Sell me on the XS650 (vs the CX500)

[makenzie71]

I don't know what the 447 thing means

In Texas all it means is we have to bond it. Cost $100 more and it says "bonded" on the title for a year. then they issue a new title. I thought you could bond a title everywhere

 

[Rider52]

447 is the internal Yamaha code for the US engine and frame combination. 1974 was the first year of the 447 motors/frames and continued for the rest of production. 1974 was also the first year they tried to get vibration under control and they added electric start. The earlier models were 256 coded motors/frame and there are quite a few differences between the 256 and 447. Here's an example of why a 447 is good: https://www.mikesxs.net/yamaha-xs650-447-big-bore-kit-80mm-750cc.html

 

[Rat_ranger]

There are 3 variations to the XS engine. The first was the 256, it has longer rods, kick only, smaller wrist pin, different cam and different 4 bolt cam chain tensioner. This changed with the XS2, it got the electric start and kept most other things but added the decomp with 4 bolt cover on the left exhaust. Also there is a different oil capacity between the kick only xs1 and the estart xs2.

Then you have the 447, It's the most common, has estart, 4 bolt cover with no decomp, slightly milder cam, shorter rods and bigger wrist pins.

And the one you will most likely never see in the US which is the 533. Again different rods and pistons are the biggest change.

The 447 has the most parts available, got the most refinements. It'll be marked on the connecting rods.

 

[50gary]

My XS650 built in 2003/4 - R6 front end FZR linked mono shock, 160/70/17" rear on a 4.5" x 17" Suzuki SV wheel (matches the R6 front pattern.)
RD 400 tank, SV650 tail light in modded TT seat. 2/1 headers hand built (open) thumb brake on the rear. The XS 650 is probably the most
customized bike next to a Harley. I friend gave me a frame (which I cut the front and rear off) and bought an old motor I find parts when doing total customs.
Why pay money for parts you're not going to use? This is my avatar bike. First custom bike I'd ever built. I also have a Custom CX500 but I think the XS is a better (easier) platform.
Cheers, 50gary

 

[makenzie71]

Well I guess it really came down to money...I found a complete CX for a song so that's the way I'm going. I didn't really decide against the XS, it's just that the one was a little too expensive a bit too nice to chop up and the CX is cheap.

 

[Tim]

Spoked wheels is a key differentiator. If you want spokes, you want an XS (a mid 70's model with the shouldered alloy rims).

Nothing wrong with the CX, but if you want spoked wheels, go with the XS. Also tons of aftermarket support for them. The engines are bullet proof with roller bearings in the cam etc. too.