falling for an asian airhead

[mimmo66]

Just started to love a Yamaha xs 750 or 850, just my style!

Because of limited garage space, a third bike is out of the question

The R65LS stays, too much money invested in it and too much fun to ride.
On the other hand, The K75 "the wife bike" could go with no regrets
 
Only problem wife has a brickhead and does not want to sell it!

[montmil]

Sharp looking British-registry XS750. Shaft drive and those double front discs will haul you down in a New York minute.

I have long lusted for an earlier, chain-drive XS650. Although Bengt Phorqs sez we should not lust for a motorcycle... I do. Often referred to as the Japanese Triumph, these 70's era scoots go for a premium. I'll keep looking...

Monte

[nhmaf]

The Yamaha triples are nice looking machines, though I've been told by some mechanics to avoid the 750cc units and look at the 850cc ones as there were apparently some design improvements on the 850 bikes that improved longevity in the area of cams, etc.   I don't have direct experience to confirm or refute this though.

They do have a nice growl to them - back in the early 80s I came *this* close to buying an 850 Special, but found a good deal on a practically new Yamaha Maxim 650 that I bought instead.

[Patrick_Krivacka]

that's a very good looking bike. My dream motorcycle is a yamaha sr500. Pretty lame, I know.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

i-man - nothing lame about a SR500!  (if you can start it.)

folgore - if you can swing it, that looks like a nice one!
A 750 Special was my 2nd bike.  It was the BMW that I could not afford at the time.

I REALLY regretted getting the Special instead of the standard model.  The standard would have been much easier on the back, I am sure.  I know now that I could have put on a new set of handlebars and been more comfortable, but I was an unquestioning consumer at the time.

I loved it, but I only rode it for two years before getting my R65 in 1980, so I can't tell you anything about long-term issues.

[montmil]

This is my favorite outfit for Yammy SR500 customs. Australian and oh so sweet. Check 'em out.

http://deus.com.au/

Monte

[Bob_Roller]

I would look into the parts availibility before I would even consider a 32 year old Asian bike !!!!

[Patrick_Krivacka]

yes, I've spent some time drooling over those deus bikes.

[montmil]

I would look into the parts availibility before I would even consider a 32 year old Asian bike !!!!

They're definitely out there. MikesXS, in Florida, http://www.mikesxs.net/ is one of my "go to" guys for some electrical and ignition bits that cross-pollinate my R65s.

[Patrick_Krivacka]

before I bought the frankenbeemer, there were a few bikes in the running to be my next ride. a very nice 1975 xs650 was one of them. those are really cool old bikes.

[wiemer]

A friend of mine has one, now 360.000 kms (!), one of the first models.
Still the same pistons etc! (changed rings-yes)
Porsche designed shaft drive.
He found the choke mix too lean to start properly in winter; needless to say he thinks it is a very reliable bike!
The frame can break at critical points. if the engine is not properly fitted. Clattering primary drive (Like old Hondas) -expensive chain.
 Stable roadholding, not a very powerful bike though, as fast as a good r 65. (his bike-my r65 )

wiemer

[trolle]

Hi Wiemer

Long time no see. Where have you been hiding your self?

greetings from a sunny and warm north

[Johnster]

I had a '78(?) XS750 for a year or two - commuted to school with it.

LOVED the option to kick start or buy a new battery and pushbutton start.  I'm a young chap (born 3 years before the bike) so kicking over a 750 wasnt a problem.
 Big wide seat, nice standard position, cushy shaft drive...good bike.  A bit on the heavy side, but the 70's were like that =)

First bike where I fixed the carbs...properly...on the first try ($12 rebuild kit from a catalog).

A good standard ride.