I have been looking through this thread as I am looking for another XS650 after selling my TX a number of years ago, the time and effort that has gone into the thread has only to be appreciated.
I would like to ask, some, which may seem daft, questions, but I would rather ask a daft question than get it wrong when the right bike turns up.
I can read the charts and work out the numbering system and whereabouts a bike with a certain number would fit in model wise, and figure out that the code/ model numbers are the engine type.
What I would like to ask, knowing that the engine and frame numbers should match is, are both stamped exactly in the same way?, for example, a 1975 XS650 B would read say 447-123456 on the engine, would it read exactly like that on the frame headstock or would it be stamped in a different configuration? I can't remember how they read on my TX.
Also on the VIN plate/sticker on the head stock, would it have been made up of 17 letters and digits incorporating the frame number?
Finally, would the code number, say 447, be stamped anywhere else on the engine, cylinder head etc.?
Cheers
Robert