XS 650

[Motig]

I'm slowly looking at the used bike market with a view to getting something before summer (but no rush). Can anybody give me a rough idea what the Yam 650's (1973-1977 not the cruiser style) are going for these days?
This is abit of turning the clock back as I owned 2 in an earlier life 73 TX &76 XS,great bikes in fact the local bikies (this wasn't just yesterday you understand) loved the sound hated the name. So got any info? :ride:

[Jackrat]

The early models actualy attract a higher price than the post 78 models.
I've seen an XS1 sell for close to $10,000.Granted that was a mint restoration but you get the idea.A nice 78 B model resently sold on trade me for $5000.If you do buy one an need parts give me a PM,I can get anything you need at very good rates.

[Virago]

Not much around at the moment, might have more luck in spring.

Here's an XS1100 for sale on Bikepoint:

http://www.bikepoint.co.nz/DesktopDefault.aspx?UsedBikeID=969450&TabID=3553&Alias=bikepointnz

I don't know how prices compare, but here's some XS650's from the states:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=80650&item=4558378801&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=80650&item=4558742266&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=80650&item=4559312998&rd=1

[Bonez]

Hey if you luck out on the XS650 the Kawasaki W650 could be the go. A mate, now passed away, had one and it went rather well for a paralell twin.

[Motig]

Yes the kawa does look good but out of my price range. I suspect that a lot of the reason for the high prices is that born again bikers are being blinded by 'the old days' and not reality. Probably a lot of bikes sold later cause they suddenly realise their not young anymore (the owners that is). I can wait :Punk:

[Motu]

I sold my 1971 XS1 late last year,I was really attached to the old thing as I'd had it 15 yrs.I had no idea what was worth,it was just a rat,but a rat that had new parts fitted when needed...but duct tape or clothsline wire if possible,it was near original but didn't look it,only unoriginal mufflers and missing indicators and switch gear.I let TradeMe decide and it went for just over $1500,about what I thought it would.But I wouldn't pay that for one.

[Jackrat]

Hey if you luck out on the XS650 the Kawasaki W650 could be the go. A mate, now passed away, had one and it went rather well for a paralell twin.

The stat's say the W should beat the XS but in the real world the XS eats the W.
I just love it when I meet a W on a twisty road. :devil2:

[Bonez]

The stat's say the W should beat the XS but in the real world the XS eats the W.
I just love it when I meet a W on a twisty road. :devil2:Come across any customised wobbleU's JR?

[Jackrat]

Come across any customised wobbleU's JR?

Yes,I saw one at an add agency in AK that has a few tastefull extras.
He an I were both trying to get a part in that add where the guy pulls up to the lights on the Floro Harley.
That Guys W looked way nicer than the Harley or that other scuffs Norton,but the add was aimed at the public,so you know how it goes. :weird:

[Bonez]

Yes,I saw one at an add agency in AK that has a few tastefull extras.
He an I were both trying to get a part in that add where the guy pulls up to the lights on the Floro Harley.
That Guys W looked way nicer than the Harley or that other scuffs Norton,but the add was aimed at the public,so you know how it goes. :weird:
Yip I know. Tell them you're into bikes and the first question they ask is "Is it a Harley?" :nya:

[Jackrat]

The Big K did it with the W,Triumph did it with the Bonnie,Harleys an BMW's of all types still sell,Ya' think Yamaha could do it with the XS.
Proper suspension,900cc,fuel injection,I'd buy one tomorrow. :love:

[Motig]

Yes,I've often wondered why Yamaha haven't re-released an updated 650 would be cheap the parts would have paid for them selves long ago.
I'd go for new chassis,existing engine with electronic ignition,existing tank side covers brakes,suspension etc from existing models.Aparts bin special which wouldn't break the bank. :ride:

[Badcat]

Yes,I've often wondered why Yamaha haven't re-released an updated 650 would be cheap the parts would have paid for them selves long ago.
I'd go for new chassis,existing engine with electronic ignition,existing tank side covers brakes,suspension etc from existing models.Aparts bin special which wouldn't break the bank. :ride:

yep except for the fact they don't make those 30 year old parts anymore and hardly anyone would actually buy them - it's a great idea.
remember the w was a failure in real sales - as all bikes like that are.
they EVENTUALLY sell (at much reduced prices) to cultists like us.

sad but true.

[Bonez]

yep except for the fact they don't make those 30 year old parts anymore and hardly anyone would actually buy them - it's a great idea.
remember the w was a failure in real sales - as all bikes like that are.
they EVENTUALLY sell (at much reduced prices) to cultists like us.

sad but true.But didn't the XS and the SR have a Looong model run in
Japan?

[Ixion]

Yes,I've often wondered why Yamaha haven't re-released an updated 650 would be cheap the parts would have paid for them selves long ago.
I'd go for new chassis,existing engine with electronic ignition,existing tank side covers brakes,suspension etc from existing models.Aparts bin special which wouldn't break the bank. :ride:


cos they wouldn't pass present day emission tests, noise tests, safety design wajamacallits and all the rest of it. Bike manufacturers essentially produce for the California market. And if it can't be sold there they won't bother. And even if the 650 donk could be bought up to compliance (a) it would take a truck load of $$$ that they'd rather put into a new model and (b) it would gut the power so much you wouldn't want it anyway.

