Let's See The XS's

[Commuter]

I am 6’-2”, so this might be a problem for me. I have wanted a wire spoked twin for a while now. I would have preferred an older one, but at 150$, I couldn’t let it go by. Going to be a great learning example.

I solved my issue by fitting straight bars because I was getting back ache. It was my late father who observed that I was tending to lean backwards as I rode with the high bars. I did find that the bike would ground out around corners very easily. You are right 150$ is something which you should not pass by. In general the XS650 is a good bike to learn general skills with and theres a very wide cross section of owners too.Custom people, vintage concourse enthusiasts, riders who want something reliable and easy to fix which gets them from Ato B.

 

[jetmechmarty]

I am 6’-2”, so this might be a problem for me. I have wanted a wire spoked twin for a while now. I would have preferred an older one, but at 150$, I couldn’t let it go by. Going to be a great learning example.

I’m 6’ -3”. I ride the Special just fine.

 

[46th Georgia]

I’m 6’ -3”. I ride the Special just fine.

Yeah, but you jet mechanics bend like Gumby.

 

[jetmechmarty]

Yeah, but you jet mechanics bend like Gumby.

I’m working on it! It’s been over 10 years since I put my hands on the big jets.

 

[Andy556]

Picked this up yesterday….. wanted one for as long as I can remember but lots of overpriced models out there…..
Gold has got to go though lol

 

[jetmechmarty]

Picked this up yesterday….. wanted one for as long as I can remember but lots of overpriced models out there…..
Gold has got to go though lol

Great score! Ride it gold until the snow flies.

 

[Adamc]

Picked this up yesterday….. wanted one for as long as I can remember but lots of overpriced models out there…..
Gold has got to go though lol

Cool looking bike and a good find. I like the gold rims, but not the gold engine cases.

 

[Grimly]

Gold has got to go though lol

Gold is not so bad.
Mine came to me with purple paintwork - yes, including the wheels.
Yarch.

 

[atom4488]

Cool looking bike and a good find. I like the gold rims, but not the gold engine cases.

I'm with Adamc on this... I really like the gold/green combination, but the use of the gold needs a little restraint. Wheels ok, cases and forks not so much. That said, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and there's no accounting for taste and so on. I don't usually comment on subjective aesthetic points for those reasons, but offer this as a positive outlook on what you've got. Nice bike, BTW!

 

[member43148]

Most everybody likes the 78 Green, very desirable!
All that gold is a bit of an over statement ? Suppose you could embrace the theme for now and enjoy the looks you get

 

[BowlingSS]

Just finished my 1971.

 

[JOHNDADDY]

Nice! Gotta a full view?

 

[BowlingSS]

Nice! Gotta a full view?

 

[JOHNDADDY]

Yup, Sweet!

 

[TooningFork]

Picked up my first XS650 this weekend and I love it so far! I'm the second owner which is pretty cool for something of this year. I'm currently working through getting most maintenance, etc up to date.

 

[JOHNDADDY]

Welcome. That's a really nice looking bike.
What's her running condition?

 

[TooningFork]

Thank you! When I purchased it, it would fire but not stay running. Left cylinder was completely dead. I pulled the carbs for a good cleaning and inspection as well as replaced plugs and wires. Now it runs pretty well! Currently fighting clutch issues which seems to be common, I believe my biggest issue is in the release mechanism but I will likely go through and replace everything.

 

[650Skull]

Welcome, nice bike. When you say your going to replace everything around the clutch, what do you mean??

 

[TooningFork]

Welcome, nice bike. When you say your going to replace everything around the clutch, what do you mean??

I mean I'll replace all of the parts in the system - cable, release mechanism, shaft, bushing, ball bearing, plates, etc.

 

[Adamc]

Glad to see you on board our merry ship. They are great bikes and get right under your skin. The maintenance is as enjoyable as the ride itself; I know as I did 2 years of maintenance (restoration of sorts) before I could ride it! I will watch with interest.