Xj550 to 650?

Greetings
Ive been riding an 81 xj550 for several years.
Have def outgrown it and have been wanting a bigger bike
Got an 82 1100 project that is still a project.

Today I came across an 82 xj650 for somewhat cheap.
That much diff?
81 550 vs 82 650?

ok 100 is 100
not that I will be completely happy...
650 is shaft vs the 550 chain, right?

Thoughts/Ideas?

Thanks
Dave

 

My thought is that the 650 isn't that much larger of a bike. You lose the chain and the 6th gear.

 

The only way that I know of to go from a 550 to a 650 in a 550 frame bike and still keep the original type cases, is to find a fj600, FZ600 or radian engine and install a big bore 652 cc kit into it. This way you get to keep the chain drive and keep the 6th gear.

Sean

 

I think he's wondering what the difference would be.
It's 125 CC's bigger anyway, and about 100 # heavier.
You lose a little MPG and the bike doesn't blow around as much, by a small amount, due to the weight.

 

I was gonna say you lose a gear and gain a hundred pounds.

The 650 will be "roomier" for sure; but I doubt it will have the 'snap' the 550 does. I can't say from experience as I haven't had a chance to actually ride my 650 yet.

 

Forget buying a 650, keep your 550 and just get your XJ1100 project finished!
You'll enjoy the difference between riding the 550 and the 1100. You can ride the 550 when you need that light, snappy sport feel on twisty country roads, and then you can ride the 1100 when you want to go big, fast and far on the highway. :wink:
Bill

 

Ditto Ditto Ditto.

Best answer yet.

Enjoy the personalities and capabilities of each.

 

Dude, AWESOME!
Thats what I was looking for!
Thanks
'Nuff said
I know what I am doing... being patient... back to work on the 1100
Dave