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Post by vmaxjim on Jul 4, 2010 0:22:25 GMT -5
Hi folks,
I had a 79 XS650 about 20 years ago, which looked great but was very unreliable (electrical issues), and have been thinking about getting an earlier model.
Which would be the best one to go for with regard to reliability/ performance/ spares supply/ value for money etc.?
I like the look of the XS2`s and would prefer one wth front disc and electric as well as kickstart.
Thanks in advance.
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Post by wideload on Jul 4, 2010 9:52:46 GMT -5
In our family, we have xs 650's of the 1976, 77 and 78 persuasion. Incremental improvements were made each year since the xs line was first introduced.
Difference in the level of reliability is a function of how well the previous owners maintained the bike. I purchased one of my bikes from the second owner - he and the original owner had taken very good care of it and it has needed only routine maintenance. One of the other bikes needed plenty of attention. I knew what I was buying and paid the right price for this poorly maintained bike - look for buggered up and missing screws, un-maintained chain, amateurish modifications, functions that do not work, instrument lights out, etc. These are all easy to identify areas that tell you about the level of previous maintenance.
For the most part, spares are relatively easy to come by, but there are some exceptions for earlier models (to get an idea, look at mikesxs.com for parts)
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Post by 650leo on Jul 4, 2010 20:49:58 GMT -5
Any of the standards from 74 up with a few mods are very reliable. Replacing the regulator with a solid state regulator and cleaning and tightening all the wire connectors almost eliminates electrical problems.
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KAMAKAZEE
Full Member
RIDE HARD RIDE FREE
Posts: 196
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Post by KAMAKAZEE on Mar 4, 2011 11:13:24 GMT -5
The best Yamaha 650 ever built the 1974 TXA  ON ANOTHER NOTE OF IMPORTANCE   |
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Post by 650leo on Mar 5, 2011 1:14:20 GMT -5
The ones that run and you can ride them.
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feliz
New Member
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Post by feliz on Jun 14, 2011 17:53:30 GMT -5
75s rule!!  |
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Post by Tom Graham on Jun 15, 2011 22:43:30 GMT -5
That '75 sure does!
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pamcopete
Full Member
'78/E, '81/H, '82 XJ550, '74 CB750, '81 CB750, '73 CB450
Posts: 167
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Post by pamcopete on Jun 16, 2011 19:13:28 GMT -5
You can have your cake and eat it too! One of the best improvements you can do to these great early models is to install a modern electronic ignition, like the PAMCO. Enjoy the performance of an electronic ignition that is hidden away and doesn't change the appearance of those great looking early models.
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Post by XS Rod on Jun 17, 2011 13:29:07 GMT -5
I'm with Feliz... and with Tom ... gorgeous bike.
Agree with Pete too... those dual point plates... soooo frustrating.
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feliz
New Member
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Post by feliz on Jun 17, 2011 15:06:35 GMT -5
Thanks Tom. I have a 75 but I think my real favorite is the first year, the 70s. Here's a picture of my friend Tom's which is a beautiful bike and has won many awards. Tom is an outstanding mechanic and a real 650 specialist. My bike is in the middle and another friend's 78 is the furthest from the camera. Regards.  |
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feliz
New Member
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Post by feliz on Jun 17, 2011 15:13:12 GMT -5
You can have your cake and eat it too! One of the best improvements you can do to these great early models is to install a modern electronic ignition, like the PAMCO. Enjoy the performance of an electronic ignition that is hidden away and doesn't change the appearance of those great looking early models. I purchased one of your ignitions for my 75 a couple years ago now I guess but never was successful in getting it mounted without hacking my frame which is something I wasn't prepared to do. I purchased the clamps you suggest from HD but to no avail. Everything looked really high quality and the service from Mike's was great. I did use the HT leads so it wasn't a total waste. Feliz |
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feliz
New Member
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Post by feliz on Jun 17, 2011 15:26:41 GMT -5
Sorry for highjacking the OPs thread. In general the newer the bikes get reliability increases with a subsequent increase in weight and loss in power and exhaust sound. I think the standard 78s are a nice compromise although I don't care for that year's color. Just one man's opinion.
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kiwi
New Member
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Post by kiwi on Jun 17, 2011 17:51:40 GMT -5
feliz, that sure is a nice trio of xs650's. The first edition would be the one to have, and your 75 is in great shape, but I am partial to the 77 in blue. John.
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feliz
New Member
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Post by feliz on Jun 17, 2011 18:40:05 GMT -5
feliz, that sure is a nice trio of xs650's. The first edition would be the one to have, and your 75 is in great shape, but I am partial to the 77 in blue. John. Thanks John. The 77 blue was nice, I believe it was called "bountiful blue". Is that what you ride? |
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Post by Tom Graham on Jun 18, 2011 9:19:38 GMT -5
Keep in mind that the roadster tanks and side covers were all teh same from 74 to 79 so a repaint and graphics change will beget the livery of any year. How about a 77 painted black with 75 graphics! Or a 74 with 74 graphics painted burnt orange metalic for a slight custom treatment. My favorite customs are those that look like the factory made them. This is extremely difficult to pull off and rare. A good job is remarkable. Most folks try something radical which usually means POS.
Tom
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