Date:         Sat, 21 Dec 2002 18:07:20 -0800
Reply-To:     Jim Arnott <jrasite@EONI.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jim Arnott <jrasite@EONI.COM>
Organization: http://WetWesties.org
Subject:      Re: Mercedes 5cyl 300TD in vanagon?
Comments: To: Jeffrey Schwaia <jschwaia@earthlink.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed

Jeffrey Schwaia wrote:
 > No guessing here, the XS650 looks like a Triumph Bonneville, vibrates like a
 > Triumph Bonneville, even sounds like a Triumph Bonneville.

The  Kawasaki W650 was a copy of a BSA A7.  The Yamaha XS650 was two
cylinders off the XS1100.

TR6/Bonneville: Cam in block. XS 650: cam in head. TR6: vertically split
crankcase. XS650: horizontally split crankcase. TR6: chain drive primary.
XS650: gear drive primary. etc, etc, etc.  About the only thing that they
have in common is two cylinders and two wheels.

 > If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, even sounds like a duck... it
 > must want to be a Triumph.

That's like saying that my V4 Interceptor wants to be a hardley cause the
engine's in a vee configuration.

 > Not like this is a relevation or anything.
 >
 > I've had an XS650 and a Bonneville, and I much prefer the Triumph, far more
 > personality.

No argument there.  I owned Britbikes from 1958 through 1984 when I bought
the Interceptor.  It is so far and away better than ANY Britbike (and
especially my Rocket three) at being a useable motorcycle that I haven't
looked at another Limey. (However, I hear that the current threes are quite
nice... Maybe someday soon...)

Personality?  Doesn't that mean "won't start"? ;o)

Jim