Fork id,

[Dune19670]

Hi everyone, im looking for advice on the forks/brakes on my 1977 xs650, which ive just purchased
The frame number is 447-709, so i assume its a really early 77, i assumed it would have 35mm forks, but it has 34mm and i thought it would have a one piece front brake disc, but its a two piece ( also mounted on the left. ) and an older style caliper.
So did the bike come like that or has it been changed some point in its life ??
Thankyou in advance

 

[gggGary]

 

[Its been a long time]

I'm betting it has an earlier than 1977 front end.

Now I can see the pictures, looks like a 1976 XS650C twin disc front end with the right side disc and caliper missing. I had one back in 1976.

What diameter is the disc?

 

[Mike G]

...and the fork legs were swapped side to side to get the caliper behind the fork leg rather than in front like my 74.

 

[Dune19670]

Thankyou MikeG
Will it matter if i use the forks in the reverse orientation? I might do the Brembo caliper swap aswell and run twin discs

 

[Mike G]

Only thing I can think of, is the bleed nipple still at the highest point. If not, you'll have to come up with a way to bleed it by tilting, moving or taking it off to make that the highest point.

 

[Dune19670]

I suppose if i swapped the calipers to the 65mm hole pitch Brembos, then the calipers would be correct

 

[GLJ]

The forks are not reversed. The speedo drive looks to be on the left. 76 forks had the calipers behind the forks. 1 year only.

 

[650Skull]

Agree with GLJ. Also the brake line bracket is behind the fork. If they had been reversed it would b in the front. 76 front forks.

 

[Dune19670]

Thankyou Guys
Do you think they were still fitting old stock 34mm forks on early 77 bikes or have just been replaced later in life

 

[Its been a long time]

Thankyou Guys
Do you think they were still fitting old stock 34mm forks on early 77 bikes or have just been replaced later in life

I think that's highly unlikely. More likely the older forks were fitted as a result of damage to the originals.

 

[Mike G]

GLJ and Skull are right, I forgot about the 76.

 

[650Skull]

I suppose if i swapped the calipers to the 65mm hole pitch Brembos, then the calipers would be correct

Early Caliper can be used on either side, although Yamaha did make a left and right, the top bolts can b swapped over and it will bolt on. The tab on the brake pads will foul but a bit of grinding to open up the hole will let them fit. Caution on sourcing parts locally on the front end and if by chance you have to do the top end or more to the motor. Differences here.
https://www.xs650.com/threads/xs650...workshop-manuals-and-other-information.30569/

 

[Dune19670]

Thankyou for all the info , all very helpful

 

[Wingedwheel]

Do the engine #’s match the frame? Looks like side covers off a ‘75.

 

[Dune19670]

The frame is 447-709…
Engine is 447-700…
Side panels have been repainted with new decals added