Any other XS 650 lovers in here?

Picked one up about 2 months ago, and I was so stoked to get to turning it into a street tracker, but the wife put the kabash on that. I'm being "advised" to get rid of one of my bikes, if ya catch my drift. I can see where she's coming from, since I DO have 4 bikes and no space. I won't get rid of my dirt riders though, so I have to decide between the XS 650 and the Maxim. Honestly, if I didn't have so much blood, sweat and tears into the Maxim, it wouldn't be a hard decision. But anyway, I'll post pics of the XS, and the Maxim pics can be found here .

 

crickets, lol. I was asking for advice.

 

That XS would make big money, if you could get it to Australia. :lol:

 

You wanna pay to ship that thing? Geez, that would cost 3 times the price of the bike!

 

That 1975 XS650B is probably worth twice as much as the XJ (although the bobber IS sweet !). Parts availability is much better (mikesxs.com) for the XS than the XJ,gobs of torque,and one less pair of carbs to futz with. I may be a bit biased,as I own 3 XS650s. Your '75 XS is a collector's item,and is worthy of a full restoration (which includes replacing the Special headpipes with the original Standard head pipes). I am glad I don't have to make the choice for you,as both bikes are awesome!!!

 

SO far the only solution I could come up with was to put both bikes up for sale and see whichever one goes first. We'll see how that works out.

 

That was fast. There's a guy driving 3 hours up from Baltimore today to pick up the XS 650 for $1300. I'm gonna be bummed to see it go, but I believe it's going to a good home. An older gentleman approaching 60 has bought it with the intention of restoring it to original. Now time to finish the bobber!!!!!

 

my father is a xs lover he got one 650 72 and one 750 79
pic of xs 650

 

I had 8 XS'a and one Maxim at the same time. Still have the Maxim.......

From the look of the XJ you really enjoy fabricating your bikes into something different. Looks like the XJ is about maxed out in the FAB department but I'd still stick with the XJ. Besides, with the Maxim you do have an extra pair of carbs to tune and sync! That has to be worth something !

 

I currently have 8 650s. I really enjoy the bikes. My 1975 is my favorite rider. I spent years chasing it down. I wanted low mileage original. I just yesterday finished my 72 and put 80 miles on it. I will be selling several in the coming months. That verticle twin is one of the prettiest engines ever!

 

Love the Looks of the ol' XS 650 twin. Had one and still regret letting it go. Looks and sounds like the classic bikes of the 60's with power and updated brakes, handling and carbs of the 70's. Great bikes.

 

Well, I bit the bullet and sold my '74 850 Norton Commando and there was this '80 XS 650 calling to me via CL. I asked the (then) owner a few questions and made an offer which he took. When I got it home and took a long look at it, it was even sweeter than the add said it was. So, what do you guys think?

 

pics of the norton and pics of the xs please

 

Pics of the "new" XS are in my album in the gallery and I'll add a pic of ol'e Snort too

 

4 is not too many bikes to own at one time. I currently have 4 bikes down from 12 earlier in the year. I gave 6 or 7 XS650's to "tiny" who is a member of this site. So now I have a BMW K1200LT, an '81 650 Maxim, a Honda SilverWing, and an XS 650.

Each of my bikes has a purpose. The BMW K1200LT for long distance touring, the XJ 650 for a ride around town and when I want something light weight to ride in warm weather with the wind in my face (or when I want to work on something and don't want to spend 2 hours removing plast body panels to get to the drive train), the SilverWing for short distqance around town riding and short touring trips in nice weather or when it's a little cool outside but not too cold, and the XS650 just because it's cool to own a piece of motorcycle history. I had a GoldWing when I took my riding test in Oregon and I borrowed an XS from a friend of mine to ride during the test. MUCH easier to handoe on the short course.

So there you go! Each bike has its purpose and she wouldn't want you riding the wrong machine for the application would she?

Loren

 

Absolutely, the look and sound can't be beat. I may have a few more XS 650's and another XJ soon if Danno and I come to an agreement. I have a really sweet '78 right now though. As much as I love the XS 650's though, the kid in me loves the power of the XJ 650 better, lol. Especially when you're ripping through the gears with one hand on the throttle, and one hand on the jockey shifter! Does anybody else realize that a properly tuned XJ 650 will do 72 mph in second gear?

 

Oh, I just realized the original reason for this thread! Dangit, now I'm REALLY bummed the '75 is gone! I now rent out a two car garage in addition to my one car unit I have at home. I've got crap loads of bikes now that I have the room. Grrrrrr!!!! Well, at least now I can have my cake and eat it too. I can have an XS and an XJ, and my dirt bikes! Don't you just love a happy ending?

 

Man I love the ol' Norton but I have a thing for good XS as well. I would probably have gone with the Norton but that could change depending on what day you asked. Seems to always go that way. My Maxim is my 4th bike and I plan on keeping it even when I go for a new bike. Suppose I'll give it one of my boys in a couple of years.