New member hello

[FrankS]

Hello friends,
Picked up a 1978 Yamaha xs650 project today. Hasn't run in a few years. Complete and somewhat original. Will need carbs cleaned and new tires at the very least. I would have preferred a Standard model but could not pass on this at the price asked. Seller received lots of responses but I was first. Have been watching all the xs650 videos I could find on the internet over the last few days.
Currently have 6 bikes.
1981 BMW R100 - owned for more than 25 years, now for sale to make room.
1971 Honda CL350 - bought and got running 4 years ago, now for sale (pending)
1972 Honda CB350 - bought 2 months ago, almost running. Exact year and model I waned to buy new at 15 but parents thought it too big for a first bike. Got a CD175 instead
1974 Honda CB450 - bought 2 years ago, almost running, needs new float, paid too much for it but attracted to model because of motor
1974 Honda CB750 - bought last year, got it running and have been riding it since, this bike pulled me away from the BMW
1978 Yamaha XS650 - bought today!
I do my own wrenching but not as deep as tearing down a motor yet. Hope not to have to. Don't have a decent space to do this and probably not the skill.
When I retired I went on a bucket list type solo trip around the US on a previously owned 1975 Honda CB750. 30 days on the road and 9,000miles/14,000kms. It was amazing.
I hope to learn much from members experienced with the XS650 and am looking forward to fixing and riding this new to me bike!

 

[Jim]

Welcome aboard!! The '78 Special was the first XS650 I owned too. That one looks to have good bones to start with. Lookin' forward to see what you do with her.

 

[650Skull]

Wellcome Franks.

Very simple to convert your 78SE into a Standard look alike. Seat, tank and sidecovers from a Standard will fit straight on, ( minor adjustment to the top side-cover mount), Wheels not so easy as the rear mag with the disc brake has to have the brake leaver linkages changed.

Ask before buying anything to get pointed to the best dealer or possibly an alternative option.

 

[Jim]

Ask before buying anything to get pointed to the best dealer or possibly an alternative option.

Yes definitely ask first. There's actually a pretty good number of suppliers for the ol' XS. Some good, some not so much. Ask first.


How's your bookmark finger?


https://www.cruzinimage.net/

https://www.partshark.com/oemparts/partsearch/suzuki?partsearch=13651-51010

https://www.mikesxs.net/

http://650central.com/

https://www.nospartsnow.com/yamaha/

https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/yamaha/motorcycle

https://yamahaxs650.com/

https://www.diablocycle.com/

https://www.georgefixs.com/yamaha/

http://vintageconnections.com/

https://xs650direct.com/

Make sure you ask here before buying. We have combined many years of experience with these vendors and mostly know what's good and what's garbage.

MikesXS. Think of them as a last resort. Some of their stuff is OK, but way too much of it's Chinese junk. Ask before you order.

 

[Mailman]

Welcome to the forum. Looking forward to seeing what you do with your bike…….we love photos here!

 

[Adamc]

Hello friends,
Picked up a 1978 Yamaha xs650 project today. Hasn't run in a few years. Complete and somewhat original. Will need carbs cleaned and new tires at the very least. I would have preferred a Standard model but could not pass on this at the price asked. Seller received lots of responses but I was first. Have been watching all the xs650 videos I could find on the internet over the last few days.
Currently have 6 bikes.
1981 BMW R100 - owned for more than 25 years, now for sale to make room.
1971 Honda CL350 - bought and got running 4 years ago, now for sale (pending)
1972 Honda CB350 - bought 2 months ago, almost running. Exact year and model I waned to buy new at 15 but parents thought it too big for a first bike. Got a CD175 instead
1974 Honda CB450 - bought 2 years ago, almost running, needs new float, paid too much for it but attracted to model because of motor
1974 Honda CB750 - bought last year, got it running and have been riding it since, this bike pulled me away from the BMW
1978 Yamaha XS650 - bought today!
I do my own wrenching but not as deep as tearing down a motor yet. Hope not to have to. Don't have a decent space to do this and probably not the skill.
When I retired I went on a bucket list type solo trip around the US on a previously owned 1975 Honda CB750. 30 days on the road and 9,000miles/14,000kms. It was amazing.
I hope to learn much from members experienced with the XS650 and am looking forward to fixing and riding this new to me bike!

Wow, no wonder you dont have space for a tare down with all those lovely bikes in the stable.
Welcome aboard. I look forward to your progress on all of those machines. Tha will be six separate threads then..... Plenty of pictures please.

 

[jetmechmarty]

would have preferred a Standard

Yeah, me too. I first saw one in 1972. The red & white one. I was 13. I couldn’t put it out of my head. I was finally able to pull the trigger on a new Heritage Special in 1983. It’s still a runner in my garage.
Specials aren’t so much prized by collectors, but they got all the improvements. Since you’re going to ride it, it’s a great choice. Make the necessary modifications to make you happy and no one will chastise you.

Welcome and best wishes!

 

[FrankS]

Yes definitely ask first. There's actually a pretty good number of suppliers for the ol' XS. Some good, some not so much. Ask first.


How's your bookmark finger?


https://www.cruzinimage.net/

https://www.partshark.com/oemparts/partsearch/suzuki?partsearch=13651-51010

https://www.mikesxs.net/

http://650central.com/

https://www.nospartsnow.com/yamaha/

https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/yamaha/motorcycle

https://yamahaxs650.com/

https://www.diablocycle.com/

https://www.georgefixs.com/yamaha/

http://vintageconnections.com/

https://xs650direct.com/

Make sure you ask here before buying. We have combined many years of experience with these vendors and mostly know what's good and what's garbage.

MikesXS. Think of them as a last resort. Some of their stuff is OK, but way too much of it's Chinese junk. Ask before you order.

Thank you for all these links!

 

[FrankS]

I love classic bikes from the 1970's. So much so that a week ago I bought a second sx650 - a 1977 Standard. Also not running yet.

 

[JOHNDADDY]

I love classic bikes from the 1970's. So much so that a week ago I bought a second sx650 - a 1977 Standard. Also not running yet.
View attachment 334979

And so it starts.

 

[FrankS]

And so it starts.

No I'm done. Forced to be done due to the fact that I cannot fit more than 6 bikes in my garage!

 

[JOHNDADDY]

They make wood and nails everyday.
Time to add an extension?

 

[jetmechmarty]

No I'm done. Forced to be done due to the fact that I cannot fit more than 6 bikes in my garage!

That won’t work. There may be room for a shed in your yard , or there’s always rental storage.

Yes, I know this is insane. It doesn’t make logical good sense. And yet, here we are.