82 XS650 Cafe Racer Build

NerdyNerd

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Hey all! I figured I'd start a thread on my Café Build since I've been posting questions constantly on here.
If anyone wants to see the build journey here it is. I am trying to find a picture of the bike when I got it years ago.

It's a 1982 Yamaha XS650 Heritage Special.
I bought it from my Father in law for $500 a few years back with 13000 miles as my first bike.
I moved after buying my first house and unfortunately the bike was a bit neglected under a tarp in the backyard for a couple of years so while I was building the shop out back I figured it would be my first project in there.
I tore the top end down and replaced seals, piston rings, cam chain, and tensioners, and honed the bores.
I replaced all 4 valves and had the valve seats machined at a local shop.
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I have a lot of electrical work to do and I need to figure out how to get a big dent out of the tank.
 

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Hey all! I figured I'd start a thread on my Café Build since I've been posting questions constantly on here.
If anyone wants to see the build journey here it is. I am trying to find a picture of the bike when I got it years ago.

It's a 1982 Yamaha XS650 Heritage Special.
I bought it from my Father in law for $500 a few years back with 13000 miles as my first bike.
I moved after buying my first house and unfortunately the bike was a bit neglected under a tarp in the backyard for a couple of years so while I was building the shop out back I figured it would be my first project in there.
I tore the top end down and replaced seals, piston rings, cam chain, and tensioners, and honed the bores.
I replaced all 4 valves and had the valve seats machined at a local shop.
View attachment 236183View attachment 236184View attachment 236186

I have a lot of electrical work to do and I need to figure out how to get a big dent out of the tank.
That permatex worries me. I hope it didn't migrate in oil passages.
 
Update. The tire tube in the tank didn't work. It nearly blew my eardrums and gave me my grandpas nam flashbacks. I went and bought a dent pusher, hit the tank with some heat and popped it out... Pure luck.
I then Proceeded to cut the old rear fender in half and fabbed it up to the rear, I think it looks great. There are some before and after photos of me adding the original side covers. I need some opinions on what you all think of the look with the sides off or on. If off I will be figuring out a new battery box but with the covers I'll just leave the original.
 

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I don't care for the look of all the electrics hanging out in the breeze with the sides off. OTOH, the OEM side covers don't really suit the look you appear to be going for either.

I have seen several bikes with hand-built side covers that hug the bike as closely as possible while still clearing the components underneath. There are examples of this posted in various build threads. This is seems like the best compromise and gives you the opportunity to add another personal touch to the bike. You may also want to relocate some of the bulkier components to help slim the side covers.

I like the bobbed rear fender!
 
I don't care for the look of all the electrics hanging out in the breeze with the sides off. OTOH, the OEM side covers don't really suit the look you appear to be going for either.

I have seen several bikes with hand-built side covers that hug the bike as closely as possible while still clearing the components underneath. There are examples of this posted in various build threads. This is seems like the best compromise and gives you the opportunity to add another personal touch to the bike. You may also want to relocate some of the bulkier components to help slim the side covers.

I like the bobbed rear fender!
I'm with you. Get some aluminum, drill a few 1/2" holes or punch a couple of louvers, brush it or paint it and call it done. Looks waaaay racier.
 
I don't care for the look of all the electrics hanging out in the breeze with the sides off. OTOH, the OEM side covers don't really suit the look you appear to be going for either.

I have seen several bikes with hand-built side covers that hug the bike as closely as possible while still clearing the components underneath. There are examples of this posted in various build threads. This is seems like the best compromise and gives you the opportunity to add another personal touch to the bike. You may also want to relocate some of the bulkier components to help slim the side covers.

I like the bobbed rear fender!
I do agree with you. If I were to go no covers the electronics would be relocated. But I think I have an idea that I'll put together and post some pics. Thank you for your input!.
The rear fender turned out way better than I expected!
 
I don't care for the Special side covers when you fit a nonSpecial seat. I acquired standard covers from '77 or '78, not real sure the year, and mounted them on my "81 special. You can see the look and some details here. This is from "It's time to start winter project" thread. I do like your fender treatment for your style bike.
1677339997047.png
 
I don't care for the look of all the electrics hanging out in the breeze with the sides off. OTOH, the OEM side covers don't really suit the look you appear to be going for either.
:agree: What DE said. Plenty of (other) ways to skin a cat. Number plates being the cheapest and easiest option.
 
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