My 78 XS-650 History Mild entertainment

fxrs89

Back in 1979 I was a High School Senior on a Navy Base in Subic Bay Philippines, I worked at the Navy Exchange garage and worked on/assembled new Hondas and Yamahas for Marines and Sailors. I had a beat up RT-2 360 painted blue to look like an IT-400. I dreamed of owning the HUGE 650 twins I assembled for the squids, but I could never afford one. I was further frustrated to find that Yamaha was giving up the standard model and only making the Special. I felt pretty bummed out. One day a young Navy Lt. brought in a crated 1978 XS-650E Standard on the back of a Navy truck. He had bought it at the Yokohama exchange a year earlier, and had left it in the crate because he didn't want to drive it in Japan (too crazy in those days!). He shipped it to Subic Bay on opportune lift on the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier. I had the pleasure of assembling it new from the crate, servicing it , and being the FIRST to ride Her! It was thrilling. I really hated turning off the motor. Even worse, handing the young LT the keys! I told him, if you want to sell it when you go stateside, please get hold of me! He smirked, and said "yeah kid- sure!" (He knew I had no money!)
Then, unbelieveably in 1988 I myself now working for the Navy, ran into this LT, now Commander at a Navy Base in Pt Mugu, Ca. Yes, he still had the bike, and even remembered me! After a few weeks of begging, He sold me the bike. It now had 12000 miles and was beautiful and original. It had been Stationed with its Navy Officer in Japan, Philippines, Oceana Va, Pensacola Fl, San Diego, and Point Mugu Ca, It even has a USS Ranger sticker and a flightline sticker on it! Now I moved to China Lake Naval Base in the High Desert of California with the bike. I loved having Her and was LOST when during my divorce I was forced to sell Her, I sold it to a good friend, who over the last 11 years I lost touch with...Until last Friday!!! Yes, My Friend found me and I bought my XS-650E Back!!! Turns out my 650 had been living in Oxnard by the beach and then lateley, the mountains of Tehachapi, Ca. Now just as beautiful as the day I assembled Her, and with 18000 miles! I will try to NEVER let Her go again! I even moved my Harley to the back of the garage to give the XS the fastest route out of the garage!

Don't forget to enjoy life, and especially your XS!

Ron-Ridgecrest, CA

mo650chopper

That's a cool story, Thanks for sharing it with us!

xs650mike

Wonderful story1

Wulf

Dreams do come true, now if I can find my first chopped XS and my second stock one to join #3 and #4......
Wulf

philby

wow did that put a smile on my face...... im here in the philippines at Naval (about 3 hrs from Cebu - visayas by supercat ferry). i recently bought an xs650 here and am loving riding it......

Knicky · New Member Joined: Sep 07, 2006 Posts: 3 Location: Pgh,PA

Appears to me the xs650 has addictive powers, and mystical qualities---Hmmmm,

DAT's a Way Cool tale ya' told,

USN/FMF '65-'72

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Yamaha xs650