When I saw the title "Can I get this. . . running." I said to myself "of course!" I used to help with group rides at a local Honda dealership. A kid pulled in an a TX650 all panicked. His bike started to run on one cylinder and he was afraid it was going to leave him sit. I looked it over, found the cold pipe and started to have a look around. I asked him to open the seat and loosen the rear of the tank. He did and I got just enough room to release the plug wire that was trapped between the lower seam of the tank and the head. (It was bleeding off the spark.) It ran great after that he he thought I was some kind of old-time genius. They are nice bullet proof bikes.
You scored an improved XS2. The carbs ,throttle cables and starter switch have been updated to the 1974 to 1977 style. The originals had two cables up to the throttle grip and the carbs were not linked so that you had to sync them with the cable adjusters. The starter switch was at a lever that was also a decompressor of the left cylinder exhaust valve that reduced the load on the starter when cranking. The sump and oil filters are reusable as long as they aren’t damaged and just need to be back flushed in a parts washer.
Outstanding video! Find another one and let's do it again! Time for me to go out to the shed and get started! Thanks for the motivation and keep up the great work:)
Had a later model, the year forgotten, in that red. Best bike of all time. Called it the "station wagon" with its hard bags & full Vetter. Strapped the turkey to the 6 pack rack once even, ah, the golden olden days....
Had a '73 XS650 I bought in 1974 for $1100 and rode it through high school and sold it in 1976 for $1200. It was still in perfect shape. Wish I had kept it.
You got yourself a real find, there. These things fetch good money, in Australia ($7-$10USD.) From the video, the engine doesn't sound too rattly on that one. They can get a bit noisy if neglected. Well done.
My 1976 French Blue XS650 is in showroom appearance, but I nevertheless appreciate the Tutorial. Especially the removal of the sump and replacement of the sump filter. Pristine as it seems, its never had the sump filter replaced. After 48 years its about time.😎
That thrill of hearing the engine fire after spending a few hours or weeks! Never goes away! Thanks for sharing this! My favourite moment was when you realized the bike was on a lift but you were on your knees..lolololol been there, nothing can break the focus of reaching the goal! I'm now 74 and have been doing that process since I was 11 years old! I still get that tripping over stuff fever to get to that rush of achievement! Keep up the good work! 🇨🇦 🇬🇧 ❤
My first bike was a 1979 XS650 Special with the pull back handlebars. I paid $2500 for it new. Great little runner. Mine was red. I do miss it when I think of it. I think everyone should keep their first bike if at all possible. Brings back great memories. Thanks and ride safe everyone.
Had one in the mid70's. If I remember right the brush's in the stator have to be replaced every 10k miles or so, mine died on a trip. It also started much better with the kick starter when cold. I loved that bike and I'm really jealous!
Way cool! I had a 72 about 50 years ago. I rode that thing everywhere, I put a ton of miles on it. Funny think is I don't remember changing the oil on it with the filter at the bottom and the filter on the right side. It was a long time ago. Anyway, it was a great bike. It is one of those machines (of many) I should have kept. Thanks for the great video, it brought back many great memories.
I still run mine ive chopped it now got electronic ignition a pma an slide carbs etc goes really well ive had it for forty odd years im now 71 yrs old nice video 👍 best wishes from the uk
We have been looking at electronic ignitions system and everybody seems to go with the PMA alternator. Slide carbs are great on these. So far we got really lucky with the CV carbs on the bike but we're thinking slide carbs eventually. Enjoy your XS650! We can't wait to take ours on a long ride.
About the only thing that may give you much trouble is the cam chain guide. The glue holding the plastic guide to the alloy holder comes apart and the plastic part falls off. Dirty carbs is the other. I been tinkering with the XS650 for about 25 years. Learned a lot about them. I have four right now, 75, 81, 82, 83. Three are street legal and get rode a lot. The 75 has a lot of mods. 750 kit, rear disc brake, reg and rec mods, using carbs of a Kawasaki Ninja 500, Electronic ignition, many other little things to numerous to list. For the tires, balance beads are the best way. Just be sure the beads are very tiny. You have to install them through the valve stem.
