How it started…and how it went. My ride to work was pretty pleasant, if a little warm. My ride home, I bailed early and tried to beat the severe thunderstorm and dime-sized hale we were warned of. I sped right into the weather.

This is my bike as it sits. Minor adjustments to come but for the near future I’m just going to ride.
 

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How it started…and how it went. My ride to work was pretty pleasant, if a little warm. My ride home, I bailed early and tried to beat the severe thunderstorm and dime-sized hale we were warned of. I sped right into the weather.

This is my bike as it sits. Minor adjustments to come but for the near future I’m just going to ride.
Very nice!
 
Nearly finished the bike for now, just need to wire up the lights and wait for my broken hand to heal... Spent longer than I thought on the mini switches yesterday but happy with how it turned out!

It was cutting out while riding - went through ignition, charging, fuel and then took the wiring harness apart to find the grounds all just twisted together... So I've rewired everything with a new battery box and kick only, so if it dies now I'll be in trouble! Compression is a bit low 115/125 but it isn't losing oil and starts first kick. There was increase in compression with extra oil in the cylinders so I'll lap the valves when I have more time later in the year.
 

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Work in progress…
Before & After shots I had saved after completing the single seat fab.

New battlax, fork brace to steady the front end after I removed the 2nd brake disc rotor set up -fully serviced caliper, Hel braided line with Ducati monster brembo master cylinder -very satisfied with this brake upgrade.
LSL lower (a little wider than stock) bars.

I must get round to dropping the forks through the trees by around 10mm to bring the bike level with my lower seat position, however new rear shocks may dictate this decision depending on what I go for.
 

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View attachment 334835

Not mine, but my close friend's European B model. I'm not sure about the color (Spanish Burgundy), but there are a few differences to the American version. Less visible, it also had the first "European" Tait frame with an additional connecting tube under the front engine mount :bike:
What a beautiful bike!
 
View attachment 334835

Not mine, but my close friend's European B model. I'm not sure about the color (Spanish Burgundy), but there are a few differences to the American version. Less visible, it also had the first "European" Tait frame with an additional connecting tube under the front engine mount :bike:
I LOVE that colour !
 
Is that tail light correct? It looks like it came from a dirt bike.
Yes, the taillight is correct, at least for Switzerland, Italy, Austria and Germany. We nicknamed it “Cloverleaf” and it was standard on the XS650 from 1970 to 1978. To my knowledge the other European countries had the round one and GB again had its own shape. Not original for Germany is the short rear fender, which had to be long at the time due to silly regulations :cautious: Headlight and holders are here from a SE, which i think suits her very well.
 
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