Minge "The Build"

jimed

XS650 Enthusiast
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Powder Springs, GA
I am finally almost finished with the mockup after 11 months! I had Rich at G&L Choppers hardtail the frame along with his forward controls and battery/oil tank. I lowered the forks 2", used a sporty tank, and a 30's ford spare tire ring for the rear fender. Next I had Paul at Daddios Designs do me a seat in cherry black and attached it to the frame using a set of ChopperSox. GreatScott made me a set of one off pipes I requested.

While waiting on the frame I started on the motor at the time Mikes was out of 750 kits so I had the block sleeved to a 750. To the complete engine rebuild I added a Megacycle Cam, performance valve springs,etc., new 36mm Mikuni Carbs, Pamco Ignition with Green Monster coil, MikeXS overdrive 24 tooth 5th gear, a Bob Bertaut Pro-port head, and bead blasting the entire engine. I did not bead blast the side cases but am going to do that just before I do the final assembly.

As for paint I have spray bombed this puppy 10 different ways and have decided to do like in the picture with a satin black frame with Ford Metallic Copper on the tank, side covers of the battery box, rear fender but with a satin black stripe the width of the rear fender ridge running down the fender and tank.

I still have to get some brakes on it, install the new Avon Venom tires (WWW on rear of course), get it wired, find a headlight and taillight but the end is in sight.
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It is a 4" stretch G&L Choppers Hardtail that I had Rich install. I don't trust my welding skills for something that important!!! Rich is a one/part time 2 man shop so he is a little slow but is up front about his turnaround time. His welds are perfect and the frame is straight. He is a standup guy.
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Here is the mount I made to hold the Green Monster coil using a flat plate and the horn mounting tabs. I know the picture sucks but I have a cheap camera.
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Did you rake it or is it stock? Also what was the actual turn around from the time you shipped it to G&L? I didn't like the sound of 5 to 6 weeks for just the tailpiece but I've done so much hemming and hawwing I'd easily of had the damn thing back by now! The bike looks tight and really clean! Don't rush to finish it because its looking to good to spoil it. Keep posting some current pictures and keep up the great looking work.

Dale
 
Rake is stock but I did lower the front end 2". It did take G&L about 5 or 6 weeks but they are a man and a half shop. Rich, the owner, full time and Josh is part time so their turnaround is slow but Rich is a standup guy and the welds are perfect. I chose them because I like their style and they use a frame jig so the frame is perfect. I have been slow about finishing it due to losing my job over a year ago. I never thought with my education and experience I would out of work so long but so is life. Glad you like it and will post some new pics soon.

Jimmy
 
I am getting closer everyday to getting her finished. Got the Pamco installed, rear tire mounted and balanced, Mikuni 36mm VM carbs mounted and had a custom set of 7/8 carbon fiber drag bars that are only 23.5 " wide made. As soon as I get so extra coins, I have been unemployed for a year, I plan to try to finish her up.
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Looks very nice. Where did you get that tank? Ive got a Sporty tank on mine but I want it to sit lower on the frame like your's. Im diggin the whole thing.
 
Looks very nice. Where did you get that tank? Ive got a Sporty tank on mine but I want it to sit lower on the frame like your's. Im diggin the whole thing.
I had a 66 ford galaxie xl that color. a little faded after 35+ years, but judging from memorie what the door jamb color was, these pictures dont do it justice.
if you have a deep tunnel tank, it might be hitting the neck gusset were the original tank cups were at.
 
The tank is just a Sporty tank but I did cut out the old neck gussets and replace them with new ones which allowed the front of the tank to set lower but I also cut off the rear mounting tabs then welded a new tab on the rear of the tank. You can see the new rear tab in one of the photos. The new neck gussets are visible in the photo of the naked frame.
 
Sweet! Very nice. I like the black satin frame. I hope you don't have a big ole butt or those pipes are gonna toast ya! They sure look nice though.
 
It's looking mighty tasty. Will you be having to remove your pipes to take your left-side engine cover off? That one tends to have to come off a lot more often than the right side cover.
 
Finally a peanut tank done properly instead of looking like a pimple. The tank is set up perfectly and looks great. My concern is with the stock front end, you will get a lot of travel and the way your forward controls are set up, they look to be fairly low and could easily dig in and spill the bike especially in corners
 
It's looking mighty tasty. Will you be having to remove your pipes to take your left-side engine cover off? That one tends to have to come off a lot more often than the right side cover.
Pipes don't have to come off for side cover to be removed, just losen left pipe at head and turn out and inch :wink2:
 
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