ttrousdell's 81' 650 Build

[ttrousdell]

Hi everyone. Im Tom, 25 from NY. I got into XS650s last April however I have been working on cars and big diesels for many years now.

Ive always liked old bikes and after learning to ride on my buddies dirt bike one weekend, I had to have one. I found this 81' for 2,400 in Brooklyn and its progressed from there.
The day I brought it home.

For a year I did very little to the bike. The following spring I went to take the bike out and it began to run like crap. Dying at idle, hard starting, high exhaust temps. It was running lean so time to rebuild the carbs. After that though it made me want to continue working on the bike. New parts were ordered.

Began to tear into it.

Eventually this was the end result. Shiny new exhaust, New breaks, shocks, I was pleased with the look and how it rode for the most part.



Unfortunately I don't stay satisfied for long and before i knew it i was ripping it apart again. However this time was going to be more involved.

Useless brackets were cut off and the bike was stripped to frame.

Frame Being cleaned up

Welding on frame

Test fitting new battery box and wheels 4.00x18 and 4.50x18

Engine was removed and cleaned.

 

[ttrousdell]

Time to put the new wheels together

Took a lot of time to lace and true them.



long day of work. Engine ready to go back in.

Coming together nicely

 

[ttrousdell]

Most recent

Today

Thanks for looking.

 

[Ducs]

Welcome to the forum. Bike looking very good.
What's going on with that E30 in the background ?

 

[ttrousdell]

Thanks. That's one of mine that I was swapping an M5 engine into. I also have an 88' M3.

 

[fredintoon]

Hi Tom,
nice bike. Very minimalist, not a thing on it that it don't need.

 

[Ducs]

Thanks. That's one of mine that I was swapping an M5 engine into. I also have an 88' M3.

Very Nice !!! E30 body lines seem timeless to me, I always liked them, but never got around to get one. Keep up the good work !!

 

[ttrousdell]

Hi Tom,
nice bike. Very minimalist, not a thing on it that it don't need.

thanks. that was the look i was going for when i started stripping her down.

Very Nice !!! E30 body lines seem timeless to me, I always liked them, but never got around to get one. Keep up the good work !!

Ive owned too many e30s. Its what got me into this hobby of engines cars and motorcycles.

Went back to the stock headlight. I really found no easier way to hide the harness plus I like the big headlight look. Put the fender back on. Trying to make the seem older. Cold day for riding here in NY.

 

[lakeview]

That is a big diesel!

Your good looking XS is calendar material.

 

[mseriously]

Nice looking bike. I'm currently in the process of going to 18's on front and rear. Where did you get your rims/spokes? Just curious. Also, running that front fender, have any rubbing problems? I plan on doing the same on my '75.

Again, bike looks tops.

 

[ttrousdell]

That is a big diesel!

Your good looking XS is calendar material.

Thanks for that. Id be honored to see it in a calendar someday. That diesel was 12000 horse. Last one i worked on was 62000 horse. They are pretty awesome especially when running.

Nice looking bike. I'm currently in the process of going to 18's on front and rear. Where did you get your rims/spokes? Just curious. Also, running that front fender, have any rubbing problems? I plan on doing the same on my '75.

Again, bike looks tops.

Thanks. I'm pleased with the size of the 18s. My whole wheel setup was purchased from mikesxs.com. Tires were purchased at JP Cycles. Although its super close (1/2") ive had no rubbing. I look forward to seeing how yours comes out.