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1981 Yamaha XS650 Special

Started by A11an0n, October 25, 2014, 01:37:26 PM

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A11an0n

Just wanted to share some pictures of my buddies mint condition 1981 Yamaha XS 650 Special.  Would love to own this bike one day an turn it into a bobber...











1986 FJ1200
2007 Yamaha WR250F

Burns

If you are going to get into XS650's check out

XS 650 Garage
http://xs650temp.proboards.com/

and

XS650.com
http://www.xs650.com/


The Garage has the most XS650 knowledgeable people on the planet, though they are not extremely noobie-friendly. They will expect you to do your homework.  If you are going to modify anything on an XS650 they are by far the best source of information.


the XS650.com crowd is more eclectic and easy going,  good place for ideas, and a place to chat.





There's nothing you can do that can't be done.

motohorseman

That is nice!

I've had my eye on one as well....
Steve

anson45

Before turning one of those fine bikes into a "Bobber" I suggest you ride one a few miles. I rode a guys hard tail Harley back in '72. It took less than 5 miles and I decided this guy was nuts, and not in a good way. A young guy wanted to buy my 1981 XS650H last spring because he had a "Bobber" and wanted a 650 to ride. I firmly believe that there is a special place in hell for people who cut the frame and "Bobber" a XS650. Cafe a 650? Definitely. That's like taking the 650 to a higher level, like a sculptor who takes a block of stone and chips away everything that isn't a beautiful woman. I like some "Bobbers", V Twins make great "Bobbers"
That's a nice looking '81 BTW. I'm surprised how much is stock.
Anson
1980 XS650SG (Sold after 24 years of fun.)
1981 XS650H
1983 XVZ1200 (original owner)
1989 FJ1200

A11an0n

I've always wanted a bike to make 'custom' and the xs650s seem to be a good platform to start with.  CafĂ© racers are nice, but I've always liked the look of a bobber.  That being said I've never rode a hard tail before and I can image the ride wouldn't be pleasant.  Also if I did manage to get my hands on this bike I'm not sure if I could bring myself to chop the frame just because of its condition.  If the opportunity arises I will definitely scoop this one up, but perhaps I should be looking for one a little worse for wear to chop.

Thanks for the links Burns, there are some nice bikes in those pages...

Motohorseman I'd grab that one too if given the chance...

Thanks for the advice anson,  definitely appreciate it...

If I get my hands on it you guys will be the first to know...  :good2:
1986 FJ1200
2007 Yamaha WR250F

ken65

always liked the look of the xs650,,   thanks for the links aswell,  heres mine.


Burns

cutting ken's beauty up would be sinful, but any of the 16" rear-wheeled ("Special") XS's is fair game for the torch.


There's nothing you can do that can't be done.