Ohio Guy with a Slow Build

Long time listener, first time caller. I've had this XS for a couple years, but between moving, switching jobs and now frigid temps in central Ohio, coupled with an uninsulated and unheated garage, it's been slow going.

This forum's a great resource for these old beasts, and I'm hoping I can contribute. This is my 2nd street bike, did a down and dirty mod of an 82 XJ650 Maxim craigslist basketcase a couple years ago. I ride the wheels off this thing. Full build thread on XJ forum here:


On to the XS pictures. This thing sat in my uncle's doorless shed for 20+ years, last tagged in 1990:


First step was to rebuild this neglected engine:




Got it rebuilt and countless hours stripping, painting and polishing. Not perfect, but as my dad would say, good enough for the girls I go with:


Shaved, rebuilt, lowered by 1.25" and painted the forks:


Shortened rear hoop by about an inch to make it less tall:


Mocking up an RD350 tank, going to take a lot to get it to work, but I love the slim look:


Right now, working on the seat pan, then shortening front fender, making some sort of electrics box and figuring out rear fender. Hope the temps go up so I can make some more progress. I'll try to keep this updated as I go. Comments and critiques welcome.

Don't run those cheap shocks from MDI. They are sold as generic shocks for about $100 all over the place. It will ruin your build because everyone that deserves to be impressed will know they are cheap shocks. Good luck on your project. Sign up for the Columbus VinMoto emailing list and ride to vintage meet-ups when the weather gets warm. Helpful dudes too.

Tom

Looking forward to watching this come together! Good Luck and welcome to the forum! Great job on the rebuild so far.

Welcome to the site. Nice looking XJ. The XS motor looks great. Like what you have done so far.

Thanks guys. Tom - I signed up for VinMoto and will try to ride out to some of the get togethers once the weather warms up.

This past weekend was warm enough that I fitted some sportster shocks, worked on my seatpan a bit and made a headlight mount out of some angle. Ran into several holes in the RD tank, so stock tank is back on and I may go that route to save $. Also shortened the front fender, but thinking I took it too far, so I may have to dig another out of the junk pile and try again.