Yamaha XS 650

[sidetrack]

How popular were these bikes in SA and are they readily avaliable running or not ? Not much luck on Gumtree or Junkmail.

[Sprocketbek]

They were used in the mid '70s by traffic police.

Haven't seen one for ages.

I had a XS 750 D, but that was a triple.

[edgy]

They were pretty popular back in the day,suppose just quite old and therefore scarce!

[sidetrack]

Only found a XS400 for R12500 but a '98 model, must a grey import ? Anyway looking for a 650 and must be way cheaper

[ratrap]

Sidetrack

I've been looking for one for years. They are known as Japanese Bonnevilles. All the magic of a 650 parrallel twin with none of the British bike shortcomings. Like the SR500 they were not popular in their time as they were anachronisms. Who wanted a 650 twin in the mid 70's, or a 500 single? However they have gone on to become cult bikes in many countries.

A guy down the road from me had a whole garage fulll of 650's but always said he was going to restore them. Of course he never did and when he died his wife gave the whole lot away.....I was just a day too late.

If you find two please give me a shout! 

[sidetrack]

Will do, I'm after the frame motor and front forks. They were built for more than ten years, they must be round somewhere

[lecap]

Only found a XS400 for R12500 but a '98 model, must a grey import ? Anyway looking for a 650 and must be way cheaper

The 400 came in two varieties, the old XS400 SOHC two valve which was similar in styling to the 650 you are looking for. In '83 or so they brought the XS400DOHC which was a copletely different kettle of fish.

I had a 650 and loved it for its roughness and character. If you like old brit bikes or the SR500 you'll like the XS. Being a parallel twin without balancer shafts it's one of few bikes which you can reverse into a gap revving it whilst on the centre stand or wear tires without moving when you apply both brakes idling at the traffic light. Being very easy to kick start mine lost its electric starter and got its battery replaced with something small and lightweight almost immediately.
The XS650 engine was a popular power plant in Wasp side car bikes.
Very lekker performance mods include 12mm oversize (880cc!!!) Wössner pistons & sleeves and Piranha ignition (essential if you don't like points).

I haven't seen many of them here in SA. Might be easier to get one from Europe. Speak to MotoZulu if you're keen enough.

[sidetrack]

Ideally looking for a project bike, paper etc not important. What can I expect to pay ?

[Red Adventure]

Picture

[the_BOBNOB]

my dad had the xs 1100 or better known as the 1.1 special

looked just like that only bigger - that was a sweet bike