• The site migration is complete! Hopefully everything transferred properly from the multiple decades old software we were using before. If you notice any issues please let me know, thanks! Also, I'm still working on things like chatbox, etc so hopefully those will be working in the next week or two.

bobber project, take 2: '79 XS650

yes. and it's just taking up space in my garage right now since i have to drive my kid to grandma's everyday. i've been out on a bike to just run to the store really quick about 3 times this year. otherwise i haven't ridden at all. i'll still have my ZZR and i can always build another one (which is kinda what i want to do anyway).
 


aaaaand...the ad:

me said:
1979 Yamaha XS650

Mileage: unknown

I bought this bike last year partially done and I went over the bike and made it my own. I replaced the seat, tail light, handle bars, and the put an electronic ignition on it because the old points were worn out and it was running max timing all the time. Over the winter I added the levers, speedo, chain tensioner, put a new exhaust on it, got the tank and side covers resprayed the current color and changed the chain and sprockets. The motor and carbs are stock and the plan for next winter was to pull the motor and do a little refresh (XS parts are pretty cheap), but I'll leave that up to the new owner.

It's a super fun bike to ride for semi-short distances. It's not very comfortable, pretty violent on rough roads, and pretty loud. It's a 100% head turner and gets lots of attention. I have probably only put a thousand miles on the bike total since I've owned it. I'm selling because I don't get to ride much anymore with the kid around now and I'd like to put some money into my new car.


Specifics:
- 19" front wheel, 16" rear Harley wheel
- TC Bros weld on hard tail
- gordon scott stacked, curved drag pipes; black DEI heat wrapped
- steel dragon performance velocity stacks
- kick only, no battery
- 7/8" straight bars
- adjustable sport bike levers
- low mount mini speedometer
- leather solo springer seat
- full permenant magnet alternator
- full pamco electronic ignition w/e-advancer
- tail end customs power piston tail light (LED)
- powell peralta chain tensioner
- new 17 tooth front and 30 tooth rear sprockets
- new 530 gold x-ring chain
- fresh oil (rotella t6) and filters
- fresh paint on tank and side covers

Known issues:
- minor oil leak
- new chain rubs rear tire (fix: smaller tire or offset sprockets)
- clutch drags when at running temp, stalls at low idle and difficult to find neutral when running (fix: adjust clutch appropriately [very difficult], constantly adjust clutch cable at lever while riding, or hydraulic clutch conversion)


I will not sell it to you if you're a new rider. This is not a new rider friendly bike. It will hurt you.

$4000 as-is.

Is the ad still up? It's still available.
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
first and last quickie photo shoot tonight.

'79 XS650 Bobber

a couple of my favorites:

IMG_5106_zps3127c204.jpg

IMG_5100_zpse7bf495f.jpg

IMG_5088_zps95568cb5.jpg

IMG_5078_zps152cd042.jpg

IMG_5072_zpscc9e91a5.jpg

IMG_5071_zps2dada232.jpg
 


bought a hydraulic clutch conversion kit so i can fix up the clutch engagement, getting into neutral, and the clutch dragging and making it die while idling.

that's either going to make me like it a little more and keep it or help with the sale. whatever, $100 more on it isn't going to hurt.
 
let's be honest; i'm not selling this thing.

put in an order for a set of nicer motor mounts (front/rear/top) that will come in raw steel. i'll have to get them powder coated so they don't rust and stand out looking all dumb.

also ordered a bolt on oil cooler setup that'll add a little more oil volume and some bling to the brake side engine cover.


the fun never ends.
 


i got the oil changed, oil cooler and motor mounts installed a few weeks ago. this weekend i finally got it out on the road for the first time.

i also met up with a friend and got in some pretty awesome photos. here's the only one i've seen so far:

11728783_464312737075928_1377136478691002869_o_zpswy9txu5l.jpg


freakin' mint.
 
if someone were to offer me the right amount of money i'd have no problem selling it. that being said, i'm not actively selling it and i don't think i ever will. that $3-4000 i get isn't really going to help me out with anything so i may as well keep it to toy around with every so often.
 


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