Gotta love the sound of those 360 twins - nothing else snarls like they do. Some love the potato, potato, but to me this is the sound of motorcycling...
I enjoyed this video so not moaning too much, overall good editing. Next time Bradley get in close with the camera on the business end of what the mechanic is doing, we don't need to be looking at them talking to listen. A bit more lighting wouldn't go amiss.
I bought a "75 basket case for 250.00 at Vintage days many years ago, brought it back to life, spent the summer together and sold it. Wish I would have kept it.
My 79 Special that I bought new is waiting on me. I owned several XS 650`s back in the day. Check the DC generator brushes as they had to be be replaced fairly regularly. Voltage regulator is point type. Just keep a good battery in them and they are very reliable, the charging systems don`t take abuse well. Motorcycles are about rider experience and these do that very well. They do sound so good .
Remember them well and speaking of that 480 lb. weight, I clearly remember bringing my buddy's XS down into his basement and back out in the spring. Yamaha did a very nice job of mimicking the classic twin look. Great video!
Crud in the oil is from the fiber clutch disc. Both oil filters are cleanable and reused. There is one in the sump and the other is in the sidecover under the small round cover. On the sump plate don't over tighten them. This warps the plate and pulls the threads out of the case.
The handlebar switches have been replaced at some point. The electric start can be a bit sketchy, when you have it sorted, use the kick start, I would. The charging , its not the usual arrangement, a commenter below is correct you need to check the brushes. Its not a permanet magnet, it needs current from the battery to create a magnetic field to allow the alternator to provide charge to the battery. Sounds odd but thats how they are. At least thats my recollection of XS650s .... The oil strainer in the sump can be cleaned and re-used over and over. No harm in replacing it of course. The gauze can split though, watch out for that, yours looks good.
Great info on the charging system. We do have new brushes on hand and are thinking of swapping to an electronic voltage regulator. Long-term solution may be a permanent magnet setup. Should we do it?!
@@MotorcyclistMag Suit yourself, but the alternator with brushes (like cars) works fine, and brushes are an easy replacement. With the miles you're likely to put on the bike, it's unlikely you'd wear out a new set of brushes. Plus, it keeps it original, fwiw. Careful choosing the regulator: these are not the shunt type so common that use shorting of the stator windings to prevent excessive voltage rise. Instead, they control the current being fed to the electromagnetic rotor, through the brushes, like the car type. So, probably one meant for cars. Cheers.
650 yamie one of the best bikes ever made not the most comfortable but reliable its ace. Road one of these across Canada 3 times just changed out tires. Wish I still had one mine was 1977 model blue in colour.
I never owned one of those in my 66 years, but I've always loved the style. Closest I came was an XS400 Yammy, or the '71 Bonneville I had back in '88 I miss that bike!!!!!!!!
I think your 71 Bonnie would have felt to you better in the handling, Bruce (l had the same bike, much underrated oil in frame design) but you'd have been much impressed by the overhead cam design of the Yamaha. And it vibrates just as much as your Triumph!
I bought a XS650 as a project. I did as much work as I could. I took it to a shop because I couldn’t get the engine running. I was able to ride it a few times before I sold it. My next project bike will be a running model
I had a 72 I bought brand new in '72 I love that bike it just never broke down it never left me stranded except one time I'd had a few too many to drink and I went out to start it it wouldn't start so I pushed it home the next morning I got up I forgot to turn the gas on my fault not the bike Love that bike
I bought the same bike back in 1978, in the same color. A 1972 XS2 in candy red/white. It vibrated so much if I revved it up that it would ‘walk’ backwards on the center stand. The engines were virtually indestructible. I bought it from Ton van Heugten, who was world champion side car motocross and used these engines with a 980 cc big bore kit in his racing bikes.
@ if you decide the paint is not to your liking you could make a Kenny Roberts Street Tracker from it. I remember these bikes well. Good bikes from Yamaha.
It's not the whole starter gear set. It's usually the wishbone spring clip on the gears. Mike's has tech tips that cover how to fix this. One you tighten the stock clip, yhe other is replacement.
I bought a new XS650 Heritage Special in 1983. I still have it, still ride it. Now 60,000+ miles. I can go to the garage and I’d wager it will start one kick. 4 more in the garage. 2 runners are XS650SH and XS650G. 2 more looking for attention. Why would I want a new bike?
