1980 Yamaha XS650

What was your intended objective when you started the build?

To build a hardtail drop seat that flowed well and show people you can build anything with minimum tools.

What motivated you to start your project?

Wanted to build a hardtail with my vision.

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

Designing the hardtail, the 2 into 1 intake manifold, seat bracket, exhaust. All equally unique.

What are you most proud of?

The fact that very few parts were bolt on. The majority of the bike was hand made with minimum tools. Nothing outsourced. I built my own tubing bender that accepts JD2 model 32 dies for the frame and bars. Other then the bender I built this bike with tools that anyone with a basic garage has. Mig welder, angle grinders, drill press.

What do other people say about your motorcycle?

They say it looks and sounds like it wants to kick someones ass!

Videos

4 Comments

Nate says:

May 15, 2019 at 7:47 pm

Man, that’s a badass build. If that isn’t the definition of garage built then what is.

Reply
Eric says:

May 29, 2019 at 11:27 am

Love all the brass accents – subtle, but awesome. That custom intake kicks ass.

Reply
Hairstyles says:

November 26, 2019 at 11:13 am

Thank you a bunch for sharing this with all of us you really realize what you are speaking about! Bookmarked. Please additionally consult with my website =). We will have a link alternate contract between us!

Reply
Kevin says:

December 19, 2021 at 1:01 am

Great bike. Especially love the foot position and colour.

Reply

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Submitted by: Richard M

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Specifics

Make, Model & Year: 1980 Yamaha XS650

Fondly known as: Army bike

Time spent: Lots!

Motorcycle cost: $450

Money spent: $2200 total

Engine: Yamaha xs650 engine with xscharge PMA and ignition.

Intake: Hand made 2 into 1 manifold with 1 Mikuni 34mm round slide carb.

Exhaust: Hand made two 1.75″ into one 3.5 slightly baffled.

Transmission: 5 speed. Foot clutch, hand shift.

Frame: 1980 Yamaha xs650 frame with raised backbone, Handmade drop seat hard tail section with 5″ stretch and 4″ ride height.

Suspension: Hardtail with stock front forks. Old gs1000 rear shock for a seat shock.

Wheels, tires and brakes: Stock size dual sport tires front and rear. Stock spoke wheels with rear drum brake. No front brake.

Finish – Paint: Wheels, fender and tank powder coated by New Wave powder coating here in Omaha. The rest was painted by me.

Accessories: Bent the handlebars and installed internal throttle. Foot pedal pegs, hand shifter handle, and seat bracket accents made from 50cal blank rounds. Brass acorn nuts also accenting throughout the bike. Brass taillight. Gold chain. Foot pegs are some Harley ones I had laying around.