Dented tank repairable

[Dom]

I'm still contemplating this xs650 that is for sale near me, it's an all original US XS650B but does have some chrome corrosion and a small amount of rust on the side panels. The tank however has several dents, some smooth edged and one or two with what may be creases. The inside has some light corrosion visible but I believe that's it.

Would these dents come out or as the paint is quite tired looking would filler and a respray be better, I do quite like the idea of keeping it's original patina though.

All things considered should I leave it and continue my search?

 

[jetmechmarty]

Do you have any Dent Wizards over there? You like patina? Those dents are patina. I don't know the numbers, but I believe the XS650B may have been the best seller of the standards. I like it, even though it has big, ugly mufflers.

 

[Dom]

I've just googled it and yes there is one not too far away.

 

[RC4MAN]

Yeah the "Paintless Dent Removal" types can probably make it look better, perhaps acceptable for you

 

[ckahleer]

Have a pro do the best he can getting the dents out, without disturbing the paint. Those dents would be a bit too much patina for me.

 

[Dom]

Yeah I'm not sure I could put up with them

 

[electricpoet]

Dom if you want the best possible dent repair done the old fashioned way without filler and also clean and restore internal services to as new without using sealant coatings then give Paintless Motorcycle Dent Removal Specialist www.motorcycledentremoval.co.uk a ring. Tel 07968 360225. He not cheap but my xs2 tank had multiple small dents and a particularly large dent on the curved part. The tank came back perfect inside and out but as I said he’s not cheap. He also specialises in getting dents out without damaging original paint.

 

[Dom]

Yes that's the place I looked at, seems a good place. When you say not cheap, what ballpark figure roughly?

 

[electricpoet]

Hard to say but, would think a number dents and seam and pressure tested for leaks approximately 300 plus posting, I will say the guy keeps you informed. Mine cost a lot more but included plating inside and priming outside for final paint. My tank is almost impossible to get in the UK so had little choice, it now looks perfect. He’s very approachable and gives good advice.

 

[Grewth]

I think you'd pick up a good solid tank for about £100 maybe with a few dent's but no serious corrosion.
Maybe another £100 for a nice solid pair of side panels, possibly a bit less if you're lucky.
Then maybe £450 to £600 for a quality profesional paint job back to original.
American members will probably disagree with those figures, but I've been asking around plenty of people with (recently) restored bikes here.
One good thing about living in the UK, although spares and bikes are extortionate, labour intensive things like paintwork and upholstery are much cheaper than the U.S.

So maybe about £700 to give you mint paintwork plus keep the originals for old times sake.

 

[Dom]

Now that's a good idea mate! I do like the originality just not the damage and as you can get the decals for this model I could use the original tank as a placement guide.

Now to decide whether this bike is a goer at £3200, slightly concerns me its still up for sale albeit in a remote area but am I missing something...ever the procrastinator!

 

[Kevin Werner]

Now that's a good idea mate! I do like the originality just not the damage and as you can get the decals for this model I could use the original tank as a placement guide.

Now to decide whether this bike is a goer at £3200, slightly concerns me its still up for sale albeit in a remote area but am I missing something...ever the procrastinator!

You snooze, you lose....
Is the saying in the US.

 

[Wingedwheel]

Paintless dent repair.