That Yamaha sounds really good while you scored it doesn't even smoke cool have a great day I'll keep watching I'm retired mechanic 60 years I like old stuff I had a lot of old bikes back in the day I guess the one I regret selling is a 64 Royal Enfield when I was a kid in the '60s my neighbors were bikers one guy had a broth Superior
Not a fan of selenium rectifiers. Tried rebuilding them but if the coating on the plates (under the orange paint) is stuffed, that wafer is stuffed. I leave them on for show but disconnect them and run a modern rectifier. Old bikes have character for sure but electronic ignition can be much nicer. My 99 SV has carbs, runs so well it’s in nearly daily use and my modern bike just used for trips. Might add an older one to the shed once I finish my transporter trailer, thinking a 60’s CB450 like the one I had as a kid.
Congratulations👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏I had one similar 1972 the engine it is simple a bullet proof, if after while the engine vibrates more is due to the weights lose in the crank webs
When l saw 50 year old Yamaha XS 650 made me feel old l am 70 amd l definitely can remember these Yamaha XS 650s been everywhere in fact the Police used them in N.S.W Australia for a short time and these were known as the flexy flyer not a great frame for handling
Of the series this was the most produced model of the xs650's... I think 33000... first year electric start and disc brake.. and the only year with the disc mounted to the fork leg... Perhaps the most handsome of the Xs series... I've had several Xs2' over the years... Currently have 3 in the stable... first year 70' Xs1... 75' Xs650 police and 82' Xs650 Heritage Special... 😎
Something to check, the wiring loom can rub through on the fuel tank causing the fuel tank to be live then short to ground through the throttle cables jamming the throttle open.
'74 and later had the better frame. But this has the older "long rod" engine, IIRC. Builders like those. Not a real good handler, but acceptable. I rode 15K miles around 38 states on a '74 TX650A. Set of plugs in Montana, taillight bulb and rear tire. That was it.
My XS650 1977 was a great fun bike. SO I bought a Kawasaki W650 that is a relatively modern version of old school W1. I don't have to wrench on it. I just ride.
Be careful starting these after standing for a long time, they are press together cranks and you can twist them out of alignment. That’s why they have a decompressor on the right hand exhaust valve, opposite the primary drive.
It was pretty convenient and it's worked OK for our application! Does cost more than race gas, though, so maybe you have a point?! We usually use race gas and a little two-stroke oil.
For anyone watching, read the instructions that come with a flooded acid battery - you should NEVER do the initial charge with the fill caps installed. The process usually involves filling, letting it sit for a half to an hour while napping occasionally, then charge with the caps (and vent cover) removed. Once 100%, another cooling off period before cap installation and putting in the bike. These batteries swell bad enough to not fit in the batter box and will cause damage to the plates making them usual. Yuasa has a very thorough video on how to fill all battery types. Stay safe.
We followed the filling instructions included with this battery and thank you for the detail here. Lead-acid batteries definitely take care in handling. We got our naps in, too!
I just realized that's the same Mark who does the Cycle World podcast with Kevin Cameron. The whole time I was watching this video I was thinking he looked and sounded familiar.
My friend (RIP) had blue '74 one of these. I had a '74 Norton and envied his E-Start. Together we rode throughout Europe.
When I saw the title "Can I get this. . . running." I said to myself "of course!" I used to help with group rides at a local Honda dealership. A kid pulled in an a TX650 all panicked. His bike started to run on one cylinder and he was afraid it was going to leave him sit. I looked it over, found the cold pipe and started to have a look around. I asked him to open the seat and loosen the rear of the tank. He did and I got just enough room to release the plug wire that was trapped between the lower seam of the tank and the head. (It was bleeding off the spark.) It ran great after that he he thought I was some kind of old-time genius. They are nice bullet proof bikes.
Never has 34:21 seemed more like 11:43. The best editing ever. More, more, more, please!
Probably the best video I've seen on this channel for a while
No doubt in my mind.
Couldn't agree more.
