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Post by 1docdiehl on Dec 7, 2009 15:48:24 GMT -5
Bought my 82' xs650 when I was 16 now 19. The lines the xs carries is perfect for any type of creation you can brew up. Bought it with 8000 miles now at 12400. Parts are cheap and so much fun to work on.
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Post by Harry on Dec 7, 2009 17:11:57 GMT -5
.... and indeed you did .... I didn't see it, sorry ... and we both posted the total years ... cool. We both must have been bored to figure that out  But not bored enough to add the years to each person's age since they posted their reply (thread started in Feb 2006!)... and I'm not gonna try ;D |
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Post by 71XS1B on Dec 8, 2009 1:30:08 GMT -5
Okay, time to fess up. I am quickly approaching 49, so from what I've seen posted here, I am only slightly above the average age.
For me, its understandable that the XS appeals to several generations of riders, young and old. It's a bike with lots of personality and no BS. It's not the fastest and best handling (by far), but it is easily adaptable to be just about any kind of bike you want it to be.
I remember being 15 and walking into a Yamaha showroom to get a part for my DT175 and seeing a brand new 1975 XS650B sitting amongst the RD's and YZ's and thinking to myself 'what a beautiful bike'. That bike is just as appealing today as it was way back then.
It wasn't until 1983 however that I had an opportunity to buy 2 of them for $350. A Ratty 71XS1B and a 72XS2 parts bike. I've been enamored with these bikes ever since.
I have owned a couple of Honda CB's (550 & 650), a Suzuki GS500 and a Kawasaki EX500, and countless Dirt & DP bikes, but the ole Yammie is still the bike that keeps me in the game.
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bigjimmyw13
Full Member
Ride hard, Ride fast.
Posts: 132
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Post by bigjimmyw13 on Jan 20, 2010 3:07:50 GMT -5
I am 25 I bought my bike in October whenever I was 24 still, I have actually only ridden it on the test ride :-D The day that the guy actually delivered it was the day I stripped it down and began deciding the definite plan of action.
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Post by jetmechmarty on Jan 20, 2010 4:29:02 GMT -5
I bought my XS in Oct 1983. Specials appealed to me at that time. I still have and ride the same bike.  OK, that's not it, but it's a Special too. I'm 50, for another week. Marty (in Japan) |
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Post by bluebikerblan on Jan 20, 2010 9:19:19 GMT -5
Nothing like hangin with a bunch of pups to help an old dog feel young!
70 yrs. and at the moment a 75 B, 78 SE, 79 SF to tinker with.
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fermatseye
Junior Member
'77 XS650sp Modified, '75 XS650 Stock, '05 Bonneville T100, couple of old BSA's, XS2 Rat
Posts: 50
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Post by fermatseye on Jun 14, 2010 20:33:35 GMT -5
Im 37. My first street bike was a 1973 CB550. I paid 200 bucks for it the summer, actually the day I turned 18 (Mom wouldnt let me have a street bike till I was 18, yes Im a momma's boy) and ran the hell out of it all summer. That was the first of a long string of Japanese bikes from the 70's. I had them basically because thats all I could afford to begin with but now its by choice. There have been times in my life when I could afford a new one, but when it comes down to it they just dont do it for me. On occasion I ride with guys who have fancy new bikes and they look like fun, but they just don't have the character of my XS. I really love old Jap bikes.
My first XS was given to me by a man who I have a ton of respect for and was a positive influence on me during hard times. It was a 1975 model that he had owned since 1977. He was in his 70's and passed away about a year later, I guess it was a going away present. Man did I love that bike from the get go. The sound and feel of the engine got me. I hopped on it and road about 600 miles away to where I live now, loaded down with what belongings I had.
Ive still got that bike, it will be my next rebuild. Every time I see a '75 with the black and gold paint I think of old Sam and am grateful. Presently I ride a 1978. Don't know what it is about them exactly... I think it's a combination of things but they suit me well.
