with confidence to be able to work on all aspects of an older bike with confidence. You have come on here and asked the right questions

There have been people come on here with no mechanical experience and do top end rebuilds.

Yes i agreed with gggAry about that bike being a lot of work and maybe not for you.........But............always a but...........Now you have given us some of your experience and abilities.....read these threads, (from the tech menu),

http://www.xs650.com/threads/bike-wont-start-running-rough.390/
http://www.xs650.com/threads/guide-...checklist-for-the-condition-of-your-find.367/

do a list of things to look for. and armed with information about getting it titled then you can question what the seller says if it is conflicting to what you have found out..........Once you have got that in your head, go and have a look at the bike and have a good look over it with a critical eye and also with a view to buying it, (not necessarily to buy, it but with an eye as if you were), as a learning experience

 

[taymana337]

I think with your attitude and practicality, then getting a bike that needs some work, and with the advice and information on this site you will learn and advance with confidence to be able to work on all aspects of an older bike with confidence. You have come on here and asked the right questions

There have been people come on here with no mechanical experience and do top end rebuilds.

Yes i agreed with gggAry about that bike being a lot of work and maybe not for you.........But............always a but...........Now you have given us some of your experience and abilities.....read these threads, (from the tech menu),

http://www.xs650.com/threads/bike-wont-start-running-rough.390/
http://www.xs650.com/threads/guide-...checklist-for-the-condition-of-your-find.367/

do a list of things to look for. and armed with information about getting it titled then you can question what the seller says if it is conflicting to what you have found out..........Once you have got that in your head, go and have a look at the bike and have a good look over it with a critical eye and also with a view to buying it, (not necessarily to buy, it but with an eye as if you were), as a learning experience

Solid advice. I've gathered 3 links from this entire thread. And this is excellent. Good stuff.

 

[kshansen]

Just skimmed through this thread kind of makes me wish I could get my 1982 Heritage Special to the LA area.

It's currently registered in my name and only things not original are the engine and wheels. I do have the original engine with matching numbers, but it had a transmission problem. Biggest mechanical problem with engine in it now is the starter jumping out of gear when starting, need to tighten up that horseshoe spring!

Wheels were replaced with cast ones as original rims and spokes were very rusty. Tank and fenders need refinishing as paint is very weathered.

If someone offered me even close to half what that bike is listed for I would jump at the offer! Guess bikes are like real-estate when it come to price the three most important things are Location, Location, Location!

 

[lakeview]

For your first bike, get a 3 or 4 year old running licensed fuel injected Honda 250. Learn to ride well first. Wrenching can come later.

 

[WideAWAKE]

I was thinking a nice new royal enfield. Get the look(ish) without the hassle.

I see 2018 models on CL from time to time around 4.5k

 

[tekk220]

no go