Do more of these videos. I like the quick edits so I don't have to watch the dullness of unscrewing a screw
You scored an improved XS2. The carbs ,throttle cables and starter switch have been updated to the 1974 to 1977 style. The originals had two cables up to the throttle grip and the carbs were not linked so that you had to sync them with the cable adjusters. The starter switch was at a lever that was also a decompressor of the left cylinder exhaust valve that reduced the load on the starter when cranking. The sump and oil filters are reusable as long as they aren’t damaged and just need to be back flushed in a parts washer.
Outstanding video! Find another one and let's do it again! Time for me to go out to the shed and get started! Thanks for the motivation and keep up the great work:)
That's a dream of a find ... didn't even have to pull the carbs. Is this a new series? I love videos like this, bringing old bikes back to life.
Yes, we are going to make more! It’s super fun work and possibly our host’s favorite thing to do in life. What kind of bike should we get next?!
@@MotorcyclistMag something British would be fun, maybe an old Triumph 650.
@@MotorcyclistMag
An early to mid eighties Honda V4.
Oh man, V4 Honda carbs, you’ll make Hoyer cry!
@MotorcyclistMag
😂 Haha! It's not as bad as some make it out to be, but he may need a pry stick to shoehorn the assembly back into place. 💪☮️
Had a later model, the year forgotten, in that red. Best bike of all time. Called it the "station wagon" with its hard bags & full Vetter. Strapped the turkey to the 6 pack rack once even, ah, the golden olden days....
I really enjoyed watching this; didn’t want to get to the end. Good job Mark and team.
Had a '73 XS650 I bought in 1974 for $1100 and rode it through high school and sold it in 1976 for $1200. It was still in perfect shape. Wish I had kept it.
I love these kind of videos. More of these please, they’re more interesting for myself than a ride on a new 20k bike I’ll never want to buy.
You got yourself a real find, there. These things fetch good money, in Australia ($7-$10USD.) From the video, the engine doesn't sound too rattly on that one. They can get a bit noisy if neglected. Well done.
It sounds like my 1980 Bonneville. High praise. Love it!
I watch a lot of bike resto videos and this is the closest anyones got to Allen Millyard levels of workshop nirvana. Well done!
Love it - best kind of content!
We sure appreciate you watching and really glad you enjoyed it!
was gonna type the exact same thing, love bike repair videos
More content like this please, god work Mark@@MotorcyclistMag
My 1976 French Blue XS650 is in showroom appearance, but I nevertheless appreciate the Tutorial. Especially the removal of the sump and replacement of the sump filter. Pristine as it seems, its never had the sump filter replaced. After 48 years its about time.😎
French Blue - was that not a British Leyland Triumph Car Colour ?
That thrill of hearing the engine fire after spending a few hours or weeks! Never goes away! Thanks for sharing this!
My favourite moment was when you realized the bike was on a lift but you were on your knees..lolololol been there, nothing can break the focus of reaching the goal! I'm now 74 and have been doing that process since I was 11 years old! I still get that tripping over stuff fever to get to that rush of achievement!
Keep up the good work!
🇨🇦 🇬🇧 ❤
My first bike was a 1979 XS650 Special with the pull back handlebars. I paid $2500 for it new. Great little runner. Mine was red. I do miss it when I think of it. I think everyone should keep their first bike if at all possible. Brings back great memories. Thanks and ride safe everyone.
Had one in the mid70's. If I remember right the brush's in the stator have to be replaced every 10k miles or so, mine died on a trip. It also started much better with the kick starter when cold. I loved that bike and I'm really jealous!
I had a 75 XS650, my all time favorite bike.
Way cool! I had a 72 about 50 years ago. I rode that thing everywhere, I put a ton of miles on it. Funny think is I don't remember changing the oil on it with the filter at the bottom and the filter on the right side. It was a long time ago. Anyway, it was a great bike. It is one of those machines (of many) I should have kept. Thanks for the great video, it brought back many great memories.
I still run mine ive chopped it now got electronic ignition a pma an slide carbs etc goes really well ive had it for forty odd years im now 71 yrs old nice video 👍 best wishes from the uk
We have been looking at electronic ignitions system and everybody seems to go with the PMA alternator. Slide carbs are great on these. So far we got really lucky with the CV carbs on the bike but we're thinking slide carbs eventually. Enjoy your XS650! We can't wait to take ours on a long ride.
