These bikes are precious. Ive got a '76 in the same condition as this one; #10. Owned it for 44 years with absolutely no repairs needed...none! Out perfumes a brand new Royal Enfield Interceptor in all respects! I tested a RE last summer when I was shoping for my new Triumph and was frankly amazed that the RE with all its current hype could not match my 44 year old Yamaha. I hadn't ridden mine in 10 years as of last summer when I bought a new Triumph Bonnevile T120 1,200. I was going to give the XS away until I cleaned off all the dust and parked it at a local shop. It gathered quite a crowd; folks asking questioins and taking photos. I began to realize how rare and preceous it was. Then I saw a few examples on the Kaplan site and realized it was worth about 10 grand...the same I was paying for my new 2018 Bonnevile T120 Black! Cant bare to sell it now...dont want anyone chopping it up. Now I plan to ride it next summer from Anchorage to Boise via the Alaska Highway and give it to my son-in-law (but only if he agrees to keep it stock).
I had this exact model. I bought it new in March of '73 from a Yamaha dealer in Huntington Beach, CA. Paid $1200 for it. For a few years - as a 20 year old - it was my primary transportation - rain or shine. Living in SoCal meant not having to deal with bad weather too much. Loved that bike. It never left me stranded. My only negative memory about the bike was the high speed wobble that would randomly show up above 90 MPH. There was some kind of issue with the swing arm bushings. They were replaced under warranty but that didn't completely solve the wobble. I sold the 650 to a friend after the USAF sent me to northern Maine for almost 4 years.
Had a 1975 XS650B in 1978 when I was 16. Great bike and was bullet proof. Rode the hell out of it until I was 18. Got my first Harley then, used 75 FX 1200. Both were great bikes.
I was amazed at how good it ran. I took the engine down and bored it to 700 ccs , new pistons and low friction rings, it was absolutely amazing with the 256 cam and a twist of the wrist it hit 7500 rpm in each gear, perfect clutch and transmission. No more than a wax. I wish I still had it, it was like a 390FE 401 hp in a Model A. A real hot rod. I rode it to work every night shift for Malone&Hyde for years I found a station back then with 96 R+M/2 no bullshit gasoline!
I had one of these a couple years ago. 1972 XS2 in red. Beautiful beautiful bike. HATED IT. Vibrated like hell, handled like a tanker truck. Idled high on warm days and wouldn't idle at all on cold days. My '74 Kawasaki 400 triple, although troubled in it's own ways, feels like a space ship from the future compared to the 650. I miss looking at it but I don't miss riding it.
Had a stock1973 650 in 75 and like a fool I chopped it. In the mid 70s just about every stock bike got chopped with the engine placed in a rigid frame or bolt on hard tail.
Hey Junior if you're reading this I wanted to ask you if you are supposed to put 2-stroke oil in the tank in the 1970 and 71 models especially because I hear they needed extra valve lubrication and I hear that running just straight gas can ruin the motor, do you know if there is any truth to that???
One of my all time favorites! They had the simplicity and styling of the Brit twins with Japanese price and reliability!
These bikes are precious. Ive got a '76 in the same condition as this one; #10. Owned it for 44 years with absolutely no repairs needed...none! Out perfumes a brand new Royal Enfield Interceptor in all respects! I tested a RE last summer when I was shoping for my new Triumph and was frankly amazed that the RE with all its current hype could not match my 44 year old Yamaha. I hadn't ridden mine in 10 years as of last summer when I bought a new Triumph Bonnevile T120 1,200. I was going to give the XS away until I cleaned off all the dust and parked it at a local shop. It gathered quite a crowd; folks asking questioins and taking photos. I began to realize how rare and preceous it was. Then I saw a few examples on the Kaplan site and realized it was worth about 10 grand...the same I was paying for my new 2018 Bonnevile T120 Black! Cant bare to sell it now...dont want anyone chopping it up.
Now I plan to ride it next summer from Anchorage to Boise via the Alaska Highway and give it to my son-in-law (but only if he agrees to keep it stock).
Great post. I can't believe the hype over the RE. Yamaha should bring this baby back pronto and wipe the floor with Triumph and RE.
I remember these baby's,always get you home from work,cruising the lanes just smiling.
I bought a used XS2 in 1978 and still have it today. Agree with everything you said.
