I need to know what year bike to buy??

[natemx231]

Hello everyone I'm new to this site. I'm from Denver and wanting to build a cafe racer. I raced motocross for 20 years and I feel a cafe XS650 fits my style. I have spent a day reading allot of good post and feel this site can provide a ton of knowledge!

A couple questions I have is I want disks brake front and rear with mag wheels. I want to put a 750cc kit with allot of other motor mods. I want the bike to feel real sporty. I found a couple cool sites to buy products like Mololanna.com and Mikesxs.com. What year bike is a good year to start out with?

Thanks, nate

 

[bluebikerblan]

Hello everyone I'm new to this site. I'm from Denver and wanting to build a cafe racer. I want disk brakes front and rear with mag wheels. What year bike is a good year to start out with? Thanks, Nate

Narrows it right down.... Either a 1978 XS 650 SE... 1979 XS 650 SF or 1980 XS 650 SG. The 1st, 2nd & 3rd years of the "Specials" . Some commonly available models. BOL, Blue

 

[Teebs]

Yup, what he said.

 

[natemx231]

If I can't find this specific bike what do I have to add a rear disk? I have access to a full metal shop. Mill and Lathe etc.

 

[xjwmx]

I believe the '80 had disk rear.

 

[bluebikerblan]

Here's some pics and a write up. 78 SE & 79 SF are much the same. The 80 SG's a little different but not much. Blue

 

[gggGary]

If you are changing the foot pegs than changing to a rear disk mag involves the wheel rotor swing arm and caliper a little bracket building and add your own master cylinder. A disk mag set up complete can probably be had for around $100.00 less if you are patient. 78, 79 specials are plentiful and fairly cheap. Welcome aboard.

 

[bluebikerblan]

Damn Teebs....."King of the ass hats"?...... Club Meeting? Best, Blue

 

[natemx231]

This is somewhat the look I'm looking for. This is a '82 650 Maxim. Cool bike just not a fan of the shaft drive or 4 cylinder

 

[xjwmx]

The Maxim is a more butch looking bike. The xs is petite and elegant. No, seriously....

 

[XSJoel]

That Maxim would have turned out awesome if they started with an XS. Shame to be honest.

 

[jamesgs4]

They are all good years, 80+ have electronic ignition, which is an improvement over points.(debatable by old timers who do not like change). Pamco pete makes an electronic ignition that adresses the points issue of the older bikes, but is also available as an upgrade to the newer bikes as well. 73 and older also are more flex prone in the frame department, so if you ride hard you might want a newer one. The aluminum "mag" style wheels can be easily swapped in, with just minor fab work needed to mount a rear master cylinder for the disc brake, also there is always someone wanting spokes so don't pass up a good deal because of the wheels.

 

[Rodguy1938]

I have an 80 Special. It has mag wheels with a rear disc brake.

 

[PetesPonies]

I'm guessing the 16" rear wheel is not a problem with you ? or do you want an 18"?

 

[natemx231]

They are all good years, 80+ have electronic ignition, which is an improvement over points.(debatable by old timers who do not like change). Pamco pete makes an electronic ignition that adresses the points issue of the older bikes, but is also available as an upgrade to the newer bikes as well. 73 and older also are more flex prone in the frame department, so if you ride hard you might want a newer one. The aluminum "mag" style wheels can be easily swapped in, with just minor fab work needed to mount a rear master cylinder for the disc brake, also there is always someone wanting spokes so don't pass up a good deal because of the wheels.

Thanks for the great info. I'll save that sight if I buy a post '80 bike.

 

[natemx231]

:

I have an 80 Special. It has mag wheels with a rear disc brake.

If you offer free delivery and it's under a grand I'll take it.

 

[natemx231]

I'm guessing the 16" rear wheel is not a problem with you ? or do you want an 18"?

I would like to stick with the stock tire size.