For sale  Yamaha XS650 with Halco 840cc engine – current non-runner.

The bike is a 1979 European model and the Halco 840 engine is from a slightly earlier SE model.  The Halco engine (installed about 14 years ago) was bought from a breaker as the original’s small ends had gone.

I’ve owned this bike for the last 16 years and on the original engine did only a few thousand miles (maybe only 2000).  On the Halco I probably only did 500 (very enjoyable) miles.  Indeed the tyres are virtually new.  For the last 6 years (SORNed)  it has been sitting in my garage awaiting my attention after an engine top end strip down, the installation of electronic ignition (Boyer Bransen), new upgraded coils and a Halco exhaust system.  We (wife and children) moved house just after I’d put most of it together but a new job, tons of DIY and children’s homework have meant I’ve never had a chance to spend time getting it running.   

I think that it should not require a lot of work to get the bike running – but I can not guarantee that as it has sat for the last 6 years albeit me kicking it over every couple of months to keep the oil up round the top end.  It will need a new battery and I’m fairly sure a new air filter (it’s the furry original which is falling to bits).  The reason I’m selling it is that much though I hope to have few days this year or maybe next to get it sorted I’ve been telling myself that for the last 6 years – and as you’ll see from the photos although it has been garaged, there is rust and corrosion on various parts – the end of the left hand exhaust has the chrome peeling off a little.  I have given it a bit of a clean and polish but do not want to mislead you into thinking that it is in tip top condition.  The seat base is pretty corroded I have to say and is probably 30% fibreglass (no signs of it falling to bits though). The engine insides however I am confident are in good condition.    

Before being taken off the road it was running perfectly, other than the oil on points issue (see below) 6 years ago with bags of grunt and smooth gear change – no missing gears or slipping out of gear – and no smoke from exhaust or funny noises from the engine.  The reason for the engine strip down was that the head gasket was leaking oil and the seal behind the contact breaker housing was weeping oil (it took me a while to work out why it had a habit of going onto one cylinder).  When I stripped the engine down (just top end) the internals were all in good condition.  Small ends and cylinders showed no undue wear.  I also replaced all the worn gears for the starter and kick starter at that time.  I’ve kicked it over every couple of months or so to try and keep everything lubricated, and make me feel less guilty.  Have to say hadn’t done this for the last 6 month, but did so today and it feels fine. 

It has Halco oversized downpipes and silencers, Boyer Bransen Electronic ignition and as I said, new coils (or a single coil rather – can’t remember the manufacturer, but I got it from Halco).  Halco strengthened sump oil filter is also fitted.  It also has new fork seals – and the stanchions are perfect and unpitted.  (I’m pretty sure I have all the original contact breaker bits and original coils to include – and the alternator removal tool and probably other bits and bobs).

Incidentally I’ve no idea why I hid the number plate!  It just seemed that other e bay sellers were doing the same – it’s UNK 883 W (I always thought of it as WUNK).

I’m going to stop there as if you are interested you can e mail me or phone me on 07977007048.  If you want to come and see the bike then evening or weekend are fine.  If you can’t and want any more photos of specific bits I can also arrange. 

What’s it worth – well I’ve no real idea, but if you’re interested in this then you were probably looking at 170216337872 which was sold this evening.  It was an XS2 but didn’t have a Halco 840 engine.

I’d prefer if the buyer collects (cash on collection), but could be persuaded to deliver for the cost of diesel and hire of bike trailer (£22).  As a rough guide if you’re 25 miles away that would be about £30 and if you’re 100 miles away about £50.  Do get in touch before you bid if you stay some distance away and also if you’ve a low number of feedbacks (say 10).