Hope I am welcome here with a 400....

moparman2k2 · Full Member Joined: Mar 05, 2008 Posts: 12

Hi Everyone My name is Mike. I am from ishpeming, MI I have just bought a 81 XS 400 SE II. I hope that the fact that I don't have a 650 won't matter as I am so into Yamahas and Specifically XS Series Bikes that I will "Move Up" to a 650 when I find a suitable one

Cooltouch

Hiya, Mike!

Welcome! You don't have to have an XS650 to come here, but it helps if you at least like 'em. Ishpeming -- I had to google that one. Wow. I guess it's pretty rural up there, eh?

Do you know about Craigslist? (http://craigslist.org) There's a handly web-based helper application that allows you to search multiple areas for items you're looking for -- it's called Craigshelper (http://craigshelper.com). I just loaded it up, configured it for the "Midwest". Looked through Michigan, Minnesota, and Illinois. Got a couple of XS650 hits in Chicago, and a few in Minneapolis.

So, you might want to bookmark those two apps. They'll help you find an XS650 if you can't find anything local to you.

Best,

ichael

moparman2k2 · Full Member Joined: Mar 05, 2008 Posts: 12

I am sure I will find the 650 Craigslist is where I found this one $350) with a 300 mile rebuild the guy needed the $.... but for now seeing as I have never ridden a cruiser before, I will learn on my 400 before I move up

Thanks

Cooltouch

The XS650 isn't really what most folks would call a cruiser. Even the Special, which has some early-80s style "custom" style points is lightweight and rather nimble compared to a cruiser. I note your XS400 is an 80s model. Got the buckhorn bars and the two-tiered seat. It's as much a "cruiser" as the 650 Specials are.

In short, the XS650 is a kick in the pants to ride. Chances are, if you're comfortable with your XS400, you're ready for an XS650.

Best,

ichael

oldskoolcool · Full Member Joined: Sep 08, 2007 Posts: 372

f***, what were the japanese thinking in the 80's with their cruisers...minus the vmax. glad i have a 78 standard...and my Ducati GT1000....

Cooltouch

Well, what looks funky now was hot back then. From what I understand, Yamaha discontinued the standards in 80 because they weren't selling any more . . . but the Specials were. Go figure.

As far as what were they thinking in the 80s, I'd ask what they're still thinking -- all the metric cruisers trying to cash in on Harley's Fat Look. They all remind me of Jack Black in Nacho Libre. Fake and Fat.

Best,

ichael

jayel

I don't mind profanity use it myself when to the point or to make one but we don't need to be dropping the F-bomb, hell of a way to start a sentence

moparman2k2 · Full Member Joined: Mar 05, 2008 Posts: 12

sorry for using the word "Cruiser" i guess I will have to call it a "Motorcycle" From now on Confused

j/k

KYLEPRESTON

do you cruise on it it's a cruiser. don't let things like a name stop you.
ride and enjoy

oldskoolcool · Full Member Joined: Sep 08, 2007 Posts: 372

Quote::

all the metric cruisers trying to cash in on Harley's Fat Look. They all remind me of Jack Black in Nacho Libre. Fake and Fat.

i guess eh, cause the only HD i really like is the Dyna cause it has that old skool skinny look to it.

What Happened to 650rider.com?

Yamaha xs650