Very cool bike, we had a lot of black / gold XS650s come into the UK in the late 70s and I'd love to pick up a good one for back roads riding
Regular steel siezes too. Use antisieze.
Brilliant episode; keep them coming. Mark Hoyer a natural👏
About the only thing that may give you much trouble is the cam chain guide. The glue holding the plastic guide to the alloy holder comes apart and the plastic part falls off.
Dirty carbs is the other.
I been tinkering with the XS650 for about 25 years. Learned a lot about them. I have four right now, 75, 81, 82, 83. Three are street legal and get rode a lot. The 75 has a lot of mods. 750 kit, rear disc brake, reg and rec mods, using carbs of a Kawasaki Ninja 500, Electronic ignition, many other little things to numerous to list.
For the tires, balance beads are the best way. Just be sure the beads are very tiny. You have to install them through the valve stem.
One of the most dependable bikes ever made.They were great
Gotta love the sound of those 360 twins - nothing else snarls like they do. Some love the potato, potato, but to me this is the sound of motorcycling...
Yessssss beast of a bike. I've got a 76 xs650
I enjoyed this video so not moaning too much, overall good editing. Next time Bradley get in close with the camera on the business end of what the mechanic is doing, we don't need to be looking at them talking to listen. A bit more lighting wouldn't go amiss.
I bought a "75 basket case for 250.00 at Vintage days many years ago, brought it back to life, spent the summer together and sold it. Wish I would have kept it.
My 79 Special that I bought new is waiting on me. I owned several XS 650`s back in the day. Check the DC generator brushes as they had to be be replaced fairly regularly. Voltage regulator is point type. Just keep a good battery in them and they are very reliable, the charging systems don`t take abuse well. Motorcycles are about rider experience and these do that very well. They do sound so good .
Very nice. I restored one, also barn stored, about 35 years ago. Rode it for several years, got other bikes, now it needs to be restored again.
Great looking bike, I'd forgotten how good they are. Tip top video
These were such great bikes. Rode one back in '74. Glad I found your channel.
Bought a new XS 650 in 72 - same colour ( Candy Apple Red ) . Loved it
Awesome sound when you fired up using the electric start.
Remember them well and speaking of that 480 lb. weight, I clearly remember bringing my buddy's XS down into his basement and back out in the spring. Yamaha did a very nice job of mimicking the classic twin look.
Great video!
I used to have an XS2, it was a fun winter project and I enjoyed it for a season! Was a cool little bike! Thanks for video!
The header pipe angle on the XS2 era models was so much more stylish than the later models.
Lots of fun Mark, love this sort of video.
We appreciate you watching!
That was fun to watch!
My brother had that exact bike (same year and color) and I had a ‘75.
Nice, I have had four of these, a 73 a 77, 78 and an 81.
Classic bike and classic Mark. Awesome stuff!!!
I had one just like this. It was a strong ride.
Crud in the oil is from the fiber clutch disc.
Both oil filters are cleanable and reused. There is one in the sump and the other is in the sidecover under the small round cover.
On the sump plate don't over tighten them. This warps the plate and pulls the threads out of the case.
Great point on the crud. Hoping it isn’t from the cam chain guides but the clutch is far more likely.
The handlebar switches have been replaced at some point.
The electric start can be a bit sketchy, when you have it sorted, use the kick start, I would.
The charging , its not the usual arrangement, a commenter below is correct you need to check the brushes. Its not a permanet magnet, it needs current from the battery to create a magnetic field to allow the alternator to provide charge to the battery. Sounds odd but thats how they are.
At least thats my recollection of XS650s ....
The oil strainer in the sump can be cleaned and re-used over and over. No harm in replacing it of course. The gauze can split though, watch out for that, yours looks good.
Great info on the charging system. We do have new brushes on hand and are thinking of swapping to an electronic voltage regulator. Long-term solution may be a permanent magnet setup. Should we do it?!
@@MotorcyclistMag
Suit yourself, but the alternator with brushes (like cars) works fine, and brushes are an easy replacement. With the miles you're likely to put on the bike, it's unlikely you'd wear out a new set of brushes. Plus, it keeps it original, fwiw.
