XS650 Future Bob

[adventurco]

Posting this here just because it exists. I picked this up for $100 today. Engine is stuck, barely rolls, typical cheap ass bike.

Plan is hardtail.

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[Rider52]

That's almost show room condition compared to the Guzzi!

 

[ridesolo]

That's almost show room condition compared to the Guzzi!

Right. After a bit of a challenge w/ the Guzzi he decided to be good to himself and get a cream puff.

 

[adventurco]

It is pretty nice, maybe I should just leave it alone and ride it.

Did some digging and according to the VIN this is a 74-75, XS-B.

Looking for drum hubs to start out with. Leaning toward the TC Bros hardtail kit.

Pulled the plugs, going to fill her up with some acetone/ATF while I finish up other projects.

 

[Luugo86]

Right. After a bit of a challenge w/ the Guzzi he decided to be good to himself and get a cream puff.

That's what I was thinking... can't wait to see you work your magic on this one !

 

[Rider52]

A TC Bros hardtail would be my choice for an XS650.

 

[adventurco]

I dumped some acetone/ATF cocktail in the cylinders. Building a deck for the next week or two so I'll let those soak for a bit while I figure out the title.

I was originally going to go with the TC Bros kit, but the more I look at it, I dislike how far back toward the axle the bend in the lower frame rail is. I will be going with the Voodoo MK21 kit, which in my opinion has much nicer lines.

For comparison:

Voodoo:

TC Bros:

 

[john83]

A bill is about what I’d want to spend on an XS project. Should be a fun one!


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[Hurco550]

I dumped some acetone/ATF cocktail in the cylinders. Building a deck for the next week or two so I'll let those soak for a bit while I figure out the title.

I was originally going to go with the TC Bros kit, but the more I look at it, I dislike how far back toward the axle the bend in the lower frame rail is. I will be going with the Voodoo MK21 kit, which in my opinion has much nicer lines.

For comparison:

Voodoo:

TC Bros:

Even at that, I think you found one of the more flattering pictures of one built off of a TC bros kit. Not that they are horrible by any means, but that voodoo vintage kit is way better looking for all the reasons listed. I don't hate this bike, but it better shows where I think they put the bend in the wrong spot on the TC kit.

The Voodoo is definitely much better looking over all. More of a classic hard tail look IMHO.

 

[Rider52]

Check your VIN numbers again. If that is a 74-75 frame, someone but a bunch of Special parts on it. I'm guessing it is a 78 or 79 due to the spoked mags. Not a major issue as most parts will interchange on the 447 series bikes. Hardtailing it makes it even easier. I've had both Voodoo and TC hardtails. The Voodoo looks better but shipping cost and arrival time kills it for me.

 

[adventurco]

According to this chart it is 74-75. 447-1xxxxx VIN on the frame. I know nothing about these bikes so I may be off base.

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[Rider52]

Your chart is for the engine number but the frame number series you listed would be for a 1975 XS650B (Black Metallic paint). So I'm guessing someone changed it to a Special clone sometime in the past 49 years. It would be nice upgrade. I've had three of these beasts, a 71 XS1B (256 engine), a 78 Heritage Special and still have my 74 TX-650A (447 engine). 256 & 447 parts don't jive that well. There were some frame differences and major engine differences. Be sure to look at your engine number before ordering parts. There is a enough differences in the 447 series engine parts to easily end up wasting time and money.

 

[Maritime]

Your chart is for the engine number but the frame number series you listed would be for a 1975 XS650B (Black Metallic paint). So I'm guessing someone changed it to a Special clone sometime in the past 49 years. It would be nice upgrade. I've had three of these beasts, a 71 XS1B (256 engine), a 78 Heritage Special and still have my 74 TX-650A (447 engine). 256 & 447 parts don't jive that well. There were some frame differences and major engine differences. Be sure to look at your engine number before ordering parts. There is a enough differences in the 447 series engine parts to easily end up wasting time and money.

This post here is why we need this place. I would not have known this otherwise and it's a good bit of info for a builder.

 

[john83]

Was 74-75 the years with the hotter cam?


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[Rider52]

Was 74-75 the years with the hotter cam?


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1971 XS-1B is considered the hottest cam. It is a 256 engine and the last year that was only kickstart.

 

[adventurco]

Hmm, will that swap into the 447 engine?

Already thinking about the engine build, replacing tensioner, upgrading 5th gear, most likely piston and bore.

Trying to find a manual but the most common one i've found is for 78+, not sure what the differences are.

 

[Rider52]

Hmm, will that swap into the 447 engine?

Already thinking about the engine build, replacing tensioner, upgrading 5th gear, most likely piston and bore.

Trying to find a manual but the most common one i've found is for 78+, not sure what the differences are.

I honestly don't know if the cam would swap. I think you can download a manual on XS650.com

 

[john83]

There are after market cams out there too.


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[adventurco]

In the interest of getting this rusty POS out of my way so I can work on other projects, I yanked the motor out. They really don’t give you much room to wiggle it out. Once I cut off the coil mount tabs it should be much easier.

It’s about as bad as one would expect from a bike I own….

Yep, that’s silt.

 

[Luugo86]

Damn man, just looking into that exhaust chamber.. You must be a glutton for punishment haha.. but I know you will turn this turd into a diamond