fabricating

So I'm new to the whole forum discussion thing not to mention this site. Here's a little background: bought a 74 XS650 street tracker/hackjob that handled like absolute crap due to the previous owners love of the sawzall. I love to work with and weld aluminum, so after a lot of hours I managed...

Hi All! My XS is a 1977 ("D") model, so it has 35 mm forks, but no top out springs as standard. The "clunking" these forks make when they occasionally do top out is a little bit unnerving..... So I would like to modify my forks by installing top out springs, and at the same time I get the...

I have installed a second front rotor on my '73 xs matching the right side. I have also installed a dual brembo with pandemonium brackets (great fabrication). It seems like I have a binding issue and need to drop down to a 5mm rotor. I'd like to keep the rotor hub because it fits up nicely...

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

So the early rear fender mounting system is a bit hmm let's say hokey, or maybe shaky yeah that's it, it's all kind of shaky. Most have had sissy bars, luggage racks or other "improvements" kludged on top of an already sketchy system of mounts. Has anyone done some (re)engineering? cracks...

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...

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

going to next make a rear fender for my bike. wanted to start a thread and talk to people about how they have made some and if anyone has exsperience on an english wheel. hear ideas of making one out of a 55gal drum and a few other parts that can be shopped but figure it would be nice to just...

I just got these Emgo shorty mufflers. Any suggestions on how to attach them? I have some clamps..my pipes are 1.5" and the mufflers are that as well, it is, however, not a tight fit.. My headers angle slightly up as well. Should I cut a little 'slit' in the mufflers so that the...

I live the look if this seat. Does anybody know where I could find something like this that follows the curve of the frame? Or, would I be better off just trying to fabricate my own? I have zero experience in this subject, so all help is more than welcome. :thumbsup:

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...

clear stator cover build so im looking at creating a stator/rotor cover for my xs. i machine/weld for a living so have access to any type of equipment i want. my thought was a clear lexan with polished aluminum in a style like this with my own design. wanted to know what materials have...

Trying to save a few dollars making some fender bungs. Geez, it's harder than it seems to get the center of a smaller diameter rod. I don't have any fancy tools either. Just a small drill press. I watch a quick vid on youtube and the guy lost me when he started talking in thosandths of an inch...

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...

Hi everyone, I am new to the XS world and just recently picked up my first XS for free. It is a 500 though. I would like to convert the engine to a 650 and making plans to do that, but as far as frame, suspension and everything else...what are the differences? Is it the same platform as the 650...

anyone have suggestions where I can order a café gas tank and seat combination. I only see mikesxs.net and I really didn't care much for that option.

Okay, So I'm looking into a fairing for my XS. I know I can buy one (Little pricey) and I could fab some Newer bike plastics to fit up but that would kind of defeat the purpose and be pricey as well. I'm looking into making my own because, well, I like to build my own crap and not just buy it...

Okay, this is my very first post. I just bought a 1975 xs 650. But I foolishly bought rims prior to this. They are off a Harley street glide, but are used on others. They are the 28 spoke version. The rear is 6 3/4 inch wide by 17 tall. I know I can get a wider swing arm. I know I can get a...

So I decided to make a set solid handlebar bushings. Go ahead, be honest, how'd they turn out?