Why cut anything off? Especially if you ask what to cut off
A lot of times people use these for their first build because they're still relatively cheap, and a lot of times the result ends up leaning against the shed, in the weeds. With an old rug partially covering them if they're lucky. It peaked when those make a motorcycle "reality" TV shows were popular. The cool thing now is stock.
Where do i start?
Thanks for you helpfulness "qwerty" ??
If you read my post you would have your answers to your first two questions .
As for the rest of your post which is just a statement of your opinions, it is of no help, trouble is opinions are like arseholes everyone has one ill leave yours well alone.
If you read my build post you would see that I have a long history of finished projects of much more complexity including 3 muscle cars and over a dozen VW busses mostly to concourse standard start to finish all trades by me. I wanted something not to taxing to occupy this winter between ski trips and when the surf is flat because I do have a life other than Internet forums and bikes.
This build is around a basket case, the frame motor and all components have been separately sourced the frame was found in a mates scrap pile that I have saved from the rust gods for the price of a 6 pack.
As for popularity I care less about that than you appear to, I am building this for my own satisfaction not yours or for others approval.
I haven't seen the shows you mentioned in Australia any recommendations? At least that would be something for you to offer or share rather than your smelly opinions.
As for cool see again re opinions. Keep it up and ill have a word with our PM and see if i can convince him to pull Australia out of our stupid ANSUS treaty with you Yanks !
Perhaps I am on the wrong site? But i read the site description it is for all who ride restore or customize! As it says just doing my best to "ENJOY THE SITE !"
"S650.com is dedicated to the Yamaha 650 twin motorcycles (XS-1, XS-2, TX650, and XS650) and to their owners who love to ride, restore, and customize them. All XS650 enthusiasts are welcome regardless of where you are from or whether you are into XS650 choppers, bobbers, cafe racers, trackers, or restorations. Enjoy the site!"
Cheers Mitch