[Jackrat]

Yes,I've often wondered why Yamaha haven't re-released an updated 650 would be cheap the parts would have paid for them selves long ago.
I'd go for new chassis,existing engine with electronic ignition,existing tank side covers brakes,suspension etc from existing models.Aparts bin special which wouldn't break the bank. :ride:

The 78 an later have a way improved frame over the earlier models,an they have electronic ignition,so they were on the right track.
The FZR600 front end bolts straight onto the XS,and alloy swing arms from heaps of different bikes have been used on em'.
Yamaha would only have to look at what the thousands of XS nuts around the world have aready done an they'd have a darn good bike that would appeal to a hell of a lot of people that just want a good solid old school twin.
Oh yeah,they would HAVE to get rid of the rubbish charging system. :mad:

[Motig]

OK how about selling it with just a painted tank and you could choose what make you wanted yours to be and buy the emblems to suit- Norton,BSA,AJS,Royal Enfield etc etc. Theres a fortune to be made just out of nostagic brits :yes:

[Jackrat]

cos they wouldn't pass present day emission tests, noise tests, safety design wajamacallits and all the rest of it. Bike manufacturers essentially produce for the California market. And if it can't be sold there they won't bother. And even if the 650 donk could be bought up to compliance (a) it would take a truck load of $$$ that they'd rather put into a new model and (b) it would gut the power so much you wouldn't want it anyway.

Triumph did it with the Bonnie and retained the basic Bonnie vibe.
Shouldn't be that hard,after all nobody wants the original SX anymore than they want the original Bonnie.
Kawasaki did it with the W,a model that harks back to the mid fiftys.
Harleys been doing it with the sportster since 1957.
I would of thought that in this day where more an more people don't want to go sportsbike fast, an don't want to pay the fines it would be a go.
The fan base is certainly out there.

[Motu]

The W650 was a Japanese market only model,but so much interest was shown that it was sold world wide....I'd love one.The Japs do a shit load of retros,particualy Yamaha,still the only Jap company that takes a chance - they do a retro SR500 complete with the XS1 drum brake.....but why not the XS650? It's a no brainer I reckon.

In my mind (small and bent as it is) the XS650 and the TT/SR 500 are the most over engineered motorcycle motors ever made,they just went over the top.....inside they are a thing of joy for the mechanicly minded.

[Ixion]

Triumph did it with the Bonnie and retained the basic Bonnie vibe.
Shouldn't be that hard,after all nobody wants the original SX anymore than they want the original Bonnie.
Kawasaki did it with the W,a model that harks back to the mid fiftys.

Yeah, but the Hinckley Bonnie has nothing whatsoever in common with the Meridan Bonnie. ('Cept the name and badge design) .It's not even a derivation, completely new ground up design. Original suggestion was a new model using the *original* 650 engine, cos it would be cheap - a parts bin bike.

A new model 650 twin Yammie is another matter altogether. I'm sure Yamaha could do it, only thing is that segment of the market is starting to look pretty cluttered.

What I'd like to see is Yamaha or Suzuki bring out a new big two smoker a 500 or bigger. Or even a modern RD350. Won't happen, cos of all the regulations nowdays of course, but it's a pitty there are so few on road big two strokes now days

[Jackrat]

Yeah, but the Hinckley Bonnie has nothing whatsoever in common with the Meridan Bonnie. ('Cept the name and badge design) .It's not even a derivation, completely new ground up design. Original suggestion was a new model using the *original* 650 engine, cos it would be cheap - a parts bin bike.

A new model 650 twin Yammie is another matter altogether. I'm sure Yamaha could do it, only thing is that segment of the market is starting to look pretty cluttered.

What I'd like to see is Yamaha or Suzuki bring out a new big two smoker a 500 or bigger. Or even a modern RD350. Won't happen, cos of all the regulations nowdays of course, but it's a pitty there are so few on road big two strokes now days

Yeah I see where your coming from.
It's always bothered me that there's been so many really good bikes that have just been dropped.Often for reasons that the average rider just can't see.I kind'a hoped the T500 would go on forever, but,,,,well it was a stroker,as much as we loved em' their time just ran out.
Bugger !

[Pixie]

Yip I know. Tell them you're into bikes and the first question they ask is "Is it a Harley?" :nya:
And the standard reply is:I SAID BIKES...MOTORCYCLES

[Pixie]

The Big K did it with the W,Triumph did it with the Bonnie,Harleys an BMW's of all types still sell,Ya' think Yamaha could do it with the XS.
Proper suspension,900cc,fuel injection,I'd buy one tomorrow. :love:
Different motor, but it's called a TDM 900

[Pixie]

The W650 was a Japanese market only model,but so much interest was shown that it was sold world wide....I'd love one.The Japs do a shit load of retros,particualy Yamaha,still the only Jap company that takes a chance - they do a retro SR500 complete with the XS1 drum brake.....but why not the XS650? It's a no brainer I reckon.

In my mind (small and bent as it is) the XS650 and the TT/SR 500 are the most over engineered motorcycle motors ever made,they just went over the top.....inside they are a thing of joy for the mechanicly minded.
I believe the XS650 motor has an design relationship with the GT 2000 six that Yamaha designed for Toyota

[Jackrat]

I believe the XS650 motor has an design relationship with the GT 2000 six that Yamaha designed for Toyota

Same valve gear.