Make, Model & Year: Yamaha XS650 1980
Fondly known as: “Fastassumbichi”
Time spent: Build time was about 8 months, mostly evenings.
Motorcycle cost: The original cost of the bike was $900
Money spent: The build cost was a little over $3,000
Engine: The engine is a stock 650cc displacement but has since been fitted with Wiseco 10 1/2:1 pistons and Shell #1 cam. I used a Boyer Bransden ignition and Mikuni 34mm carbs.
Intake: The engine has straight aluminium manifolds with 34mm Mikuni round slide carbs with free flow filters
Exhaust: I hand made the high pipe exhaust from 42mm mandrel bent tubing and used stainless steel reverse cone mufflers.
Transmission: The transmission is a stock 5 speed and has new clutch discs and springs and has a hydraulic assist actuator with a one piece push rod.
Frame: The frame is a original XS650 and has had all unnecessary tabs removed as well as the rear hoop. New frame gussets and cross braces throughout.
Suspension: Front forks are GSXR 1000 and the swingarm has been braced. Rear shocks are 1″ shorter than stock. Bike also has a adjustable steering damper.
Wheels, tires and brakes: The front wheel is the GSXR 17″ and uses the dual disc brakes and has a Buell front fender. The rear is a original XS 16″ mag wheel that has been drilled and has the stock rotor also drilled. The master cyl is from a Hayabusa. Stainless lines used front and rear.
Finish – Paint: The frame has a gray hammered finish powder coat and small parts are paint finished to match. The side cases, valve covers chain guard and other aluminium parts are polished. The exhaust, motor mounts and other small parts were chromed. Custom tank decal is my own design.
Accessories: This build uses a Cheney-Knight tank and seat. The controls are gold anodized where possible and are mounted to superbike bars. Lighting system is all LED. The early Hayabusa rear sets are mounted with hand made concentric`s to fit the stock XS mounting studs.
