Z1OwnersClub GB

Got myself another XS650 earlier this year, just doing another good tidy up, replacing whats needed and painting all the black bits, also sorting motor which was more work than i needed cam guides replaced, seals a plethora of other bits, been re-bored to 666 by my calculations why the other work not done is an enigma to me, head is on its way to Dave Ennis for valve seat cut and stainless valves.

Lovely. Always fancied and XS..

Good start. Is that a XS650 US Special ? - I am a bit concerned about your Rearsets back plate - not sure timber board is a good idea. LOL.

Super lovely bikes the XS650. Used to have one with slash cut open silencers, lovely exhaust note on them.

A dealer just down the road from me has got one for sale, a bit pricey, keep resisting the temptation to buy it.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Yamaha-XS650 ... SwylhczZne

Like many of us I never really gave the XS much thought back-in-day, but they have really grown on me in recent years. Only problem I can see is the number of them that seem to get butchered into yet another hideous Cafe Racer.

Hi men
my first bike was a XS650 . A very nice bike, to start with.
I had it a few years and swapped it in 1983 for a Z1000ST
I stil have a XS650 today in my collection.
GrtZ
Philippe

ADRIAN H wrote:Good start. Is that a XS650 US Special ? - I am a bit concerned about your Rearsets back plate - not sure timber board is a good idea. LOL.

That's just to stop the stand from hitting the newly painted arm and footrest hangers, I'm sure you already knew that though.

I had one in 1979 - pile of shite

Pigford wrote:I had one in 1979 - pile of shite

They're an acquired taste, a bit like the Kawasaki W650 was. Did change my riding habits at he time, more laid back.

ADRIAN H wrote:

Pigford wrote:I had one in 1979 - pile of shite

They're an acquired taste, a bit like the Kawasaki W650 was. Did change my riding habits at he time, more laid back.

I've had a couple of modern W650's and really like them

Pigford wrote:I had one in 1979 - pile of shite

XS650 1980.JPG

That's because yours was a twin disc's version Mark,

kev edwards wrote:

Pigford wrote:I had one in 1979 - pile of shite

XS650 1980.JPG

That's because yours was a twin disc's version Mark,

Maybe - but most likely coz I thrashed the fook out of it trying to keep up with me mates, who had quicker bikes!

It did sound sweet with the "chop-pots" fitted.

Got my head back form Buzzard Friday all very nice, he had to make arbors as they are 8mm guides, and could just get the cutter to open up enough for the huge valves, new stainless valves, engine is back together and in the frame.

Fired her up and timed the ole girl today, lots of work and cost more than the bloody thing is worth, got Z thou bars on it now, does this make it a token Z will balance the carbs over the weekend and maybe give her an outing, weather permitting.

Hi kev
very nice bike! Congratulations!
Enjoy it.
GrtZ
Philippe

That's one smart bike