This was probably one of the most involved mods I did, lots of parts: Engine brackets, spin on filter mount, filter cover, cooler bracket, drilling and tapping the side cover, filter barb, side cover barb, shrinking barbs into the cover and filter mount. Quite a long job..

The most difficult mod, however, was the single points cam: Figuring out the best way of doing it, getting the keyway right in respect of the ramps, getting the ramps right in respect of each other, shave a bit off - check, shave some more off - check. Check the dwell - shave a bit of - check, shave more off check, blah, blah, blah.

Then, of course I had to change the coils to one twin output, a CB750 coil did the job. Initially, I made an ally bracket to mount the coil on the stock frame bracketry. I've since removed the original bracketry from the frame and welded on a couple of new brackets.

Happily, the cam came out spot on and the engine ran beautifully. But, these are the sort of jobs I enjoy, the problem then is when finished, finding something else to modify.
 

Attachments

  • points plate assempled.jpg
    points plate assempled.jpg
    433.2 KB · Views: 72
  • 2points.jpg
    2points.jpg
    315.2 KB · Views: 72
  • points plate fitted.jpg
    points plate fitted.jpg
    293.9 KB · Views: 77
  • timed right.jpg
    timed right.jpg
    167.8 KB · Views: 78
  • timed left.jpg
    timed left.jpg
    188.8 KB · Views: 76
  • polished points cam2.jpg
    polished points cam2.jpg
    212.5 KB · Views: 71
  • single points cam.jpg
    single points cam.jpg
    146.9 KB · Views: 68
  • points plate disassembled.jpg
    points plate disassembled.jpg
    489.2 KB · Views: 68
Last edited:
Funny you mention height of the handlebar. I believe this tall bar with a large turn in was stock for the special II? Anyway I really disliked the height and bend so I installed a stock repro regular handlebar. Here it is now and it’s much nice to ride and more comfortable to turn.
 

Attachments

  • E0C1B078-641D-46E6-83FE-2CC6B284178B.jpeg
    E0C1B078-641D-46E6-83FE-2CC6B284178B.jpeg
    198.7 KB · Views: 80
  • F6C6D212-CA99-4362-AE68-E1C3377BC398.jpeg
    F6C6D212-CA99-4362-AE68-E1C3377BC398.jpeg
    487.6 KB · Views: 76
Here is my 1981 XS650 Special British Roadster build: Jade.

About 75% done with the initial build/mockup.

Front end is done and rebuilt with goodies from Hugh's Handbuilt, Motolanna, XS650direct, and Dimecitycycles.

Front hub laced to the rear rim off a Suzuki GR650, because I like the straight-line feel of my neighbor's Indian Scout so 16s front and back.
Rotors are resurfaced from an '82 XJ750,
Currently mocking up how to radius and cut the stock fender.

Going for a custom Bonneville vibe if you can't tell.

Seat is an old SR500 unit reupholstered with new foam and cover.

Stock headers. Adding stock Sportster mufflers, and if I don't like the tone from that, I will try making my own.

Tank is from 4into1
Bars are Euro-tracker bars for a beach bar vibe. Will make a full thread once she is complete.
 

Attachments

  • 20220903_100022.jpg
    20220903_100022.jpg
    200.4 KB · Views: 104
  • 20220828_220259.jpg
    20220828_220259.jpg
    442.2 KB · Views: 105
  • 20220825_185635.jpg
    20220825_185635.jpg
    329.6 KB · Views: 103
And I speak from experience when I say the tanks from 4into1 are quite rubbish.

Let it sit filled with evaporust for a few days.

They are notorious for shipping new tanks full of rust.
 
And I speak from experience when I say the tanks from 4into1 are quite rubbish.

Let it sit filled with evaporust for a few days.

They are notorious for shipping new tanks full of rust.
👍🏾 I seal all my tanks new and old with Por-15. Hasn't let me down yet.

On the outside of the tank is a clear enamel to prevent rust until I reach the paint/powder coat stage of the build.

Never tried Evaporust, but Metal Rescue or white vinegar have worked wonders for me in the past. ✌🏾
 
Love em both!
You went all out on the blue one! Looks like a different swingarm, bullet triple clamps on USD forks.
Heck even the headlight mount looks expensive
 
Back
Top