Just saying hello

[AWFaneuf]

My name is Adam I'm new here, just bought my first Yamaha it's a clean 1979 xs650 Special with 14,000 original miles. I was born in 79 so I really wanted a bike the same age as myself. I have big plans on building it into something similar to those built by Gravel Crew in Japan. Hope you are all well.

 

[AWFaneuf]

My name is Adam I'm new here, just bought my first Yamaha it's a clean 1979 xs650 Special with 14,000 original miles. I was born in 79 so I really wanted a bike the same age as myself. I have big plans on building it into something similar to those built by Gravel Crew in Japan. Hope you are all well.

Correction it's my first xs650 I had an 85 maxim 650. It was a very reliable bike

 

[nj1639]

Post some pics, we love pics.
Welcome aboard!

 

[Mikey]

Welcome to the show
Now if I had the same wish as yours it would be a 56 Yamaha and it might be a little harder to come by

 

[Raymond]

Hi @AWFaneuf welcome to the madhouse. You mean something like this? Cheers, Raymond

 

[AWFaneuf]

That is exactly what I mean literally, I am using that bike as my inspiration.

 

[motormike]

Welcome.. ! Photos.. ! ! we like photos...I could get a 1951 Yamaha... But I don't play the piano..

 

[Wingedwheel]

Getting that look requires cutting the frame and adding a brat tail. If you have a beautiful stock bike think long and hard. There’s plenty of candidates for cutting up out there without messing with something that’s getting harder to find.just my

 

[AWFaneuf]

I agree Raymond, I've been looking and found some more worthy candidates think I'm gonna keep this one relatively in as close to stock while still giving it a little bit of personality. I may lower it,change the gauges, handlebars and seat, nothing that couldn't be returned to original. Once I get going I'll post some before during and after pics

 

[AWFaneuf]

Getting that look requires cutting the frame and adding a brat tail. If you have a beautiful stock bike think long and hard. There’s plenty of candidates for cutting up out there without messing with something that’s getting harder to find.just my

Am I confused or is a brat tail similar to a hard tail, does it eliminate your rear shocks?
I was thinking of just sweeping the frame down and then back up slightly just beneath the seat keeping the suspension essentially.

 

[AWFaneuf]

This is what I'm starting with hopefully I will be able to make some changes soon, I'd post the bike I'm just finishing but it's Cb500t so not the right forum...more photos to come hopefully.

 

[Wingedwheel]

A brat tail normally allows you to keep the rear suspension, it just changes the angle and lowers the stance. I can tell you from experience that if you are tall you will feel cramped.

 

[AWFaneuf]

A brat tail normally allows you to keep the rear suspension, it just changes the angle and lowers the stance. I can tell you from experience that if you are tall you will feel cramped.

I'm 5'9" so definitely not tall, I'm looking keep it close to original while giving it a bit of personality, I really like the Gravel Crew's xs650 builds, that's kind of what I'm leaning towards, I'm also really considering lowering the bike, it would be completely for looks, because I'm fine with the stock height.

 

[nj1639]

Nice looking bike!
Plenty of personality right there in its stock form with the lowered handle bars. Get her running right before you start making changes, you might change your mind.

 

[AWFaneuf]

Nice looking bike!
Plenty of personality right there in its stock form with the lowered handle bars. Get her running right before you start making changes, you might change your mind.

Thank you, my top priority is definitely to get it running perfectly mechanically before I do anything, this however not being my first older motorcycle, makes me well aware that this is a never ending endeavor. I had a 85 maxim 650 which was my everyday rider, literally everyday, all I ever had to do was change the oil I literally put like 40,000 miles on that bike and never had to fix anything. Yamaha definitely makes quality motorcycles, that's why I got another. Also I don't want to do anything to the bike that can't be reversed aside from altering the seat position.
If I decide to go that route I think I will go with some custom fabrication as opposed to a brat tail.