The (almost) holy grail of quick dirty and cheap choppers...

[burndup]

Almost cause I gotta hit ebay and look for spoke rims...

This is the XS 650, this ones very late in the productio run, ('81) but they made them for nearly a decade, this late one has the sorta fugly mags with the electronic ignition, earlier is points....

Inspired by the triumph, which, though I love them, has gone the way of the harley as far as mad crazy desireablity...

"Punk is long dead, and indie is just the new sellout pop..."

[burndup]

It almost looks like a triumph motor... sortakina...

[burndup]

Hands down coolest thing about it? see the kicker...

[burndup]

BANZAIIIII!! chopp-chopp... bobb-bobb... arigatoo gozaimas...

[DrJ]

That's one of my favorite bikes. I too like the '78? one's with the laced wheels but it's still got the right engine looks.

[burndup]

an example of not-so-cheap and dirty... heck, its not even a hardtail... I dont think I want mine to be so purty....

[Boyd Who]

Great looking bike for a project! I love the Brit bikes, but they're getting too damn expensive for me. The 650 Yamaha twins are just as nice.
I bought a beat-up '79 650 Special last year that I may or may not turn into a chopper. Not nearly as nice a start as yours, but it runs great.
http://www.nucleus.com/~agingles/alsbike1.jpg

[Wicked Death Chop]

hey, how do those yamahas sound? with straight pipes, do they rap pretty good?

i have a mid seventies honda cb 750 chopper that i actually think LOOKS really good, but the thing just SOUNDS like shit!

thanks
jeff

[Mr 42]

Here is mine, i bought it last year. And i have a Triumph tank, that i will graft on it. Take care of the oilchanges and it will last forever.

[Mr 42]

Checkout the registration number 41 Meaning of life according of Hitchiker guide to the alaxy ;-)

Did not see it until i got it home, it must mean that this is a keeper. I have a Honda CB 750 also with 42 in the registration number, saws that after the fact to. its spooky ;-)

[Jimv]

My son & I are building a Hardtail 650 Yam. right now.It was a savior frame that we converter to a hardtail(springs where shot), It has a springer front end & HD front wheel.
He was all hot on getting it done, then last week I helped a guy who dumped a big honda in front of us & got his foot ripped off from about mid shin, after that my sonn said" I thing when i get the bike done i'll sell iot & by a rod" !! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
They are a great bike & plentiful, he picked up his fro a duece!
Jim

[burndup]

Damn, howd he get his foot torn off? Was he wearing boots?

I've been keeping an eye out for one of these for a while, and this is the first "cheap" one I found... seem to be a bit scarce around here...

[John B]

You guys need to quit talking about how great these bikes are. You're driving up the prices of XS650s for those of us who are still looking. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[Fat Hack]

Wicked Death Chop...one of the major drawbacks to the 750 Honda is that they ALL sound like shit!

I worked at a Honda dealer back in the 80s and heard about every type of stock and aftermarket pipe you can imagine on those things...and they ALL sounded ugly!

A co-worker had a 650 Suzuki that had a nasty snarl to it, even though the thing was a DOG...I walked him every time with my tricked out 350 Honda Death Chopper!

Wait till you hear my NEXT bike, though...a 'wing-dinger' (two stroke!).

I'll call it the "Chainsaw Chopper"!!! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[burndup]

Can't tell ya how it sounds...Actually I've never heard this one (or any) run, personal taboo for buying any motorized apparatus... but its in clean shape for its age, spark plugs look good, good compression, oils smells good, blahblah blah, so I'm not worried, they're bulletproof. I've heard a story of a guy removing a pile of cars from a junkyard and finding an XS underneath, and riding it around later in the day... Anyway, I didnt receive the set of keys, once its titled I'll take it to a dealer, pay thru the A$$ and get a code key cut or something... that way when I sell that gastank on ebay I can recover a sizeable chunk of my initial investment... key included with integral locking cap...

