JB's Brat build

Satch39

XS650 Addict
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Rochester, NY
I finally got to the point where I'm comfortable starting a build thread for my XS. I started last year by tearing it down and accumulating parts, but lost traction as spring and then summer hit. (Too many chores, vacation, large scale house projects, etc....) Anyway, I'm diving back in with renewed vigor and even with hunting season in full swing I'm making a bit of progress in my spare time!
 
full
1979 made it's way into the basement workshop thanks to a little help from a neighbor. I was in a rush so we carried it through the house and down stairs with the engine still installed. Probably won't ever do that again.
 
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I am working on a VI brat and have got this far, although mostly in mock up. The VI brat kit gives nice lines and I will be watching your build.
Feeling your pain about bringing it in through the house to the basement, at least you had thought to take off the centre stand. I hope the ground floor supervisor was out shopping at the time!
 

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Lakeview, looks like you've got a decent start there. I like the seat/fender mount you used. I've go a lot of work to do on the engine and still need to finish cleaning up the frame once I get everything mocked in. I put it in a roller yesterday just for fun and to play with tank ideas.
 
Hi Satch,
dunno about where you live but you can't hunt on Sundays in Manitoba.
One thing puzzles me about your build, though. If you had to bust a gut hauling half a bike down into your basement, HTF will you cope with lifting a complete bike out of there?
 
Funny thing about uber liberal NY is we can hunt 7 days a week for almost 3 months. Archery starts October 1st, gun starts Saturday before thanksgiving, and muzzle loader lasts until mid December. As for getting it out of the basement, I'm building it in the downstairs warmth for the winter, but once everything is mocked up, test fit, and painted, I'll do final assembly in the garage in the spring. I actually have 2 650's down there. The first 1 I took my time and tore it completely down this one I had to do in a rush so as to not explain to the wife why I "needed" another bike. I bring stuff out to the garage for welding, but I do everything else downstairs. I've got 2 large 3 stage air cleaners that I built and a heavy duty vent fan that pushes outside for when I'm grinding, painting, or anything else that kicks up lots of junk and fumes! It's great having a neighbor that's an HVAC guy. He gets me free squirrel cages out of furnaces he's replacing.
 
You know what would look cool on your ride, a sportster tank. I have a brand new one that I would trade for your fuel tank. PM me
 
You know what would look cool on your ride, a sportster tank. I have a brand new one that I would trade for your fuel tank. PM me
So, my authentic Triumph tank that I had to twist the guys arm for a week to get for a sportster tank? Hmmmmmm........I'm thinking that's a hard NO! Lol! I'm actually not sure which tank to use on this bike yet. I have a couple options I'm considering.
 
Thanks Joel!! I'm having a hard time deciding. Too many options out there. No matter which way I go I'm going to have to do some fab work to make it fit.
 
Zero stars, Thanks, and no I don't blame you! Ask Figureaight how many times I asked him about his fork covers!!
 
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Lol, you were persistent. But I can't wait to see some of those other parts on there! I'm super bummed about selling my bike off but glad it's going to good homes.
 
Figureaight, I ended up buying the Lowbrow ones last night on sale $55. I still wish I had the ones you had, but it'll have to do.
 
It's been a while, and very little progress has been made. Working retail at Christmas doesn't allow much spare time. However, after Christmas business slows and now I have lots of time to play!! I have the bottom end just about buttoned up and the top end parts are supposed to be done getting cerakoted this weekend. I'm planning on rebuilding, shaving, and lowering the forks next, so I can get the stance figured out.
 
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