Tracker from a 1981

[BowlingSS]

I am building a tracker using a XS650 1981 SH. Does anyone have any help on what I should cut off the frame. I already cut the back part off for the seat. I am planning on keeping the battery. I was thinking of buying a box from a XS650.com member. I plan on putting number plates on both sides. Will be using stock carbs for now with foam air cleaners. I was thinking of removing the rear peg mounts.
Anyone have any pictures?
Thanks.
Bill

 

[member28833]

I am planning on keeping the battery. I was thinking of buying a box from a XS650.com member. I plan on putting number plates on both sides

Nice !
If you do get a hold of a stock battery box, the existing threaded mount holes for the original air box halves just might work for number plate mounts?

 

[jetmechmarty]

The rear peg mounts may be suitable for hanging the exhaust. JAT

 

[halfmile]

Depending the type of exhaust you might have to remove the center stand mounts too. what is the tank/seat combo? Are you going to use the stock ignition and coils? If your going to use a braced swing arm that usually doesn`t work with the center stand either. I`ve never had the good common sense to leave anything stock in my life so I strip all the tabs and just add the ones needed as I go. Here are pics of the last 4 tracker frames.

 

[RustiePyles]

IMO, I find it easier to not remove anything until I start mocking up the bike. That way I don't chop something off that I need. It's always easier to to take it off than it is to put it back on. But @halfmile will certainly not steer you in the wrong direction, If you're looking for tracker inspiration I would go back and look at his threads, he has built several award winning trackers. Although if you try to copy his builds you may find that your cost in drill bits/hole saws and cutting fluid exceed the cost of bike parts

 

[RC4MAN]

I'll be interested in checking this out, I'm just up the road in Braselton. Do you intend to race or a street tracker?
You be at Aonia this weekend, barring a rain out?

 

[BowlingSS]

I just retired from Yearone in Braselton. Building just a street tracker.

 

[RC4MAN]

Great, still working in Suwanee, have two street tracker projects in various stages of pre-build, gathering stuff. Be interested in seeing it when done.

 

[BowlingSS]

Painting the frame.

 

[BowlingSS]

What does everyone use to support the rear of the seat? It looks like I need to make a bracket and weld it in.

 

[halfmile]

That looks like a Omar`s seat that is fit to a stock tank. If so it uses the stock front mount. You will have to make a bracket for the rear. I usually make them to fit in the middle of where the seat pad kicks up. See the first two of my pics. since the seat attaches with Velcro you can weld two nuts in the bracket and fasten with a pan head bolt from the top that are hidden under the seat pad. This will make it much easier to remove the seat to access the battery etc especially if you use the stock splash guard. Tail light wires with bullet connectors too.

 

[ShaggyMech]

I am over in Marietta and may have a spare battery box if you need. Some how managed to gather literally boxes of spare parts in my hunt for rare pieces.

 

[BowlingSS]

That looks like a Omar`s seat that is fit to a stock tank. If so it uses the stock front mount. You will have to make a bracket for the rear. I usually make them to fit in the middle of where the seat pad kicks up. See the first two of my pics. since the seat attaches with Velcro you can weld two nuts in the bracket and fasten with a pan head bolt from the top that are hidden under the seat pad. This will make it much easier to remove the seat to access the battery etc especially if you use the stock splash guard. Tail light wires with bullet connectors too.

Yes that is an Omar Seat for a stock gas tank. It does look like I will have to make a bracket like your Picture #1 or 2.
Thanks.

 

[BowlingSS]

I am over in Marietta and may have a spare battery box if you need. Some how managed to gather literally boxes of spare parts in my hunt for rare pieces.

I have a battery box but was not planning on using it unless needed.

 

[BowlingSS]

Getting there.

 

[ShaggyMech]

What shocks are you using? Do you like them?

 

[BowlingSS]

I bought them from yamahaxs650.com. Have not tried them yet. Still waiting on my fuse holder. Next week I should be able to get the first test ride.