No shit on the hondas sounding lame! My 900 sounds barely cooler than my ol 250 did... I'm gonna lose the 4into4 and and get a 4into 1 for that one...

[hatch]

Dump the original pipes...they are double wall and very small inside diameter....I have a two into one on my daily driver and its WAY too obnoxious....I love it!! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[a/fxcomet]

I paid a local locksmith around $20 (I think) to make a set of keys for my '76 Yamaha XS500. They just needed the numbers off of the ignition (the numbers should be located right next to where you put the key in the slot).

I have a set of XS650 wire wheels laying around. I was going to try and make them fit my 500, but that was a no go. I did find some 500 wire wheels. I had to get the swingarm off of the same bike I got the wire wheels from, beacuse the wire wheels use a larger axle. Not sure if the 650 is the same?

[hatch]

Check the pic above your post....NEEDED...WIRE WHEELS!!!!....I'm interested if you want to sell them.


OOPs...didn't realize burndup was looking for wheels...sorry

[ELpolacko]

You guys operate on a one track mind, chops and nothing else.

Those bike have so much potential for other stuff besides chopper fodder. You want some examples?

Try this, they make killer street trackers:

http://omarsdtr.com/bedwards.jpg

Omar's Street tracker (http://omarsdtr.com/streetIII.html)

Google search for "street tracker" (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=street+tracker)

Or you could do this to it, Cafe'/ Clubman racer style:

http://www.batorinternational.com/119_small.jpg

Google search for "clubman racer" (http://www.google.com/search?q=clubman+racer&btnG=Search&hl=en&lr=&ie=UT F-8&oe=UTF-8)

And of course if you need some further inspiration to do this, check out Ace Cafe, London (http://www.ace-cafe-london.com/) or how about this TonUp. (http://www.tonup.com/)

http://www.ace-cafe-london.com/gif/crr1.jpg

[CTFuzz]

Hey ELpolasko........or should I say KENNY ROBERTS!.....can't hide.

[58villager]

Learn to love that kicker.The xs 650 electric start SUCKS. I love the bikes and have built many crazy choppers and bobbers out of them.The xs 650 motor was actually a copy of the Norton Atlas engine.They Shake and rattle just like a real teabag and sound realy sweet with straight pipes.Tommorrrow I will post some pix of some of xs chops Ive done
Jerry 58villager

[abe lugo]

did you get that one from the recycler in LA? I saw that ads and was gonna call!

[KIRK!]

SHIT! I'm hooked. I've been wanting to build a Trump Chop bar-hopper but this route seems like it could be cheaper. What about frame and front end? The one you said was not so cheap and Hatch's are killer. What on them is stock and what is from oher sources. Thanks for the info.

[KIRK!]

How about this one?

1977 XS YAMAHA 650 CAFE RACER STYLE. ALL ORIGINAL AND VERY CLEAN. BLACK , DUAL CHROME PIPES (ORIGINAL W/NO RUST OR BLEMISHES) RUNS AND LOOKS NEXT TO PERFECT

NEW TIRES

CALL TOM

He wants $975


Then there's this one. Is this a HAMBer bike?

http://community.webshots.com/s/image13/2/12/15/134821215hNmGQv_ph.jpg

[james]

Mine, it's a 79' xs 400.

[KIRK!]

James, what frame and front end mods did you do?

[james]

I stretched the swingarm 7", then built new downtubes for the rear. The front is dead stock except for fender removal. This pick shows it all pretty good-

[james]

Oh yeah, mountain bike bars and I cut the balls off the ends of the levers, and removed the gauges.

[burndup]

Well, damn, I'm gonna have to get a second one and cafe it, and a third one and streettrack it!!!


Hatch, did you cut the coils on the rear shocks on yours? What kind of seat is that? My idea is sorta similar to yours, except I was gonna yank the shocks and throw on struts to see if I can tolerate a hardtail... that, and replace the rear fender with something.... uhh, different! (rear fender is where I'm gonna buck all the fads and trends at...)

mountain bike bars.... hmm, a trip to target or wal mart...

