Shell Thuet Race Bike for Sale in Seattle, WA

[CoastsideXS650]

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/mcy/d/marysville-shell-thuet-xs750-race-bike/7001261142.html

I posted this in the classifieds section but it deserves a stand alone post in the general forum. Genuine Shell race bike that may or may not have been raced by Kenny Roberts.

 

[Ratranger]

They could have set up better light to get better pictures. I am always amazed at people that sell somwthing collectable/expensive who can't be bothered to get really good pictures.

 

[TwoManyXS1Bs]

Coupla eyebrow raisers on the engine.

Head fins are missing the white plastic dampers.
Welded case chainguard extension.
Missing the usual early gussets behind the cylinder stud, over the chainguard extension.
Strange black hose emanating from the chainguard extension (maybe ignition wiring?).

Compare to Wrenchjohns XS1 engine.

The ad claims "The motor in this bike is a very early 1970 Yamaha 256 motor with a serial number of S650 000755".

The S/N is stamped on the front of the upper case. If the upper case was replaced (looks like later XS1B case), the S/N would have gone with it.

Edit: After more research, found that the earliest rev-0 cases (up to S/N 001234) have NO support gussets, and that the neutral switch mount area is recessed, as shown on the Shell engine pic. So, the upper case is indeed the correct earliest rev-0 case.