what is the average age of xs riders

[Chuckwagon]

I'm 38 now... got my first bike at age 15.
Not sure of the model name, but a 90cc Kawasaki 2 stroke. This isn't the actual bike, but it's an example of what we had:

My best friend and I spotted it for sale in the country as we were riding in the back of my mom's car. A big plywood sign said "$100" Without a word, we looked at each other, barely able to contain the excitement, and we both knew... we had to have it. We gathered up $50 each from our dishwashing money, and walked 5 or 6 miles to make our purchase. neither of us had a licence or knew how to ride a motorcycle, but I knew how to use a clutch. A little explanation from the owner (who was a cop) and demo. We told him "yeah, we're going to push it home". Yeah, right. He knew... coolest cop I've ever met! As soon as we were out of sight, we fired it up. So I learned how to ride a motorcycle two-up, shorts and no helmets. Stupid. Somehow we made it home.
Next problem was, where do we keep it? Neither of our parents are going to allow a bike. Best plan we could come up with was to stash it in the woods with a padlock and a tarp. We had a back trail that was out of sight of the house. That lasted several months, until I got a flat. I couldn't push it in on the back trail. I had to push it the easier way, which was within sight of the house. Sure enough, I got spotted. A week later I was forced to sell it. But we doubled our money... sold it for $200. It wasn't until I was out of the house that I bought my first real bike, and got my MC license. So this list of bikes I've owned goes like this... The above Kawi (anyone know what model???), KZ650, DT175, GS500E, NT650 HawkGT, Thruxton, SRX250, CB350, CB500, XS650. More to come, I'm sure. Interestingly, more bikes than cars have been in the garage so far.

[kansashillbilly]

Im 19 and I just seen some sweet bobbed out bikes with the 65o motor on it. My boss said he had an old yami for sale and jyst my luck an 83 xs 65o for 4oo bucks!!! Needs a little tlc but its everythig I think a bike should be.

[timg]

Back in 1975 you could buy a brand new 650 for about 1,400 dollars. For that price you could outrun 650 triumps, sporsters, 750 kawasiki twins, honda twins in that class, just about anything in its class. I know because I raced everyone of those bikes. Plus you got a bike you could lay over in a corner till the pegs would drag. Pretty hard to beat for the price. I never forgot that thrill, neither did a lot of other people, that's why I think most 650 riders are old foggies.

[preston]

Yep,,,
my 71' gold one, was $1,250 with tax,,, from Blalocks in Wheaton MD.
wore the rubber off both ends of the foot pegs,,, i hated scraping those those big mufflers, and had to put the mega-phones , that help ruined my ears.
Preston

[srust58]

Another old foggie who is 53. As a young pup I bought my XS650 new in 1979 and still have it. Working on a 1975 B model too.

Tetons in 1981


Getting ready for the Beartooth Pass in 1981


Somewhere in Oregon 1982. Notice the homemade army surplus saddle and tank bags.


Bike as it is now.

[azman857]

Looking at those pics makes me wanna go on a roadtrip......wonder if the wife will let me....