The kicker rocks, I want to get a factory service manual to see if its possible to totally delete the starter, that way I can run one of those small surplus gel batteries that are coming out of computer UPS's...

Any of you guys know if its possible to retrofit points ignition on the elctronic ignition bike? Not that I want to throw away something good that works, but if the mystery box dies, OR, if I totally rewire the thing, I may want to attempt simplification...

Wow, great bikes guys, I had no idea this would turn into such a bitchin thread, I expected to catch flak for playing with japanese shit again!

-J

[hatch]

I cut the coils and now it has NO suspension travel...but its LOW!!!...these bikes are the best japanese bikes ever made...they sound great...good torque, ...just rip off the yamaha badges, and people are clueless about what it is.

If ya wanna eliminate the elec starter, just rewire the whole bike..pretty easy when you are into basics.

[58villager]

Hopefully here are some pix of xs chops I've done

[58villager]

Actually I screwed up this my BSA let metry Yam again

[58villager]

O.K. here is my brothers bobber

[58villager]

hers another

[burndup]

uhm, no, I meant, if I rewire the bike, can I revert back to points? do they just bolt back in exactly in place of the 'lectronik pickups?

The starter can just be yanked and the hole blocked off? No extra little gear in there that needs to be excised?

I haven't even taken the thing outta the back of my truck yet, let alone played with it or fired it up, I'm anticipating having to take it to hiway patrol for VIN verification...

Thanks,
J

[FnDIRTYGREASER]

Alright, lets bring this post back from the dead. I am going to pick up an 82 xs650 heritage this afternoon. After looking and re-reading this post day after day, i decided to do it!! I have never owned a bike, or even rode one for that matter. So please bear with me, and my (very simple to you guys)questions. Im jumping in with my eyes closed, but hoped that some local hambers could come through for me if i needed any help. ok, first things first.. hatch and james love the bikes!! They are sick!! ok, i would like to get the look of the "purty" bike the pic burnd posted. what is stock and what is modified?? but, Why does it look so low in the rear compared to hatch's?/ I can tell that they cut off the rear grab bar that extended over the rear wheel, anything else?? where do you buy the seat that hatch has, and the "purty bike" have?? any advice as what should be done first, im cluesless as the right steps to building a cool bobber. thanx. sorry if this doesnt make sense... just have to many ideas running through my head,
manny

[FnDIRTYGREASER]

wow, i think i bit of a bit more than i can chew.... ]
when i see guys or even gals riding they make it seem so easy. I tried taking it for a spin, but just coudnt seem to get the hang of it. And when i tried to turn i dropped it! Owell, im not one to give up!! Im gonna get back on that horse and ride it.. Im going to try and see if i can go to one of the motorcycle driving schools. Because im clueless right now. I really wish someone was there to teach me how to ride my first bike(the basics
), so you guys that did learn at a young age, consider yourselves very lucky. Atleast I can fix-up my bike, while i learn how to ride it. Those damn handle bars are the first thing to go, how can you ride with them, they are so awkward. I hope someone can help me out with my questions, you can also pm if you can be so kind. Here are some pics of MY 650...
http://nadolfo.photosite.com/xs650sk/
manny

[SamIyam]

BurndupCRX.... what diameter bars does it have?

Sam.

[choprods]

You can get two sets of cases an rather than sandoff YAMAHA......cut the letters out of second and weld in an smooth up to read...ya-mama! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
they relly do have a good lookin motor..I saw a killer longbike a while back made from one..he took the clucth off the bars and had a Jock shift with a squeeze lever on the jock handleI have a 750CC Kaw TWIN tha I wanna do later on..it sounds kind smooth like a V6 with duals!Rather be a little more opposed sounding like a trimph-BUt damn it STARTS and runs good! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

[alteredpilot]

yeah!!! lets chop some 80's japper bikes!! i just pulled an 81 suzuki GS450 outta the trash, yeah i said it, the trash. haven't had time to get it running, but i managed to strip all the tin off of it. lets keep this thread alive. i neeeeeed ideas and photos and AAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!!! too many toys!!!!

