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?

[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/DesktopDe...as=bikepointnz

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

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...558378801&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...558742266&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...559312998&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

[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.

[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.

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.

[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.

Yip I know. Tell them you're into bikes and the first question they ask is "Is it a Harley?"

[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.

[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.

[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.

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.

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.