I had this exact model. I bought it new in March of '73 from a Yamaha dealer in Huntington Beach, CA. Paid $1200 for it. For a few years - as a 20 year old - it was my primary transportation - rain or shine. Living in SoCal meant not having to deal with bad weather too much. Loved that bike. It never left me stranded. My only negative memory about the bike was the high speed wobble that would randomly show up above 90 MPH. There was some kind of issue with the swing arm bushings. They were replaced under warranty but that didn't completely solve the wobble. I sold the 650 to a friend after the USAF sent me to northern Maine for almost 4 years.
I had the same wobble problem back then and pot a bigger front tire in it and the problem vanished....(for some unknown reason)
I lusted for the green and white version when I was a senior in high school in 1972. Never did get one but would still like to.
My Dad always talked about the green one fondly. He opted for the RD350 instead as a senior in high school. I'm thinking it was a financial decision.
Vegas green
Had a 1975 XS650B in 1978 when I was 16. Great bike and was bullet proof. Rode the hell out of it until I was 18. Got my first Harley then, used 75 FX 1200. Both were great bikes.
I was amazed at how good it ran. I took the engine down and bored it to 700 ccs , new pistons and low friction rings, it was absolutely amazing with the 256 cam and a twist of the wrist it hit 7500 rpm in each gear, perfect clutch and transmission. No more than a wax. I wish I still had it, it was like a 390FE 401 hp in a Model A. A real hot rod. I rode it to work every night shift for Malone&Hyde for years I found a station back then with 96 R+M/2 no bullshit gasoline!
I have a '73 (TX). The 256 series engines are great. After '74 the 447 series engine lost a little tourque but the parts are easier to find.
Ken that is a beautiful bike sounds and looks fantastic.
Back in h.s. in 74 1 of my friends had 1 of these.every morning came in the front wheel in the air.pretty bike.
I had this same bike. My first real motorcycle. Loved it!
I had one of those! From March ‘72 to Nov ‘75 when I traded it in for a new BMW R90S, which I still have. Wish I had been able to keep the XS2 also.
If triumph would have built thier bikes as good as these xs 650s they would have stayed in business!
My favourite yamaha after RD🔥🔥
Bought one Brand new in 72. Red one as well. Loved it..Great bike.
My friend just got a71 as a gift from original owner friend of family rebuilt the carbs and it started right up first time in 35 years rides like new
I had one when I was young, friend had one too. One day we found out the keys would start both bikes. Soon after he stole it. nice friend.
I had one of these a couple years ago. 1972 XS2 in red. Beautiful beautiful bike. HATED IT. Vibrated like hell, handled like a tanker truck. Idled high on warm days and wouldn't idle at all on cold days. My '74 Kawasaki 400 triple, although troubled in it's own ways, feels like a space ship from the future compared to the 650. I miss looking at it but I don't miss riding it.
The XS2 had a cam that the EPA required that it be unavailable for 1973. It was the best cam for the bike and made it a beast!
XS650's are great bikes
I learned about these bikes in my early 20s a guy was trying to get me to find one and build a cafe racer.
I have one of these and its staying original.
Thank You ...
I had one a it was the best ever bike I ever had!
Fantastic bike!
Had this exact bike its was fun.
Amazing find!!!!
these old bikes run forever however when they take a shit its usually more then one thing that turns into a pain in the ass
Loved mine, I put direct slide mikuni carbs on it, should’ve never sold it ...!!
Had a stock1973 650 in 75 and like a fool I chopped it. In the mid 70s just about every stock bike got chopped with the engine placed in a rigid frame or bolt on hard tail.
I have one that I dare say is even nicer. May I ask what it sold for?
they were fast!!!!
Hey Junior if you're reading this I wanted to ask you if you are supposed to put 2-stroke oil in the tank in the 1970 and 71 models especially because I hear they needed extra valve lubrication and I hear that running just straight gas can ruin the motor, do you know if there is any truth to that???
Total BS. Only 2 strokes need oil in fuel.
Price?
Sweeeet!!
Wot type of oil do you mix with fuel in these bikes
You dont....its a four-stroke
But u can run two stroke in any four stroke as a top-end lubrication
I got one near complete ...runs Good ...no reply from JDM THOUGH...
Buy iT!
Still Runs!
I found one 2 owners same bike 1972
Price?