1983 Yamaha XS650, Arizona Barn Finds, What to look for in a barn find. Tips and Tricks

[@maxstuder6477]

Love my Heritage Special that I bought new in 1985 - it still runs great. Greatings from Switzerland

[@sgntbilco]

I had 2 of them, and they were a fantastic, reliable ride. .

[@EricVentures]

Thanks for the tips! Just purchased a 1980 xs650 Special ii. Love the bike so far!

[@ChrisArmstrong-qn1ob]

Been ridin xs650 specials for 40 years great bike , I’d say he’s got a good one there 😊

[@pnotuner1]

Great video with lots of good information. I looked at a crusty xs650 about 3 weeks ago. I really wanted to buy it to reclaim my youth. I walked away when I couldn't get the shifter to go into second gear. Everything else I felt like I can fix it or replace it. But I didn't want to get into the transmission.

[@fixnride7174]

Glad it was helpful!

[@geraldscott4302]

I have owned two 1983 Yamaha 650 Heritage Specials. Both were bought brand new. One was a leftover bought new in 1985. At the time I didn't realize how "special" these bikes were. Both were sold to buy something else. The 1982 model was only available in black, and had black painted fenders, headlight housing, instrument housings, and a few other black parts. The actual engine cases were black, but the covers were bright aluminum. The 1983 models were available in either black or burgundy. I had one of each. They had chrome fenders, headlight, instruments, and a few other chrome or polished parts that were black on the 1982. I think the 1983 models looked much better. I absolutely despise blacked out bikes. I like shiny paint and lots of chrome. Unlike modern "retro" bikes, like the Triumph Bonnevilles, Royal Enfield Interceptors, Kawasaki W650 and W800, the XS650 was the real thing. It would shake your teeth out. Something I really like in a motorcycle. They were a long stroke 360 degree vertical twin with no counterbalancer. If I could find a decent one, I would buy it. I've been riding Harley Sportsters (even though I'm not really a Harley guy) and a Royal Enfield Bullet 500 to get the sound and feel I want. If that bike can be restored, at least mechanically, it would be worth it. It was one of very few Japanese bikes I liked. Most were smooth and quiet. This was pretty much a copy of 1960s Triumph 650 twins, but unlike those, it was stone reliable. Many parts are still available for it. It has developed a cult following, and for good reason. So many IDIOTS remove the stock exhaust and throw it away, and replace it with some aftermarket piece of junk. Your probably right, those pipes are worth quite a bit, unless they are rusted out inside. The handlebars are also worth something if they are not bent. Yamaha Special bars are my favorite bars. The reflectors are missing on both shocks. It's amazing those turn signal lenses have not turned to dust. I live in AZ, 25 or so miles southeast of Phoenix. I'm also an old guy, 63, and have lived here all my life. I know what the AZ sun does to things. If that bike was found outside and uncovered, I doubt it was out there very long, or there wouldn't be anything left but the metal parts.

[@fixnride7174]

Great comment! There is no exception for experience! Thanks!

[@fixnride7174]

Gerald can I stop by and shoot some videos?? Mark 928-202-8654

[@mldiode]

That Special doesn’t look bad at all. Somebody is going to have fun with it! I’m an original owner of a 1976 XS650C. Still gives me,”miles of smiles!” The XS650’s were basically bulletproof. Keep them maintained and they last forever. Just like anything else, there are very good xs650 forums on the web with very knowledgeable enthusiasts.

[@tommyconner1467]

Im working on an 1981 heritage special xs650, this is the heaviest xs650 ive seen yet, not sure why its this heavy, but its all original and in show room condition and its been outside for 10 years, no pitting or damage anywhere, a very nice bike, its 91/2 out of 10

[@donebysunday4646]

MIKES XS SELLS A SEAT THAT IS A COPY OF THE 1980 XS650SH, THIS IS THE MOST COMFORTABLE SEAT YAMAHA EVER PUT ON AN XS650 AND IT WILL FIT RIGHT ON YOUR HERITAGE, IT SELLS FOR $155 + SHIPPING, WELL WORTH IT IMHO.

[@mickthemerciless9694]

Great bikes.

[@benkanobe7500]

Who I can I send my side cases to in order to be polished to look like chrome or have chromed? Same for my rear hub once I take the wheel apart?

[@robdot1964]

I've restored worse! I'd say it's a perfect candidate for restoration.

[@jerrybigrig9475]

👍😎👍

[@murraykriner9425]

The XS's are only moderately valuable, but they built many of them for the US, especially the cruiser-like variety. OEM tanks and exhaust are costly, and if the bike requires much work, and it's missing stuff. Pass on it.

[@มดแดง-ฃ3ข]

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