First post, purchased modified XS650 yesterday!

[Squishman]

Hello. I am excited to join this forum. I purchased a highly modified 1980 XS650 yesterday. It has around 8500 miles on it, 1200 since engine rebuild. Engine was professionally rebuilt with 750 cc jugs and XS performance cam. This is more engine than I'll ever need, but that's fine.
I have had approx 20 motorcycles since I was 18 years old in 1978. Seven RD's/RZ's, most of which I built up. Also a '96 GPZ1100. I wonder if this bike rivals that for power and speed. My guess is yes, probably. It is just an animal! I have never owned an XS650 until now.
I ordered an AGM battery and a new slip on muffler with a db killer. The one he had on there was too loud for me as it was missing the db killer. Hope the new one cuts the mustard.
It has no tach and no nuetral switch. so I may have questions along the way here. I would eventually like to get those and also turn signals. All of the above, aftermarket is fine.
I am fairly giddy about the Kenny Roberts color scheme btw! I wonder if I should paint the front fender yellow.

 

[Raymond]

Hi @Squishman welcome to the madness. That looks like a very nice Tracker you've picked up! But even with the 750 kit, don't fink it's gonna trouble a GPZ1100? Definitely the best place for queries and assistance on anything XS. Cheers, Raymond

 

[Niels B]

Welcome aboard, nice looking XS you found there, for sure lots of info on this site, and a bunch of super knowledgeable helpful guys too, if you can’t find what you look for in previous posts or on the tech site!

 

[Charles13]

Nice find, I really like the tank and wheels, congratulations your at the right place!

 

[JJames]

Welcome. Good lookin' bike. GPZ killer. Doubtful, but no doubt a hoot to ride. I could see painting front fender although the black makes the fender sort of "disappear ". Anyhow, this is the spot for all things XS and more . We love pics and stories. Have fun.

 

[Charles13]

Mikuni carbs and a custom subframe loop to match that cool seat, the more I look at it the cooler it is!

 

[Squishman]

Mikuni carbs and a custom subframe loop to match that cool seat, the more I look at it the cooler it is!

That's awesome! Thx. It should get a lot of Jimmy Finlayson-type double takes in the road!

 

[TX650A Van Islander]

Welcome to the best forum available! That's a cool looking piece you have - colour is fantastic

 

[Squishman]

Is there not supposed to be a VIN number sticker on the steering head on the frame? If so, it is gone! I did see the serial number stamped there where I was expecting the sticker. And I had to google where is the engine number. Found it. And yeah, title, engine and frame all have the same number.

 

[willis]

Your frame has likely been powder coated. They never survive that process in the oven. Welcome to the forum. You’ll find this place is much more of a community. Not like any other forum I’ve been a part of. Make yourself familiar with the site. There is a fantastic Tech section.

 

[Squishman]

Your frame has likely been powder coated. They never survive that process in the oven. Welcome to the forum. You’ll find this place is much more of a community. Not like any other forum I’ve been a part of. Make yourself familiar with the site. There is a fantastic Tech section.

Thanks brother! Happy to be here!

 

[Melnic]

Congrats.
Why does this bike look familiar?

 

[Squishman]

Congrats.
Why does this bike look familiar?

Thx! He had it for sale for months. When he dropped the $$ by $1000, I snared it. Could you have seen the ad? It was in Princeton, Minnesota.

 

[46th Georgia]

Hello. I am excited to join this forum. I purchased a highly modified 1980 XS650 yesterday. It has around 8500 miles on it, 1200 since engine rebuild. Engine was professionally rebuilt with 750 cc jugs and XS performance cam. This is more engine than I'll ever need, but that's fine.
I have had approx 20 motorcycles since I was 18 years old in 1978. Seven RD's/RZ's, most of which I built up. Also a '96 GPZ1100. I wonder if this bike rivals that for power and speed. My guess is yes, probably. It is just an animal! I have never owned an XS650 until now.
I ordered an AGM battery and a new slip on muffler with a db killer. The one he had on there was too loud for me as it was missing the db killer. Hope the new one cuts the mustard.
It has no tach and no nuetral switch. so I may have questions along the way here. I would eventually like to get those and also turn signals. All of the above, aftermarket is fine.
I am fairly giddy about the Kenny Roberts color scheme btw! I wonder if I should paint the front fender yellow.

Nice score! Welcome to the madhouse. My 2 cents on the front fender, If I were going to keep it on, I'd paint it flat or satin black to make it go away. Doubles down on the tracker look.

 

[Squishman]

Nice score! Welcome to the madhouse. My 2 cents on the front fender, If I were going to keep it on, I'd paint it flat or satin black to make it go away. Doubles down on the tracker look.

Thx for your input. I probably couldn't improve on the current black. So yeah makes sense. I for sure do not like the no fender look. Even though yeah, that's what street trackers do, but then they do not generally go with a windscreen either. I like that it has both.

 

[Wingedwheel]

Nice bike! I noticed the windshield in the pics/ it fits well and looks good. Nice score.

 

[650Skull]

Congrats on your purchase and welcome. First maintenance job after 1200 miles on a new engine will b an oil change. Although the pipes look cool, looks like they may have to come off to do that. Definately will have to to get at and check the bottom oil strainer a known problem with blow outs.

 

[Squishman]

Congrats on your purchase and welcome. First maintenance job after 1200 miles on a new engine will b an oil change. Although the pipes look cool, looks like they may have to come off to do that. Definately will have to to get at and check the bottom oil strainer a known problem with blow outs.

Thx man! Yeah, so that means cold oil changes, which is fine. I am not clear about the oil filters. I understand there are two. I'll verify, but I think he changed it. It has 1270 on the rebuild.

 

[Squishman]

The original owner recently changed the oil. He uses Lucas 10w50, so I'll keep using that. How often is it recommended?

 

[Melnic]

Now, I know where I saw this, well bikes like it on several facebook posts. Not the same bike but similar look