Careful choosing the regulator: these are not the shunt type so common that use shorting of the stator windings to prevent excessive voltage rise. Instead, they control the current being fed to the electromagnetic rotor, through the brushes, like the car type. So, probably one meant for cars.
Cheers.
We appreciate the tip!
@@MotorcyclistMag I would leave as is unless it plays up.
This was hilarious and informative. More of this guy.
For half a second I thought it was Stev-O in the thumbnail. Good video btw
Haha! Not the first to say this. But there will be no Porta Potty catapult stunts!
Lovely old Yamaha - well worth saving. Ridden relatively sedately that's an awesome bike.
650 yamie one of the best bikes ever made not the most comfortable but reliable its ace. Road one of these across Canada 3 times just changed out tires. Wish I still had one mine was 1977 model blue in colour.
I never owned one of those in my 66 years, but I've always loved the style. Closest I came was an XS400 Yammy, or the '71 Bonneville I had back in '88 I miss that bike!!!!!!!!
I think your 71 Bonnie would have felt to you better in the handling, Bruce (l had the same bike, much underrated oil in frame design) but you'd have been much impressed by the overhead cam design of the Yamaha. And it vibrates just as much as your Triumph!
My first bike was a '78 XS650. Wonderful bikes. I used to call it "the paint shaker" because of the vertical vibration caused by the 360 degree crank.
These bikes are worth saving for sure, good job 👍
I bought a XS650 as a project. I did as much work as I could. I took it to a shop because I couldn’t get the engine running. I was able to ride it a few times before I sold it. My next project bike will be a running model
Love this Mark Great little shop
Good job Mark! Looks like you had Lady Luck on your side.
I had a 72 I bought brand new in '72 I love that bike it just never broke down it never left me stranded except one time I'd had a few too many to drink and I went out to start it it wouldn't start so I pushed it home the next morning I got up I forgot to turn the gas on my fault not the bike Love that bike
A friend had one, I always thought this was a great looking bike.
I have an XS2, a '73 TX650, and an '83 Heritage Special. I've been there and done that with them too.
Had a 71 and it was my first bike I owned
I bought the same bike back in 1978, in the same color. A 1972 XS2 in candy red/white. It vibrated so much if I revved it up that it would ‘walk’ backwards on the center stand. The engines were virtually indestructible. I bought it from Ton van Heugten, who was world champion side car motocross and used these engines with a 980 cc big bore kit in his racing bikes.
Oh, big-bore kit would be fun. Wonder what the vibes are like on a 980cc XS!
I owned one of those, bought new. Great ride.
The selinium rectifier works ok if clean, the mechanical regulator is what give charging issues. There are many easy upgrades for them.
Yes, points were used up to 81. There are several electronic ignitions available for them.
Great find….. and free too!
The XS 650 is styled after the Yamaha R5 350. Colors,tank shape,and side covers look exactly like my R5. That’s a diamond in the rough.
They are super similar! Believe the taillights are interchangeable too. R5 has a beautiful gas tank shape also.
@ if you decide the paint is not to your liking you could make a Kenny Roberts Street Tracker from it. I remember these bikes well. Good bikes from Yamaha.
It's not the whole starter gear set. It's usually the wishbone spring clip on the gears. Mike's has tech tips that cover how to fix this. One you tighten the stock clip, yhe other is replacement.
WOW GREAT JOB
I bought a new XS650 Heritage Special in 1983. I still have it, still ride it. Now 60,000+ miles. I can go to the garage and I’d wager it will start one kick. 4 more in the garage. 2 runners are XS650SH and XS650G. 2 more looking for attention. Why would I want a new bike?
That Yamaha sounds really good while you scored it doesn't even smoke cool have a great day I'll keep watching I'm retired mechanic 60 years I like old stuff I had a lot of old bikes back in the day I guess the one I regret selling is a 64 Royal Enfield when I was a kid in the '60s my neighbors were bikers one guy had a broth Superior
Brough
Not a fan of selenium rectifiers. Tried rebuilding them but if the coating on the plates (under the orange paint) is stuffed, that wafer is stuffed. I leave them on for show but disconnect them and run a modern rectifier. Old bikes have character for sure but electronic ignition can be much nicer. My 99 SV has carbs, runs so well it’s in nearly daily use and my modern bike just used for trips. Might add an older one to the shed once I finish my transporter trailer, thinking a 60’s CB450 like the one I had as a kid.
