Help identify this bike please?

[grendel]

Hi folks - wondering if anyone can help identify this bike (click for larger view):


This photo was taken in 1971, so obviously the bike can't be newer than then

Any help is welcome, as I haven't the foggiest idea how to go about trying to ID this thing.

[HYPERR]

1971 Yamaha XS650

[totalmotorcycle]

1971 Yamaha XS650

That must be a new speed record!

Mike

[totalmotorcycle]

BTW, philogeek to the community!!

Is that a parents bike or your bike or?

Tell us some history.

Mike

[grendel]

1971 Yamaha XS650

Wicked, thanks!!!!

[grendel]

BTW, philogeek to the community!!

Is that a parents bike or your bike or?

Tell us some history.

Mike

Well, that's my dad, and this was shortly after he bought this bike. Very soon after this, he was riding with my mom behind him (and pregnant with me) when they were hit by a car running a stop sign. So, I almost didn't make it out! I've always wondered what bike that was... I actually wouldn't mind having one myself!


Thanks!

[Hondagirl]

That is a very sad story. I don't even want to ask about any outcomes just to offer you a very warm welcome to TMW.

And it would be just awesome if you could get the same bike or one similar.

[grendel]

That is a very sad story. I don't even want to ask about any outcomes just to offer you a very warm welcome to TMW.

And it would be just awesome if you could get the same bike or one similar.

Hey there. Oh, the outcomes were all OK in the end. It would be seriously cool to find one of those though, although apparently only around 10,000 of them were made. Definitely not going to get my hopes up LOL!

[totalmotorcycle]

You inspired me to look for one, I didn't find a '71, but I did find a 1972...






Too much for the shape its in, but here you go to see more: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1972-yam ... 6e90#v4-35


and another 1972...

[grendel]

^ those are gorgeous!