XS650 Chopper

RCinNC

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I have almost zero interest in choppers, but it's still worth reading a thread about them when there's someone who really seems to know what he's talking about, like Bill C, posting information about them. I doubt I'll ever own one, but I'll follow this thread just because I'm liable to learn something unexpected, that I might be able to put to use someday.

As for the issue of the bike possibly being stolen, I don't dispute for a second that the family you're dealing with are straight shooters, but it could still be stolen. I encountered things like this multiple times when I was a criminal investigator. If the bike didn't have a title when the family acquired it, it could have been stolen 20 years ago and entered into NCIC, and none of the subsequent buyers who legitimately purchased it ever tried to get it registered (the attempt to register it would trigger an NCIC check). Stolen vehicle entries in NCIC don't expire; they have to be removed by whatever agency entered them. It's not uncommon to see stolen vehicle entries in NCIC that are a decade old. If you do buy it and it ended up being stolen, the bike could be seized from you and returned to the last legal owner (usually it ends up being an insurance company), and you'd be out the money you paid to buy it. If you buy it and resell it, and it was actually stolen, you'd be dumping the problem on someone else in the event that they tried to title/register it. Absent an actual title in your hand, I would definitely check the VIN with a law enforcement agency before money changed hands.
 

tntmo

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Yes, I will definitely get all the information that I can about it and ensure it's legit. I have a few LEO friends who can help me out.

I have almost zero interest in bikes like this either, but it's an opportunity to learn something like you said and have a bit of fun so I'm all about it.
 

Bill_C

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May 22, 2021
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I wish I was local. Just the thought of getting my hands dirty on a chop after all these years would be so cool. I may have to see if I can find a basket case to rebuild... no, on second thought I better not. My wife is incredibly patient and I don't want to take advantage of that too much. I could see me going down the rabbit hole if I'm not careful. Been there, done that.

Well hey, if you decide to pick it and flip it, you will definitely be in a good location to sell it. So.Cal. has a robust chopper scene. I've done a few chopper shows down there over the years and the scene just keeps growing and growing. Someone will gladly take it off your hands.

In the meantime, my offer stands. If there is anything you need or want for the bike that I have, it's yours. Just ask. I'll even cover the postage. I'd be happy just knowing it's going to a good home where it will get some new life.

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Sierra1

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. . . . Stolen vehicle entries in NCIC don't expire; they have to be removed by whatever agency entered them. It's not uncommon to see stolen vehicle entries in NCIC that are a decade old. . . .
If the vehicle is located, the entering agency confirms/removes it from NCIC. It isn't all that uncommon to for a decade old hit. But, the entries do expire. After "X" amount of years they self purge, unless they're re-entered by the reporting agency. Firearms are the only things that stay entered forever. So, it would be unlikely, not certain, that it's not still in NCIC.

I'm not a chopper fan either, but if you can obtain it for little or no money, without a big hassle, you could turn a profit. It doesn't have to be anywhere near perfect shape. Retro is still in I think. But, I agree, I wouldn't put a bunch of effort into getting/selling it.
 

tntmo

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Well they are offering it to me as a token of appreciation for the help that I have given them. I helped get some stuff running and also brokered a few sales. I wasn't doing any of that stuff to try to come out ahead, just being myself. So getting this bike was not an expectation, and honestly since I really had no interest in it I wouldn't offer anything for it but as a gift it has my attention.

@Bill_C I will definitely be messaging you when I bring this thing home, I can use some guidance for sure so thank you for your kind offer.
 

RCinNC

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If the vehicle is located, the entering agency confirms/removes it from NCIC. It isn't all that uncommon to for a decade old hit. But, the entries do expire. After "X" amount of years they self purge, unless they're re-entered by the reporting agency. Firearms are the only things that stay entered forever. So, it would be unlikely, not certain, that it's not still in NCIC.

I'm not a chopper fan either, but if you can obtain it for little or no money, without a big hassle, you could turn a profit. It doesn't have to be anywhere near perfect shape. Retro is still in I think. But, I agree, I wouldn't put a bunch of effort into getting/selling it.
You're right. I had to go back and look it up in the NCIC validation manual. It's been about 13 years since I dealt with this sort of stuff, and I forgot that NCIC entries for stolen vehicles would purge 4 years after the date of entry unless they were updated. My bad.

Our department required that yearly NCIC validations be conducted for everything that was entered into NCIC. If the victim of the reported vehicle theft was still alive and could still be located, we were required to maintain the NCIC entry. We only canceled them if there was no longer a victim available in the event that the vehicle was recovered and a prosecution was undertaken.
 

tntmo

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I got the XS650 brought home today. Maybe this weekend I can take a good look at it and see if I can find a VIN. Then, decide what to do with this machine....
 

tntmo

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That could be an aftermarket frame, I can't tell from the video. If it's a stock frame then VIN is on the neck on the right side towards the front. Should be like S650-123456. If it's a stock frame with the VIN removed then the CHP can still run the engine number (early xs650's engine and vin matched) to see if it comes up stolen. That engine number is on the bottom front between the engine mounts, right side.
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Big thanks to Bill C, I have had this chopper sitting around for a few months. I rode it up and down my street a few times but not much more than that because I have had things going on. Anyway, I took a bit of time with some sandpaper and steel wool and found the VIN under several thick layers of paint. I would have thought it was just a random bunch of numbers without the information posted above, but it's formatted with S650-XXXXXX so I know it's legit. Appears to be a 1971.
Now I can consider getting a license plate on this thing and then ????
 

Bill_C

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Central Valley California
Big thanks to Bill C, I have had this chopper sitting around for a few months. I rode it up and down my street a few times but not much more than that because I have had things going on. Anyway, I took a bit of time with some sandpaper and steel wool and found the VIN under several thick layers of paint. I would have thought it was just a random bunch of numbers without the information posted above, but it's formatted with S650-XXXXXX so I know it's legit. Appears to be a 1971.
Now I can consider getting a license plate on this thing and then ????
Glad it helped. As a '71 the frame should match the engine numbers. If not, you will need to present a "statement of facts" to the DMV inspector. If they match, you're golden.

Man, this makes me miss my last XS chop. They are so much fun.

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tntmo

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I've heard admitting it is the first step. :D "My name is tntmo, and I'm a bikeaholic".
Yeah, I told myself I didn't have room for another bike and sold my long loved junky "adventure" scooter and gave another scooter to a friend...then turned around and bought a 30 year old BMW.

If I don't go to meetings, do I really have a problem? Now I'm trying to deny it.
 
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