Scratched an Itch.

I have been wanting an XS650 for quite a few years. They seem to be going for stupid money now. Found this one 2 days ago. Had to take a 45 minute drive to go get it, but for $500, I think it was worth the trip. Only 10,000 miles (16,000km). No leaks or broken bits, save the rear signals. Some polish and paint, and it will look pristine. I would have preferred and old XS1, XS2, or TX version, but seeing as how this is the last of the line, it should have the best motor. I never noticed it before, but this bike has no oil light, weird..

I wish it was April instead of August! It's already looking a lot better with a bit of polishing.

As you can see, I was in full mechanic mode today. The Bolens mower I got for free back in the spring. A new con-rod, some rings, a crank polish and gaskets have saved me hours and hours of labor this summer. The snowblower is split for repairs. I got it for $150 from a guy who said it kept burning up the auger drive belt. That's what happens when your pulleys are 1/4" out of alignment. I really wish I had a workshop. All three of these machines have been purchased for well under a grand. Don't let anyone ever tell you that mechanical know-how isn't worth it's weight in gold. My roommate really likes the XS. She says it looks like the old classic bikes of yesteryear. She asked when it was built. I said 83. Then she asked when my GS1100 was built. I said 83. She asked why they looked so different if they were made the same year. I tried to explain how they were built for different purposes but she seemed a bit confused, so I said, if these bikes were people, the XS would be your buddy who comes along and asks you out for a few beers, the GS would be the guy who kicks you in the nuts and laughs at you while you writhe in agony. That seemed to clear things up a bit.

 

Very nice find. Brings back memories of my first bike. 1981 XS650H (The Special II). That was a blast to ride, got in the high 50's for mileage and was a dream to work on. Got it for $300 from a ex's father (I was 19), put about $100 into it getting it running and drove it until the day it died. I've owned and driven some great bikes since that time, but nothing compares to an old XS.

 

LOL, that is hilarious.

 

how come you keep getting these great deals, are you a registered charity or something?

 

He is sleeping with lonely women with full garages.

 

I've been looking for one of those old 650s for a while now, and it turns out my son-in-law will be getting rid of it next year for a bigger bike. I am first in line to get it!! He got it for nothing!! I figure I'll have to give him something for it, but it will still be a great deal.
I owned two XS 650s in my younger years and I'd really like getting back on one after all these years.

 

Nice Bike Mac! Gotta luv them vertical twins. Great find!
Had a 76? XS650special when I lived in Oklahoma, $400 w/1200mi. Rode the snot out of it there and then here in Houston.