custom

Picked this 1973 TX650 up on Sunday. Very excited. Project name "The Cooler King" after Steve McQueen's character in The Great Escape. The initial plan is to build a Tracker/Brat/Scrambler hybrid with a mono-shock rear. Going to sell a majority of the original stock parts from the bike...

Just wondering if there is anyone in or around DFW on this site looking for some one local to get together and help each other with our builds and riding bud

Started designing and building this girder a while back and I'm closing in on completion so I thought I would share some pictures of it. Thank god I use geometry at work on a regular basis or I would have been lost! Also I was concerned about my stainless hardware causing problems in the...

Introducing project BOARDCHOP! The inspiration behind this next build has heavy boardtracker and chopper influences, thus "Board Chop". I must have 30+ drawing mock-ups but the following drawing below is the closest to the look I'm going for in this next build. Runner up designs

hey guys, after some research and video watching im going to get the parts to rephase. just before i do that i want to make sure that i am aware of everything i need to make sure im not surprised by anything. so i have a 80-81 sh engine pma from hugh's handbuilt -- have it already...

Ok, I was surfing this morning and saw a post from a company on the west coast that manufactures items for the 650, frame sections ect. And forgot to write a note to my self to check their website. Can some one PM me the name? I know for sure they are out of Washington or Oregon. Thanks

I have a 1975 xs650 that I'm looking to use for a custom build. I found one with motor and all for $150.00. Heck I was just looking for a frame. Anyway, It has a chunk out of the main casing directly above the sprocket. It is not one that will be under stress from oil pressure or kick starter or...

i was wondering what kind of wire would you need to use if i was going to weld on my fork tubes. I want to polish them afterwards and hopefully not see where it was welded. or can this not happen? thanks guys

Hey guys, just thought id let everyone know I have a build thread on instagram my username is @xs650cafe I understand some of you might not be on instagram but for those that are please follow my progress, the more xs riders giving their input as the build progresses the better. I don't...

This is my entry into the 2014 xs build off. A little background story : I own a shop in Detroit, MI with a couple of friends, we've been around for about a year and have done some cool projects a couple of which were xs650s. My last bike was an xs that I built, rode all summer and...

Background: I've been riding a 1976 Honda CB550 cafe for some time and I decided I was up for a change. So, I sold off the 550 and a CB750 to clean out the garage and to placate my wife. She absolutely refused to agree to me having a third bike. She additionally was adamant about me not...

So i recently decided to have a bike built for me. I chose to have Brett Ohland of 2Eight Customs build it.. He was very easy to work with, super nice, listens,takes ideas and makes them happen, and he didn't even charge and arm and a leg :) he is exceptionally talented at what he does!! all in...

I was wondering if any one had ever changed their swing arm out with one from a crotch rocket before. The reason I'm looking to do this was because of my build design. I have a xs 650 and am looking to mount some wider Harley 28 spoke rims to it and stretch out the rear end. I also want to...

Ok guy's, Just brainstorming with my creative imagination for my next build. Don't beat me up, i am looking for ingenuity!! Currently working on a 77 David Bird hardtail (Army theme) but thinking ahead to the next project build with a 75 standard i have leaning against the shed out back. I...

I've seen that Hugh's video with the red xs650 engine and really like the idea of getting mine powder coated. I was looking at a cream white. But, there is a claim that the paint will increase the temp. I spoke with a local coating company and they say that they don't see how it could be that...

So I have posted a few times and if you have seen my posts then you know I dont know anything about motorcycles. I bought a 1972 xs650 with the hopes of customzing it myself into a sweet street tracker/brat type awesome bike. Well I bought some new carbs from the forum along with a new master...

So ill start out saying this is a build that i started a few months ago when i jut moved up to portland. its going to be a long and slow build, but hoping to have it finished before spring time. i love the bobber look so im headed in that direction, this is my first real build, ive done a few...

Earlier this year I acquired an XS650 for $700. It was in horrible condition, and probably was sitting outside in the woods somewhere for many decades. I was completely fine with that, since I wanted a challenge to completely restore the engine, customize the frame, etc. I'll try to post as many...

Yup, my Betsea's 'done'! At least with modifications, aaaand just for this year. I've got a bit of gas leakage from the carbs so a rebuild is in order, but all is well other than that! Cam chain, valves & timing adjusted, carbs synched & UNI pods added & shes running great except for that drippy...

Been following this forum for a few years now. Always enjoy watching peoples builds come together. In that time I've built an XS of my own, though never posted on this site. Now I'm up to build number two and i thought I'd document the entire build (however long that may be). Before I start...