Vansnxtweek
XS650 Addict
Hey guys, been lurking around on the site for about the past 5 months and I feel that it is finally time to start a build thread.
I first got inspired to do a build on an XS when I found the combination of affordability, parts availability, and the cool factor!
I actually got very lucky on the bike that I got. My good friend found the bike about three hours from home and he went and picked it up....without telling me! What a surprise right? Upon introduction of the bike, I immediately found how good of condition the bike was in, cosmetically as well as mechanically. The bike fired up very easily and ran great. I began doing more intense research and finally after changing my mind about five times, I decided to begin the build by purchasing a TC bros hardtail. I was really stuck on the Ardcore Ardtail, but I just couldn't get past the look of the frame turning down in front of the seat area. For some reason it just bothered me and so I ended up going with the TC bros. Affordable, not too complicated, and above all else, lots of reference for the install on the internet!
And so the tear down began! We began by taking off un-needed parts piece by piece.
Finally once the hard tail was in, we figured out a way to get the bike up on the work table. Once there, we measured, re-measured, re-measured again, and then went for it.
Once completely off, we enjoyed the moment long enough until I couldn't help but see what the tail was going to look like.
Next up, we tacked the tail and then placed the rear wheel in place to begin working out the spacing needed with the 3/4" washers. (I'm not a big fan of this BTW, but whatever works for the time being).
After this, we put the bars on and started checking out ergo-nomics. I originally ordered FWD controls, but I soon found out this was definitely not what I was hoping for. Opposite from what I read, MikesXS was actually very friendly and understanding and helped me through the process of exchanging my order.
After deciding on seat (Biltwell Solo Diamond), we began mocking that up and decided on an angle and front to back placement of the seat. I love this seat! I had actually originally got the Full Diamond pattern seat from a different company and I was not impressed at all. The Biltwell seat was miles ahead of this other seat and it was the same price. Much more of what I hoped for.
Oh and a side note on the seat, in multiple places I saw that some people thing that this seat would look too big on the XS. Personally I think it looks great, it fits with the flow of this tail almost perfectly IMO.
This is where I am now, I am waiting on the arrival of Mid-controls as well as an 18" rear wheel that I bought. I also am trying to decide on a tank. I have been bouncing between a regular (non-frisco mount) Sporty tank, or the offset cap alien tank. Still not sure which I'll be going with but I'm leaning towards the Sporty tank.
Opinions, comments, and advice are welcome!
I first got inspired to do a build on an XS when I found the combination of affordability, parts availability, and the cool factor!
I actually got very lucky on the bike that I got. My good friend found the bike about three hours from home and he went and picked it up....without telling me! What a surprise right? Upon introduction of the bike, I immediately found how good of condition the bike was in, cosmetically as well as mechanically. The bike fired up very easily and ran great. I began doing more intense research and finally after changing my mind about five times, I decided to begin the build by purchasing a TC bros hardtail. I was really stuck on the Ardcore Ardtail, but I just couldn't get past the look of the frame turning down in front of the seat area. For some reason it just bothered me and so I ended up going with the TC bros. Affordable, not too complicated, and above all else, lots of reference for the install on the internet!
And so the tear down began! We began by taking off un-needed parts piece by piece.
Finally once the hard tail was in, we figured out a way to get the bike up on the work table. Once there, we measured, re-measured, re-measured again, and then went for it.
Once completely off, we enjoyed the moment long enough until I couldn't help but see what the tail was going to look like.
Next up, we tacked the tail and then placed the rear wheel in place to begin working out the spacing needed with the 3/4" washers. (I'm not a big fan of this BTW, but whatever works for the time being).
After this, we put the bars on and started checking out ergo-nomics. I originally ordered FWD controls, but I soon found out this was definitely not what I was hoping for. Opposite from what I read, MikesXS was actually very friendly and understanding and helped me through the process of exchanging my order.
After deciding on seat (Biltwell Solo Diamond), we began mocking that up and decided on an angle and front to back placement of the seat. I love this seat! I had actually originally got the Full Diamond pattern seat from a different company and I was not impressed at all. The Biltwell seat was miles ahead of this other seat and it was the same price. Much more of what I hoped for.
Oh and a side note on the seat, in multiple places I saw that some people thing that this seat would look too big on the XS. Personally I think it looks great, it fits with the flow of this tail almost perfectly IMO.
This is where I am now, I am waiting on the arrival of Mid-controls as well as an 18" rear wheel that I bought. I also am trying to decide on a tank. I have been bouncing between a regular (non-frisco mount) Sporty tank, or the offset cap alien tank. Still not sure which I'll be going with but I'm leaning towards the Sporty tank.
Opinions, comments, and advice are welcome!
