Yamaha XS description
1973 Yamaha TX650
Model Overview-
Yamaha's 650 twin is a well known machine for it's looks, performance and reliability. "When the Yamaha XS 650 was launched in 1968 it had one of the most advanced engines in its class of large parallel twin motorcycles. The engine and gearbox are unit construction with the crankcase split horizontally for ease of assembly whereas almost all contemporaries in its class in 1968 are either unit construction with a vertically split crankcase or pre-unit construction with separate engine and gearbox. The XS650's engine was used in AMA Professional Dirt Track Racing by national champion Kenny Roberts. In 1968 only the Laverda 750S, also launched that year, matched the XS 650's modernity of unit construction and SOHC valve operation."
Bike Description-
This '73 650 has some mods to make it into a fun cafe racer. Features include clubman cafe bars, custom-made rearsets, two into one exhaust with reverse cone megaphone muffler, cafe style seat with racing number and racing stripe decals. Engine is stock and original and runs great. Clutch and five speed transmission shift smoothly with no surprises, and when it comes time to stop the brakes do their job well. All mods to make the bike into a cafe racer are "bolt on" mods and nothing permanent was done to make it into what you see today. In other words, bike can be returned to stock setup by simply bolting on OEM parts. Turn signals have been removed and wire leads tucked neatly under seat and in headlight shell. No dents present in sheet metal, and original blue metal flake paint is in what I'd consider great shape for it's age, save one scratch across top of fuel tank(see photos). Fuel cap lock(tumbler)is missing, but clasp is still there-use finger to open it (like a button) and cap shuts tight as it should. Interior of fuel tank is pretty clean but shows a little surface rust from prior years(see photos). Electric starter still works, but I recommend using the kickstart as the starter gear on these bikes were known to fail over time. Kick starting looks cooler at bike night anyway! Bike has 19400 original miles. All lights and guages work as they should. This bike runs great and is very reliable, and it's a blast to ride and has a great vintage bike feel and tons of character!
Walk-around video of bike can be seen here: <a href="link"> http://youtu.be/0ZXZqHpXnZY</a>
Demo of bike being started and ridden can be seen here: <a href="link"> http://youtu.be/0Td4SMM-ZK0</a>
(copy and paste into your browser)
New parts include:
OEM style tires and tubes
wheel bearings
swingarm bearings(heavy duty bronze)
steering head bearings(upgraded to roller bearings)
fork seals
fork gaiters
Mike's XS chrome OEM style rear shocks
rebuilt front brake caliper
rebuilt front master cylinder
brake pads and shoes
O-ring chain
front and rear sprockets
oil sump screen
oil filter/cooler by Heiden Tuning(uses Honda paper oil filter)
air filters
rebuilt fuel petcocks
spark plug wires
points and condenser
battery
clubman handlebars
Grand Tourismo style hand grips
chrome cat's eye tail light
fresh oil change
seat foam and cover
Some stock(take off) parts will be included(turn signals, footpegs etc.)
A little history-
I've owned this bike since 2008, and performed all the work to make it what you see today. It's been a dependable and fun machine for me through the years, it's just time to let her go and thin out my collection. Unlike the many other "needs tlc" project bikes out there, this bike is ready to ride and needs nothing but a rider!
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about the motorcycle, but please do so BEFORE BIDDING! You can contact me via email or call 313-355-2883. It costs money to place ads on ebay so please respect that when bidding.
Bike is being sold as-is. Buyer responsible for all shipping costs and arrangements, local pickup also available. Immediate deposit of $500.00 required through paypal. Payment of balance shall be certified cashier's check, money order or paypal(buyer to pay 4% paypal fees). Bike will ship after funds are received and verified. Clear MI title, which I will mail separately along with key. Bike is also for sale locally so I reserve the right to end the auction at any time.
Thanks for your interest!
-the motorman