Congratulations👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏I had one similar 1972 the engine it is simple a bullet proof, if after while the engine vibrates more is due to the weights lose in the crank webs
That problem happened with mine! But you is the Man with Kevin👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Yes! More of these!
When l saw 50 year old Yamaha XS 650 made me feel old l am 70 amd l definitely can remember these Yamaha XS 650s been everywhere in fact the Police used them in N.S.W Australia for a short time and these were known as the flexy flyer not a great frame for handling
Of the series this was the most produced model of the xs650's... I think 33000... first year electric start and disc brake.. and the only year with the disc mounted to the fork leg... Perhaps the most handsome of the Xs series... I've had several Xs2' over the years... Currently have 3 in the stable... first year 70' Xs1... 75' Xs650 police and 82' Xs650 Heritage Special... 😎
Something to check, the wiring loom can rub through on the fuel tank causing the fuel tank to be live then short to ground through the throttle cables jamming the throttle open.
We have some electrical tidying up to work on for the next episode so we'll check.
The carbs were two single carbs until 76. 76 was the first year of the linked carbs. These were all BS38 carbs. In 81they went to BS34 carbs.
Great content !
'74 and later had the better frame. But this has the older "long rod" engine, IIRC. Builders like those. Not a real good handler, but acceptable. I rode 15K miles around 38 states on a '74 TX650A. Set of plugs in Montana, taillight bulb and rear tire. That was it.
My XS650 1977 was a great fun bike. SO I bought a Kawasaki W650 that is a relatively modern version of old school W1. I don't have to wrench on it. I just ride.
MM bringing memories back for us old warts! Kevin Cameron approved, I'm sure!
Kevin is consulting on the two-stroke builds for sure!
Really nice, if anything to improve for me, I would like to have seen a bit more of the review of the ride at the end.
We are going to do a long ride video with the XS650. Stay tuned!
Nice. Yamaha all the way
This is so therapeutic.
Great video, thank you!
Be careful starting these after standing for a long time, they are press together cranks and you can twist them out of alignment. That’s why they have a decompressor on the right hand exhaust valve, opposite the primary drive.
Thanks for the video and always remember true fuel is complete garbage
It was pretty convenient and it's worked OK for our application! Does cost more than race gas, though, so maybe you have a point?! We usually use race gas and a little two-stroke oil.
Best part is they also double as a paint shaker 😂
I wish they still had those seats that flip open like that on bikes today.
I had a '76 XS. Twas such a great bike. Still carry a pic on my phone...like an old girlfriend 😮😅
Had a 72 . Great, reliable, sounds that didnt wake the neighbours. .. ...... Only problem was factory mufflers were bio degradeable..!
The insides of these are, uh, biodegraded…
For anyone watching, read the instructions that come with a flooded acid battery - you should NEVER do the initial charge with the fill caps installed. The process usually involves filling, letting it sit for a half to an hour while napping occasionally, then charge with the caps (and vent cover) removed. Once 100%, another cooling off period before cap installation and putting in the bike. These batteries swell bad enough to not fit in the batter box and will cause damage to the plates making them usual. Yuasa has a very thorough video on how to fill all battery types. Stay safe.
We followed the filling instructions included with this battery and thank you for the detail here. Lead-acid batteries definitely take care in handling. We got our naps in, too!
I just realized that's the same Mark who does the Cycle World podcast with Kevin Cameron. The whole time I was watching this video I was thinking he looked and sounded familiar.
The very same. Loves motorcycles and ya just can’t shut him up!
I had one.nightmare to set up the timing for a non mechanic.told at not to bring it back for test as every bushes was knackered.ride a pan now
I have a 81 with points .I cant get a spark at points though i have power going to them.
Great video,
Nice bikes these xs 650's
I have 2 40 year old sabres. 750. And 1100. Both on the road. Both for sale.