1978/2016 Yamaha XS650SE

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Martijn V - click this image to see my build

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What was your intended objective when you started the build?

A daily rideable hardtail bobber with an old school racing look.

What motivated you to start your project?

I sold my Monster and bought a little XS650. it was a custom bobber. People kept asking ‘did you build it?’
I had to answer ‘no’. So i decided to start my own project. I found another XS, cheap enough to cut up and got started in a spare room in the house.

What was the most unique and creative thing you did to the bike?

I designed the motor/oil tank mount and hardtail with pencil and paper. Made a brake pedal pivot out of a conrod. sidemount designed and made.

What are you most proud of?

Borowed a welder and thougt myself how to weld.

The overall end result of the bike and the stance. It represents what I like in a custom bike.
I gathered cool parts from the States, when I was in California on vacation and Seattle for work.

What do other people say about your motorcycle?

It stands out from the crowd.

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Submitted by: Martijn V

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Specifics

Make, Model & Year: 1978/2016 Yamaha XS650SE

Fondly known as: #54

Time spent: a lot (4 years on and off)

Motorcycle cost: 700,- Euro

Money spent: +/- 6000,- Euro

Engine: Stock XS650. 653cc parallel twin. Checked for tolerances, compression etc. and repainted at home. Fake Moon chopper oil tank contains electronics.

Intake: ‘Street Tracker’ Single intake by Wise Guys Choppers, Mikuni VM36 roundslide carb.(later added, so not on all pics.)

Exhaust: Ya’Mama by Pandemonium Custom Choppers. Wrapped.

Transmission: Stock 5 speed. Changed gear for longer 5th.

Frame: Stock front, custom hardtail designed by me. 2 inch drop/4 inch stretch.(Build at a local shop) Custom motor/oil tank mount. Harley Sportster tank. LedSled Customs rear fender (made from the roof of a military Hummer)

Suspension: Stock forks, shortened with internal bushings and polished alu. Short Cut Choppers fork brace.

Wheels, tires and brakes: Stock wheels powdercoated. 19′ front, 16′ rear. Bridgestone BT45 tires. Stock brakes, removed paint and polished.

Finish – Paint: Powdercoated at a local shop. Paintjob by Martijn Krabman from Krabman Signs.

Accessories: Vintage Gran Turismo grips 70’s N.O.S. Biltwell slimline risers. Sportster tank. Biltwell solo seat. PowerDynamo electronic ignition. Moon chopper oil tank. MonsterCraftsmen Powell Peralta chain tensioner. Ford Model T taillight.