[55olds88]

O.k. I see no early Honda CB twins ?? whats going on there, I had a CB175 when I was like 15 till a cop followed me 4 or so miles home and suggested it stayed off the road..... hell if I had mirrors I mighta seen him too....
Best sounding paralell twin I think I have ever heard had a home made 2 into 1 on it, we had a lot of CB's down here.
almost bought an XS650 about 18 years ago neat looking bikes along with the big 500 single SR's

[Tony Bones]

Me love street tracker heap big much.

[ QUOTE ]
You guys operate on a one track mind, chops and nothing else.

Those bike have so much potential for other stuff besides chopper fodder. You want some examples?

Try this, they make killer street trackers:

http://omarsdtr.com/bedwards.jpg

Omar's Street tracker (http://omarsdtr.com/streetIII.html)

Google search for "street tracker" (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=street+tracker)

Or you could do this to it, Cafe'/ Clubman racer style:

http://www.batorinternational.com/119_small.jpg

Google search for "clubman racer" (http://www.google.com/search?q=clubman+racer&btnG=Search&hl=en&lr=&ie=UT F-8&oe=UTF-8)

And of course if you need some further inspiration to do this, check out Ace Cafe, London (http://www.ace-cafe-london.com/) or how about this TonUp. (http://www.tonup.com/)

http://www.ace-cafe-london.com/gif/crr1.jpg

[/ QUOTE ]

[Chopped50Ford]

Villager, how did you extend the shaft for the wide tire in the rear??

Nice project, I just unloaded 2 of those bikes...wish I kept em..

[Chopped50Ford]

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/image_uploads/372945-post-5-1078293490.jpg

Who can tell more about this bike? it looks relatively stock minus the seat and the minor frame work?

This is bad to the bone.

[burndup]

I think it was stock, yet "pruned."

All the older Yap bikes until recently used 7/8" bars.

Personally, I think wasting the time on removing the bigass "YAMAHA" off the sidecover is stupid. There are MANY things that need attention on the old bike, namely, replacing the swingarm tube and bushings. Getting the carbs working right, upgrading to a higher output coil, not to mention merely bobbing the SOB.


Oh yeah, and if you are done with all that, you should be out RIDING it....

If you have a problem with riding a yammy-haw, dont. If you think you are less of a man for not owning a harley, or a triumph well... you're just plenty confused!
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
These bikes are BETTER than triumphs, cause no one will steal them!


But then again, you arent working on MY bike, so do whatcha like...

BTW I need another XS, anybody got a cheapie they want gone?

[Slag Kustom]

looks cool but just please take a grinder to the covers and get that jap lettering off

[k-member]

Alteredpilot, I recently got an 81 GS450. Kinda neat looking motor. here's a before and shity after idea..
Before

[k-member]

and After, like i said kinda shity...I wish I could lower the ass end.

[burndup]

If you cant stand... or appreciate... the Jap lettering, why the fuck would you even get near a jap bike?

Anyone who gets close enough to it is gonna know what it is... why waste the time grinding the case?

I dont fucking get it, some one Splain it to me...

Shit, this yamaha is enough fun that I'd still ride it if it said FATGIRL or GAPERIDE on the engine case... yeah, ok that last one, I'd wanna grind it off too... but YAMAHA does not equal GAPERIDE.

[burndup]

shit, someone please tell me how to write "Yamaha" or "Bitchin" or "the one who is burned" or "pussy licker" or something in KANJI, I want to paint it on the tank now...

[Flat Ernie]

[ QUOTE ]
I wish I could lower the ass end.

