Would you trade in your XS400 for an XS650?

Do you prefer a 650 over a 400cc?

  • Yes, if given the choice I would trade

    Votes: 8 33.3%

  • No, I specifically went for an XS400

    Votes: 11 45.8%

  • Neither (please specify in a post)

    Votes: 5 20.8%
  • Total voters
    24
willem

willem

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I've been wondering. The XS400 is so similar to the XS650, but the XS650 is quite a bit more expensive nowadays. The XS650 is very popular in the cafe racer/custom bike scene.

But do XS400 owners actually prefer the 400ccs? Or was it just the low price that made you 'settle for less'?

Myself, I just looked for the cheapest, good looking bike I could find and ended up buying an XS400 DOHC. But looking back on it, an XS650 would have been even sweeter I think.

So how about you guys? Did you stumble across the bike, or did you make the conscious choice to get a 400? And had you preferred a 650?
 
I have had 3 xs650's over the years and prefer the xs400 its much lighter and handels much better and easier to work on. The 650 vibes like cement mixer where the 400 is like a sewing machine. If you are more into just cruising than the 650 is for you, also the 650 has a ton of aftermarket parts.
 
at first I would have traded for the 650, but the longer I own mine, the less the desire to do it.
 
If it was suzuki 650 yes not a yamaha and it would have be something like 85 or newer.Im tired of messing around with these old bikes.I toook a suzuki gsxr for a test ride the other day,it was fast,comfortable and could make me forget about my xs400 in a hurry.
 
Never road a 650 but it would half to be in good shape for me to trade i like my 400.all my riding buddys keep telling me to get a crotch rocket or a harly but i have no desire to give up my 400

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I know several guys who have restored xs650s, one is an absolutely beautiful '71 - first year I think. Starts on the first kick every time (not like the 650 Bonneville it copied).

And, while they chide me about my little 400 Maxim, they readily admit that they are very different - starting with the 650 crankshaft configuration which has the pistons going up and down together. Makes for very nice, evenly spaced firing, but it vibrates like hell. They claim this has ladies preferring to ride on the back of an xs650 over almost anything else. I have no first-hand testimony to verify if this is true, but would enjoy hearing of some if it exists.
 
Back in the 90's my brother had an XS650 and being a motorcycle tech he had it running really nice. But he was always chasing ways to cut down the vibes at the bars. I had a Honda Hawk 650 and he would ride rings around me, fair to say he had the edge of experience and I was a fair nob back then. I have eight bikes and went looking for an SOHC XS400. It's the oldest, least powerful one in the stable. I acquired it because it was the first bike I ever wanted at eight years old. I didn't get it back then (and it's good that I didn't). It has an elegant beauty to it's design that I am drawn to (again). And I enjoy the challenge of further expanding its elegance both sitting and in action.
 
I just made the upgrade or downgrade I guess it could be called, and Ill let you know what I think.

I previously had a shadow750 and honestly the motor in my 400 was much more fun to ride. Not as torquey but in high revs the 400 is so much fun. I am very partial to the performance of this little engine after owning one.
 
This was my small Yam collection from about 5 years ago. What I will say is, the XS650 is worth owning just for the sound of it.
 

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