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Post by mikebritton on Sept 30, 2010 8:56:18 GMT -5
I'm 62. Have two Triumphs and a '75 XS that's slowly becoming a tracker. Been riding since I was nine. Started on an Allstate 125. I was attracted to the XS because it was Japan's take on the Brit twin. The Triumphs seem to make more power, but I think the XS has the edge on reliability. I've had my XS for twelve years, apart in boxes in the tool shed while I tried to decide if I wanted to redo it or buy another Sportster. The XS won out because first it's unique, and second, because it's damn fun to ride! At this time I don't think it's any cheaper to redo than a mid '60's Triumph, but when finished it will be more comfortable, and again, I believe more steadfast than the Meriden Triumphs. Add to that the fact that you won't meet yourself at a stop sign everyday. Mike  |
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azman857
Full Member
I don't have a plan and I'm stickin' to it!
Posts: 108
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Post by azman857 on Oct 9, 2010 22:25:24 GMT -5
I ride an '80 SG and I'm diggin' it! 54 in Dec. Been riding anything I could afford from $50 CB 77 and '75 XS 650 to $7k H-Ds and BMW's. Loved them all includeing the '74 Ural 650 M66 with sidecar.
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jackstraw650
New Member
"Too much of anything is just enough"
Posts: 1
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Post by jackstraw650 on Nov 6, 2010 15:36:42 GMT -5
Hi, I'm a new member in the Charlottesville, VA area. I'm 60 and my bikes[at this time!]include a 1989 Yamaha FJ1200, a 2006 BMW K1200S[for sale!!!]and I am picking up a beautiful 1979 XS650 Standard with less than 8K miles next week. This bike is slated to be cafed as my winter project. I'm sure I will have many questions for the members of the forum as the build proceeds. I have been very impressed with the overall quality of the bikes I've seen in reading through various topics. The knowledge level and willingness to help out is also most impressive. Would love to meet up with other XS owners in the C'ville area
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dld
New Member
Posts: 23
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Post by dld on Nov 9, 2010 23:49:58 GMT -5
My first motorcycle was an 1972 XS2, bought in 1973 when I was 20. I'm now 57 years old and have a 1979 XS650SF. Life can be circular. Here's my '79, I paid $1.00 for it from a co-worker. At the time of the photo I had cleaned, polished, rebuilt the carbs and replaced the seat cover, nothing more.  Uploaded with ImageShack.us |
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Post by ShakerNorm on Nov 11, 2010 0:43:09 GMT -5
ONE DOLLAR? Damn - your knees must be sore from begging him for THAT Deal!
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Post by tonyc2me on Nov 11, 2010 11:33:31 GMT -5
I am not a fan of the specials but that is beautiful. Great deal. TC
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Post by rem280 on Apr 16, 2011 14:15:25 GMT -5
i'm 54.started riding in the late 60's.mini-bikes,yamaha 125's,husk125 & 400,250 bultaco,
125 dalesman/puch,450 honda,650 norton atlas,hd sportster xlh,yamaha 650 seca, sears
allstate 50cc puch scoot, and finally an xs650! hope to pass the xs on to my new grandson.
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Post by preston on Apr 16, 2011 15:35:55 GMT -5
After the minis, and turning 16,,
At Blalocks Cycle , Wheaton MD
bought a used 100 Yamaha twin (maybe a 1965 bike?.,,, Mom signed for MC license, as smart dad would not.)
destroyed the poor thing trail-riding.
175 enduro,CT 1 (?) and had to raced in the 250 Moto-Cross class.
1969 new black 360 MX.
New orange RD-350 2 cycle in January 1971
New 1971 Gold 650 XS in late 71 (traded in the bubble bee on it)
Wore out the black 360 MX, bought a new 72, silver 360 M-X bike
sold the 71 in 1982 , after another near miss on the road.
Raised 4 kids.
Used 77 XS in 1998. (recently, fell back in love with riding it)
used 75 XS in 2010 ( so my son and I can ride together, which we do )...
SO... long story short. 59 years old, and simply love the 650, and has been my only road bike, since the R-5.
Preston
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