Free bike!!

[FB71]

I'm sure many of you saw this post in the Classifieds; https://www.xs650.com/threads/1981-xs650-special-500-00.68381/

I contacted the poster, Ken Gross, and made arrangements to acquire the bike today.
First, Ken is one hell of a man! He couldn't have been any nicer or generous.
As his story goes, he's the original owner of the bike, and has enjoyed it for over 68 thousand miles!
He's made a number of repairs over the years, including some significant engine work.
He's told that more recently, it's been randomly loosing spark. He replaced some components, checked connections, but has not been able to identify the culprit.
At this point, he decided to part with the bike, and buy something newer, larger, and more reliable. Can't disagree with his decision.
But, as we know, if we're here on this website, we have some mental deficiency that makes us masochistically desire these bikes!
Ken's bike is definitely well-loved, and a little tired. It absolutely needs some care (don't we all?), but is a runner.
I'm not pressing myself to accomplish much of anything with it this season, as I have my VStar and KZP.
However, I'll track down the ignition concern, refresh lots of items, and press this bike into service for next year's season.
I'll keep it a survivor; no restoration, no bob/chop/cafe/tracker... just a good cleaning, some repair, and enjoyment.
So, as JonW requested, here are the (meager) "got it home" photos.
I'll post more as I make progress.
Lastly, my copilot/navigator couldn't quite endure the 1hr return trip...

 

[Jim]

Well I'll follow along...

 

[FB71]

One of these days, I'll get back to my Heritage Special project, too...

 

[cra-z1]

68,000 on a XS650. That has got to be close to a record for that bike. Impressive !

 

[eidemaddin]

I hardly dare say it, but we have a Swiss guy here who bought his C-model used in 1978 and since then, in addition to riding around his beautiful country, he's also ridden it almost every year with his wife to Sardinia, Italy. He recently announced that he'll hit 600,000 documented kilometers this season, which is 372,670 miles. And the bike looks almost like new. At around 250,000 kilometers, he converted to 750cc.

What I'm trying to say is that if you treat this bike with respect and a good feeling for this engine (and that seems to be the case with this beautiful Special), 68,000 miles is far from the end of the line

 

[JonW]

Congratulations, and thank you for the pics!! Extra nice find with the rear drum brake mag

 

[FB71]

Got more pictures. Plenty of oil leaks. Still has the original security chain and tool kit, both in very nice shape. Carbs have no external corrosion, inside of tank is pretty clean. Original fuse box looks good, too.
I have a Yamaha accessory fairing from an XS400, I think I'll modify the mounts to put it on the 650...

 

[Raymond]

That's a survivor. Shows the potential, a bike that's had just one owner down the years - most bikes pass through many sets of hands, not always kind ones.

 

[jetmechmarty]

Man, that’s nice!

I see a failed Athena base gasket.

 

[Its been a long time]

I see a failed Athena base gasket.

That's what I'm hoping to not see one day

 

[FB71]

Man, that’s nice!

I see a failed Athena base gasket.

Yup. Engine will be pulled and resealed over the winter.

 

[FB71]

That's a survivor. Shows the potential, a bike that's had just one owner down the years - most bikes pass through many sets of hands, not always kind ones.

I'm going to do my best to preserve it, while making it mine. Nothing extreme that can't be undone. Tank does need paint...