I almost bought a new XS650 in 1976. Test rode it and did like it. Ended up buying a 1976 Honda CB750K model instead. I think by 1975 or 76 the XS650 had an electric starter and a kick. And I believe they used a generator that would wear out the brushes sometimes. They are probably still available. I think Motorcyclist many years ago ran some articles in improving the handling on them. I think the swing arm bushings were not mad of the best materials.
   But a good running 650 twin is a very fun ride. In high school, class of 1972, I rode a BSA 500 twin. My best friend had a Kawasaki W2SS (google it), which was a copy of an old English pre-unit twin. The Kawasaki had a single carb which gave it tremendous torque, but not as much of a top end as the twin carb model had. That Kawasaki was a riot to ride. My BSA was a twin carb and was pretty fast too.
   Ah, those were the good old days........