SEd27
XS650 Addict
Hello All,
I’ve been a long time lurker and thought that I should undertake proper introduction...
I bought this 1979 XS650-2F off my parent’s neighbour 10 years ago. The previous owner was going through a divorce at the time and let the bike go far $500.
It wasn’t much too look at back then, but it was complete, mostly stock, and the price was right. Additionally, there were just over 12,000 km showing on the clock.
I had wanted to have the bike up and running that first summer in 2006 to join my friend on motorcycle trip to Alaska. However, a few weeks after the purchase, I met my wife to be.
Life happened and with the ensuing months and years came a house purchase, marriage, and children. Priorities had changed, but I still managed to find time to work on the motorcycle and research the forums when I had a spare hour or two.
I wanted the build to have a 1970s factory vibe, so I focused heavily on the restomod route.
The tank was upgraded to a larger Mikes XS standard reproduction unit and clad in a custom pearl green powder coat with 1975 decals.
The chassis was powder coated gloss black. New tapered steering bearing were installed. The swing arm received bronze bushings and an upgraded pivot bolt.
Brakes are the stock Special II with a Mikes XS master cylinder. The front caliper was refurbished and has a stainless steel piston and custom brake line and drilled disc.
Electronic upgrades include an AGM battery, reproduction Mikes XS harness, an eBay 3 phase rectifier and the VR115 solid state regulator conversion.
Wheels are XS Performance aluminium rain catchers - 19" front and 18" rear. Tires are Dunlop 404.
The motor is stock with stainless fasteners throughout. Carbs are Mikuni VM34 roundslides with Uni filters from 650 Central. The clutch has the long push rod conversion, an upgraded needle bearing and heavy duty Barnett springs. Exhaust is a Mikes XS Commando system for Specials.
It was a long journey, but I finally finished this past week and was able start the bike for the first time.
Future plans include an electronic ignition, Mikes XS oil cooler and better rear shocks.
Many thanks go out to the members of this site for their passion for these machines. Without their collective knowledge, I could not have seen this project to completion.
I’ve been a long time lurker and thought that I should undertake proper introduction...
I bought this 1979 XS650-2F off my parent’s neighbour 10 years ago. The previous owner was going through a divorce at the time and let the bike go far $500.
It wasn’t much too look at back then, but it was complete, mostly stock, and the price was right. Additionally, there were just over 12,000 km showing on the clock.
I had wanted to have the bike up and running that first summer in 2006 to join my friend on motorcycle trip to Alaska. However, a few weeks after the purchase, I met my wife to be.
Life happened and with the ensuing months and years came a house purchase, marriage, and children. Priorities had changed, but I still managed to find time to work on the motorcycle and research the forums when I had a spare hour or two.
I wanted the build to have a 1970s factory vibe, so I focused heavily on the restomod route.
The tank was upgraded to a larger Mikes XS standard reproduction unit and clad in a custom pearl green powder coat with 1975 decals.
The chassis was powder coated gloss black. New tapered steering bearing were installed. The swing arm received bronze bushings and an upgraded pivot bolt.
Brakes are the stock Special II with a Mikes XS master cylinder. The front caliper was refurbished and has a stainless steel piston and custom brake line and drilled disc.
Electronic upgrades include an AGM battery, reproduction Mikes XS harness, an eBay 3 phase rectifier and the VR115 solid state regulator conversion.
Wheels are XS Performance aluminium rain catchers - 19" front and 18" rear. Tires are Dunlop 404.
The motor is stock with stainless fasteners throughout. Carbs are Mikuni VM34 roundslides with Uni filters from 650 Central. The clutch has the long push rod conversion, an upgraded needle bearing and heavy duty Barnett springs. Exhaust is a Mikes XS Commando system for Specials.
It was a long journey, but I finally finished this past week and was able start the bike for the first time.
Future plans include an electronic ignition, Mikes XS oil cooler and better rear shocks.
Many thanks go out to the members of this site for their passion for these machines. Without their collective knowledge, I could not have seen this project to completion.