Looks cool!!
Thanks man. Sure could use some votes. Looks like most folks here like the restored originals (i do too). Love this forum and have gotten a lot of good advice here. Just wish my build was worthy of the calendar. Big thanks to trav and the folks running this forum.... without it I would have never been able to accomplish this build!Looks cool!!
I am truly honored to be nominated for this 2018 Calendar.
I did the same thing on my transplanted XS750 tank for a while. I left a tattered stripe of original paint over raw metal on there for at least a year before finally painting it.View attachment 108439 View attachment 108438 View attachment 108437
Thanks to Travis and the folks who keep this
Forum humming. The fun and engagement around the calendar is just another example of the great community you all have fostered over the years.
So I have a couple build threads somewhere on the site. But I suppose I’ll tell my story a bit. This started as a basket case 1982 I bought off a good kid in Brooklyn. Took about 18 months to complete the beast on weekends and after work, probably like everyone else.
I grafted a 2004 Suzuki RMZ 250 front end and brake onto the Yamaha head tube (when I was a kid I bought an RM 125 with my paper route money so sort of a nod to that). Had to lower the front suspension travel from 11.75 inches to 6 inches to maintain the stock geometry.
I scratched my head a lot about the wheels, but I found a rear wheel and hub, and swing arm from a 1973 TX750 on eBay and decided to go with Warp 9 Supermoto 17" front and rear wheels. This way I was able to replace the 1982 650 swing arm with the beefier 1973 Yamaha TX 750 swingarm. Then Callahans laced the larger TX750 rear hub to the Warp 9 wheel to maintain the drum brake look while providing greater braking power.
I found a nice Aermacchi 5 3/4" reproduction headlight from when Harley was owned by the Italian aviation conglomerate! And to be safe I fabricated a custom front turn signal tree.
Repurposed and fabricated the rear fender, used the original XS650 license plate light as rear brake light by fitting a new Lucas taillight to the original lisence plate bracket. I know, it sticks up too much, I’m going to shorten it - but like using as much of the original bike as possible.
I made up that electronics box with all new wiring harness. And farmed out the seat p an to CognitoMoto, and 2 tone leather seat from Ginger at New Church moto. I suck at upholstery (and tile work btw!).
New 17x32 drive train, Uni pod filters on rebuilt 32 carbs, Ducati Monster S4 handle bars (love ‘em), stock exhaust with beer can patch on cross tube connection - makes for a unique sound, and the original grungy pipes work for me.
Shinko Trailmaster 130/90s front and rear, Acewell 2701 Speedo/Tach, Speedmaster Voltmeter just in case, although the stock charging system is strong. Texture Black powder coated frame. Bare metal XS650 tank with a Stripe of the original original red paint left for some color.
Pretty sure that signifies the ones u voted for.When I look at the current vote totals a half dozen or so have astericks in front of the name. What does that signify?
I thought I voted for 12?Pretty sure that signifies the ones u voted for.
Hey thanks captain I appreciate it! Yea dive into it, make it up as you go that was half the fun for me at least.Jay R,
After putting my build on hold for two years because my head was spinning from deciding what direction to go, you have made me realize that my first thought was correct. Your bike is very close to what I had in mind from the get go. She's a beauty!!!