I'd say it warrants further investigation. A jump box might answer some questions.
Needs new battery.plugs and rust in the tank..........
So the bikes not going
Till you take a battery and see what turns on, there is no way to know what needs to be done to the wiring
Rust in the tank is relevant to how bad it is........... Maybe a vinegar job would be enough........ May not be a hole in it could be petcocks that leak
Will need
carbs overhauled
TCI and charging system need to be checked
Only way to give a fair price is to look at it and asses from there.........
Again, Madmaxims bike is value for money compared to buying and spending on something like this, unless this is found to be a gem in a rough..........don't think so though with the gauges removed and the mufflers, it looks like a bit of a botched dream
I wouldn't ever consider it a good investment, but what do you want to do with it? Mine has been serving me well for decades. I think it will always have more value than the XS750 Special.
I'd say it warrants further investigation. A jump box might answer some questions.
Buying it for cheap like less than $700, maybe $500, that is cheap enough that I could replace a bunch of parts like the tank, battery, gauges, whatever else and still have a sub $1000 invested into the bike!
Turning it into a $1500-$2000 bike once the new tank is painted and the bike is done. But again this is assuming I do the work myself. And now again I need to be sure I really love the bike (which I do love 650s, but standards much more.)
If only my right knee wasn't an aftermarket item....
1967 BSA 441 Victor - $1,350
https://kansascity.craigslist.org/mcy/d/lawrence-1967-bsa-victor-special/7415816352.html
View attachment 202679
The bike runs, I think the battery is just weak, or maybe theres a hidden electrical problem. It has rebuilt carbs.
Yes bikes are not a "money maker" by any means.
Yes its a few hours away so I would bring a truck to pick it up.
I think it comes down to, do i love the bike/ platform/ year, make and model?
Buying it for cheap like less than $700, maybe $500, that is cheap enough that I could replace a bunch of parts like the tank, battery, gauges, whatever else and still have a sub $1000 invested into the bike!
Turning it into a $1500-$2000 bike once the new tank is painted and the bike is done. But again this is assuming I do the work myself. And now again I need to be sure I really love the bike (which I do love 650s, but standards much more.)
50k is a lot honestly, thats why the price is low tbh.
I have seen at least one very nice XS650 with 125,000 miles on it, and another that I know is still on the road with over 100,000 miles on it. Mine looks great from a few feet away with 61,000 miles. It's all in the care it received somewhere along the line. Refreshing a top end isn't really that big a deal, now that I've done it.I would not Buy it not even for a wrenching project 50 k is to high ... Unless there is documentation of work done .
Otherwise there is an engine split in the near future. Not knowing your skills / tools / time
I believe there are better options I would go for less than half that --a third mileage
And not caring how it looks exterior But that is just me.
Thanks Doug for continuing to reference my bike forsale..Its true you cant rebuild one for less than what Im selling mine for..which BTW i still have some mixed feelings about..But i can no longer operate a clutched machine...If the joy is to wrench then a bike like this will fill that need............
For what you have as far as rebuilding, painting, replacing, and after spending the money and comparing that to what this bike has had done to it and its condition, (post #5), then this isn't going to cost any more.............Just a comparison.
https://www.xs650.com/threads/1980-xs650g-special-two.60852/

I have seen at least one very nice XS650 with 125,000 miles on it, and another that I know is still on the road with over 100,000 miles on it. Mine looks great from a few feet away with 61,000 miles. It's all in the care it received somewhere along the line. Refreshing a top end isn't really that big a deal, now that I've done it.
Thanks Doug for continuing to reference my bike forsale..Its true you cant rebuild one for less than what Im selling mine for..which BTW i still have some mixed feelings about..But i can no longer operate a clutched machine...
Cheers..![]()

Phil, what was this? The link directed me to my town...it looks like it's gone. It prolly doesn't matter anyway, just curious.This one really needs to be checked out.![]()
It's gone now. An '80 with 8k miles for 600 bucks up in Iowa. Non-runner but the motor had compression. Looked to be all there and garage kept... no rust. Woulda been a smokin' deal.Phil, what was this? The link directed me to my town...it looks like it's gone. It prolly doesn't matter anyway, just curious.