78' Yamaha xs650e Brat Style Virgin Build
I like the look, history, and bulletproof engine of the Yamaha XS650e, so awhile back I decided to build a chop in the Japanese Brat Style. To that end I scoped out craigslist for a suitable bike. After a week of looking I ended up finding a 78' xs650sh in good condition, running w/25k on the odometer.
I decided on the brat style because I like the idea of retaining as much of the original bike as possible. Plus the lines of the bike are nice. Its a different look than the hardtail's that I also dig, but don't want to build. The Japanese Brat Style gets the nod.
This is my first build. A virgin build. I have some clear goals.
I have many questions as this is my 1st build and hope you great folks can help with the build. I invite anyone and everyone with experience to join in and provide feedback and comments about my project.
I've had many bikes in the past (Sportsters, Victories, Dirt Bikes, Street Bike), but none have given me the emotional kick in the gut like the Yamaha XS650E does. It's an iconic bike and I think this is going to be a ki*k a*s build.
1978 Yamaha XS650E Pics
I will be updating this thread as much as possible. Asking questions, and posting what I find.
Here is my inspiration (to a large degree)
I like the look, history, and bulletproof engine of the Yamaha XS650e, so awhile back I decided to build a chop in the Japanese Brat Style. To that end I scoped out craigslist for a suitable bike. After a week of looking I ended up finding a 78' xs650sh in good condition, running w/25k on the odometer.
I decided on the brat style because I like the idea of retaining as much of the original bike as possible. Plus the lines of the bike are nice. Its a different look than the hardtail's that I also dig, but don't want to build. The Japanese Brat Style gets the nod.
This is my first build. A virgin build. I have some clear goals.
- It must be able to ride two-up w/my lady! Happy wife, happy life!
- It must have bent seat rails (to achieve desired look)
- Install 10.5" Rear Shocks
- Chop Front Forks 2"
- Sportster Type Gas Tank
- Remove all unnecessary tabs and mounts
- It must pass a California DMV Inspection (its an out of state bike-WA)
- Convert to solid state ignition/magneto/update electrical system
- Reuse as many original parts as possible
- Minimize bolt on's
- Do 90% of the work myself
- It must 100% mechanically sound and reliable
I have many questions as this is my 1st build and hope you great folks can help with the build. I invite anyone and everyone with experience to join in and provide feedback and comments about my project.
I've had many bikes in the past (Sportsters, Victories, Dirt Bikes, Street Bike), but none have given me the emotional kick in the gut like the Yamaha XS650E does. It's an iconic bike and I think this is going to be a ki*k a*s build.
1978 Yamaha XS650E Pics
I will be updating this thread as much as possible. Asking questions, and posting what I find.
Here is my inspiration (to a large degree)
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