81 XS650 Cafe "low rider" in Denver Co

[mikbeanz]

Howdy,

New to this sight and new to the xs650. I'm excited to see to many people who are passionate about this motorcycle, and you guys have already helped me and my project a few times since I've been cruising around the forum.

If anyone is from Denver, let me know if there are any meet-ups or group rides.

enough with the formalities...here's my bike.

Previous owner dropped the front and back 3'' so it sits reeeeaally low. Aside from new oil, oil filter, sump filter, spark plugs, speedo, manual petcock, Uni pod filter, and new rubber carb holders I haven't done much to the bike. But I have big plans for it! first thing would be a new charging/ignition system

Thanks for all knowledge everyone, and im sure ill be asking questions soon.

Here's a pic of my last 2 bikes just for yucks

 

[jtrip72]

I like it! Seat doesn't look too comfy but comfort aint everything.

 

[vsop-dk]

Sweet looking bike you got there. Are the rear and front wheels 18" and 19" or is it 16" and 19" can't see, but guess it's rear 16" as lowering 3" is a lot with 18" on the back.

Nice ride all in black..

 

[rusty rocket]

Looks kool! How doees it do with the limited front fork travel?

 

[mikbeanz]

There's not much fork travel, so it feels pretty rigid. Any bump or small pothole in the road really takes a toll on the bike...or at least it feels like it. Is having it this low ok for the bike? Also the kickstand drags if I lean too far too far on that side. I just purchased the kickstand from TC Bros weld on kickstand to see if it would work better. Has anyone tried it yet?

 

[mikbeanz]

Here's a better picture so you guys can see its height. I've just never seen an xs650 this low...kinda worries me a bit sometimes.

 

[wannabridin]

dang that sits low... I would reckon it's too low. Your suspension should be allowed to cycle and work properly, otherwise it's dangerous. A rigid rear is dangerous enough, but usually totally manageable. A rigid front?? That's just asking for trouble! I would take the forks apart, throw some longer lowering parts in, correct length springs and make sure they're properly located in the triples. Maybe look into the Minton mods.

How long are the rear shocks? Maybe some taller tires too to help with ground clearance and lean angles?? I'd research all this before installing a new kickstand. Otherwise it's a good looking bike.

 

[mikbeanz]

The rear shocks came off of a rebel 250 is what I'm told. Looks like I'll be looking into raising the bike back up an inch or two.The low ride height does feel good though..too bad the suspension doesn't agree with it ...maybe I'll just raise the front a tad.

 

[rusty rocket]

I,m in to hotrods as well and all of my cars are low. I love the look of a low car or bike, but with my cars you might scrape the pavement but with your bike I think its going to be your body scraping the pavement. I really dig the look but I think I would raise it a bit. Just my two cents.

 

[mikbeanz]

Update









Got some work done! New seat made, new exhaust, pma/Pamco.

And my dog.

 

[bkaushansky]

Glad to see someone else has taken on the low rider cafe look.

Off to powder next week. Then tank/fender paint.

 

[Scallywag303]

Seat looks great man! Also over the fact that you chain your bike to a boulder haha

 

[kevski]

Not a fan of the bike, not to my taste but I love your dog good old English Bull Terrier, I have had two of and both were clowns.