Here's my 1983 Yamaha XS650 cheapo build. So far I've lowered the seat rails, relocated the upper and lower shock mounts so I didn't have to buy shorter shocks and I also made a set of z-bars out of some ape hangers I had. I think it's turning out pretty slick. I need to make a battery box, finish mounting the rear fender, round up a peanut tank, a headlight and make a seat pan.

Let me know what y'all think.

 

looks good! very good!!! the XS is an awesome bike! check out mikesxs.net tons of parts and great prices!!!

 

looks like a fun build. I looked up an old article I saw in The Horse (great mag for ideas on builds like this) on how to make a seat pan out of a shovel. check it out
http://www.ironcross.net/shovel_seat.htm

 

I wore out a bunch of Yamaha's before I bought my first Harley. I had a 1974 650 Yamaha so naturally I have a soft spot for a 650 twin. I think it looks OK. Your 1983 engine looks just like the 1974 engine.

Hey I got a white Jetta too (all our VW's are diesels).

Capt. Mike

 

Nice lookin Bike Poppa!

How much $ do you think ya got into it?

 

Well, I paid too much for the bike but it's slim pickens around here so I had to pay a little more than I would have liked. I got the bike for $1500 but haven't spent a dime other than the purchase price thus far.

XKROME - I am well versed in The Horse. It's my favorite bike magazine. Cycle Source is another cool one if you're into those types of mags.

 

My .02...

Keep the tank, the lines are perfect...but lose the gas cap

Really nice lines....good job.

~Joe

 

Bad ***! Perfect direction you are going! Your gonna **** off the HD Zombies! Yeah!

 

Here's the Yamabob with the Sportie tank. The stock tank was too long for the backbone after I lowered the seat rails.

Since this pic I have fabbed rear fender mounts and radiused the stock rear fender to match the tire.


Thanks for the compliments.

 

looks great! i love the sporty tank on there!!!! very smooth! there is a pretty high demand for the XS tanks on ebay as well so you should be able to make some decent money on your stock tank!