'79 xs650 Modern Cafe Build

[catskillmtncustoms]

Hey everyone,
Sorry for the recent lack of updates. If you have followed my builds, you can probably tell that I am more of a fabricator/welder than mechanic. I love working with metal, and constantly work on developing my skills. I enjoy creating all sorts of things.
So, I have been working recently to get a part-time welding and fabrication business up and running. I've been doing a lot of different jobs recently, and trying to show that I do much more than just motorcycles.
I've also been investing in some much-needed shop tools including a new Hypertherm plasma cutter and 48" finger brake.
I'll have some updates on the xs650 soon. In the meantime check out my website and contact me with any of your metal needs!

www.CatskillMtnCustoms.com

 

[ClarkSN95]

That's sick! Grab that America dream! And you're not too far from me either

 

[wannabridin]

nice little shop you have there. i wish I had the skills/space/time to do stuff like this!!

 

[catskillmtncustoms]

That's sick! Grab that America dream! And you're not too far from me either

nice little shop you have there. i wish I had the skills/space/time to do stuff like this!!

Thanks guys. I have been working towards getting this going for a while now. Fingers crossed haha

 

[Brassneck]

Nice shop, and good luck with your venture! Wish you the best.

If only you were closer, I have a few projects that I think could be better done with some metal fabrication/welding skills...of which, I have none.

 

[catskillmtncustoms]

Nice shop, and good luck with your venture! Wish you the best.

If only you were closer, I have a few projects that I think could be better done with some metal fabrication/welding skills...of which, I have none.

Thanks man, I appreciate it.

If there is anything I can help you with let me know. I plan on offering services through the mail as well. If it is something that you can send me dimension for, and I can make it and send it out I'm willing.

 

[catskillmtncustoms]

Rear master mounted up.

 

[doctavee]

really sweet build and write up! just a side not though, if your running a kick only, you may want to run flip up pegs for when you kick her over.

 

[catskillmtncustoms]

really sweet build and write up! just a side not though, if your running a kick only, you may want to run flip up pegs for when you kick her over.

Thanks man!

I am not sure if I'm going to run kick only yet, but the peg doesn't interfere with kicking it over. It looks like it would be in the way, but surprisingly it doesn't.

 

[catskillmtncustoms]

Hey guys, I'm back at it. Now that my little business is up and running I've been able to start carving out some time for the xs project again.

I decided to run a front Tokico caliper from a gsxr on my rear wheel. It's a common caliper upgrade among harley guys, and fits the sportster rotor well. I just needed to make up a mounting bracket.

I wanted the fitment to be perfect so I made some transfer screws on the lathe to locate the holes. I also made a 3/4" one for the axle location.

Rough cut the bracket, and made sure the holes aligned perfectly.

After some cleaning up.

Then I made a tab on the swingarm and bolted everything up.

I filled the system with fluid, and now I'll apply the brake and allow the caliper to center itself on the rotor. Then I'll make the appropriate axle spacers.

 

[WOLFHAWK]

Looks like our run in and chat Saturday prompted some motivation lol
Good to see you Nick

 

[catskillmtncustoms]

Looks like our run in and chat Saturday prompted some motivation lol
Good to see you Nick

Haha I think that was it!

You too man, it's been too long.

 

[nicmcs]

Good to see you back at it, loving the build.

 

[catskillmtncustoms]

Good to see you back at it, loving the build.

Thanks man!

 

[catskillmtncustoms]

I started working on the front brakes. After some research fzr 1000 rotors seem to be the best for the application. However, it will still take some work. I'll have to first space the calipers out about a 1/4" or so because the rotors are just a little larger in diameter than the gsxr. Then I'll make some hub to rotor spacers to match the distance between to calipers. All pretty simple, just time consuming as always.

 

[Brassneck]

Those rotors look perfect...it's coming along!

 

[catskillmtncustoms]

Those rotors look perfect...it's coming along!

Thank you.

I chose them because the bolt pattern matches, and they are zero offset so it will be easy to make all the necessary spacers.

 

[catskillmtncustoms]

I know I'm a nerd, because I was super excited to get these nice chunks of 6061. I'll be turning down one of these to make my front disc spacers.

I also have a cool idea for some aluminum side panels to protect my carbs from wheel spray.

 

[catskillmtncustoms]

Just a quic shot of the rear end while I have it off.

 

[catskillmtncustoms]

I decided to ditch the under seat battery box, I just wasn't happy with it. I decided to relocate the battery down under the swingarm pivot. I think it's a better use of space.