2nd beater project bike?

Energy One
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haze324

Active Member
Been thinking about getting a second bike to tinker with. Love my BD but my mechanic skills are bolt on bolt off and have always wanted to have a bike I could learn on and make mine....but without breaking the bank.

I have my eye on an XS650...frame has been cut and made a rigid. Tons of potential for about 1500-1800 bucks. I've also seen a few XS1100's and KZ1000 for a tad more. My last option is save up a little more and wait for a deal on an old shovelhead or FXR Evo. I keep thinking the 650 is gonna be the cheaper and easier route for me as my first real project...and something about them has a cool factor.

Any thoughts guys?
 
liferider

liferider

Looking forward to retirement
I found one on FB Harley for sale site. It was a stripped down hard tail rat bike with a knuckle head motor. Guy was asking $2100.00 I agreed to buy it but between getting directions he all of a sudden said he decided not to sell it. I was pissed! Figured some one topped my offer. Just like you I wanted another project bike. Probably best I didn't get it. Going to spend this winter polishing cooling fins on jugs if anyone has a easy way let me know!
 
MARV

MARV

Well-Known Member
I've had about 10 xs650's.
Cool little bike with a cult following.
They were made in 1970 to copy the triumph motor but without the oil leaks.
Got a 79 now with 1750 miles. Bought for 600.
Too nice to chop up so will get it in riding condition then flip for around 2k.
Easy to work on and parts are available through mikes xs.
 
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haze324

Active Member
Marv.

I don't know much about the 650's but noticed all the forums and following they have. Parts also parts seemed available and cheap. The one I'm looking at is on a rigid frame, has a sporty tank and some other cosmetic work, and fairly cheap.

My real question is what speed can I reasonably travel on the highway...75? I saw the overdrive gear on mikexs site. Rephrasing is out of my skill level.
 
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haze324

Active Member
Yes!! I wouldn't even know what to do with those carbs.....but I'd be trying to smoking tires every red light.
 
liferider

liferider

Looking forward to retirement
And you would do it too! That is a 1983 XR1000, machine was a beast! If anyone has a line on one call me! And yes those are twin Webbers
 

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haze324

Active Member
So I picked up a 79 KZ650 from a friend for 400.00 bucks! BOOM.

Best part --- it runs! Just a bit beat up.

Any tips on where to start. Need to order the service manual, and maybe a "how-to" on where to start. Plan for now is to get the motor right - clean carbs, adjust valves, set points and put new gaskets. Not sure exactly how this is done on a KZ, but my guess the service manual should cover it.

Then off to tearing it down and putting a solo seat with small rear fender, lower it, change bars, kick some dirt on it and ride.

Need a "how-to" so I can follow a plan. I'll post some pics this week.
 
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