[/ QUOTE ]

If you can't find some shorter shocks, perhaps you could move the lower shock further to the rear - common trick. Option B - would be to replace the shocks entirely with solid struts in your choice of length. Of course you do lose some ride comfort http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I don't think you can go loads further w/o lowering the front as well. As a temporary measure, you could slip the tubes in the triple trees a bit - be sure they're exactly equal.


http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[k-member]

Oops, sorry Ernie, I ment in the pic http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif The fab I understand, the computer not too well http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[haring]

[ QUOTE ]
Shit, this yamaha is enough fun that I'd still ride it if it said FATGIRL

[/ QUOTE ]

Dude, if it said FATGIRL, I'd probably ride it twice as much.

[hatch]

Here's a couple....this bike is gone to Maui.

[hatch]

Next one..almost ready to ride....the wheels and spokes were rusty, so I just blasted and painted em.

[hatch]

Some of Kritzs' striping...way cool

[hatch]

Oh yeah...the one with the black wheels...I have $345 in the whole project...and a full weeks work....cheap thrills for sure http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[burndup]

Is that the stock rear fender, Hatch? Where does the seat come from?

The black rims look dope...

[hatch]

Stock rear fender, just shortened in the area under the license plate....the seats are available on ebay...new, usually around 25 bucks...just search for "solo seat" .....this Long Bike looks nice.

[hatch]

Or maybe this one.....

[burndup]

and yeah, how many coils did you cut outta the rear shock springs?

[hatch]

The coils were cut until there wasn't any shock travel left....the second bike, I eliminated the coils and tacked the top and bottom of the shock together...cheap and easy struts...just don't weld too long on a shock, they make great grenades

[Ichoptop]

I'd like to see a cool build up of a jap chopper. I like cycles and want one but dont know shit about them.

[fishtank]

You gotta love the ape-hangers. That bike is bad.

[alteredpilot]

heres one for k-member
suzuki cheap chop (http://www.bikernet.com/garage/cheapchop1.asp)

[Morrisman]

There were built in Thailand, and belong to a club called the "Bangkok Springers'

[FnDIRTYGREASER]

hatch, those are sweet! thats what i want mines to look until i get the frame rigid. But that wont be for a while, plus i might even keep the look that your bikes have! More details please. thanx
manny

[k-member]

Thanks AlteredPilot, that's just what the doctor ordered. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[cornfieldrodder]

Man, I gotta take time to learn how to post. I'm doin' a 78 Yammy SR500 thumper as a bobber style flattracker. Got one of those Ebay solo seats(use Bates for your search) cut 10 inches off the back of the frame and a 30s Chevy spare tire cover is lookin' to be the new rear fender. It'll be on the road with the cast wheels till I come up with a set of DID aluminum rims. Some newer style stuff will be disc brakes, Supertrapp muffler(free, gratis) and maybe an MSD.

[Drewfus]

Hatch,
Those two black bikes look AWESOME!!
What size are the wheels, and what are they off?
Is the seat sprung at all or mounted rigid?

Note to oneself: STOP looking at the HAMB, need to stop my mind/focus from wandering otherwise I'll never get my RPU done....

Cheers,

Drewfus http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[FnDIRTYGREASER]

thanx flat earnie. Im glad someone finally answered a simple newb question that will put us on the right track? Now I tried looking for the lowering kits(the ones that move your shock away to drop it about 2 inches or so) and didnt seem to find one for my year(83) or for any 80's for that matter. Where do you recomend i get some struts from? any guys have some part #'s handy? any suggestions on the length, i want to go as low as i can. thanx
manny

[slazzen]

i just picked up a VL springer and a matched set of 16 inch wheels with 180s on um. looking at a xs for a donor in the morning .i got a nice ribbed mustang tank for $5 and a 36 ford spare tire cover waiting to be put to use

[Flat Ernie]

[ QUOTE ]
Where do you recomend i get some struts from? any guys have some part #'s handy? any suggestions on the length, i want to go as low as i can

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm sure there are some places that will sell them, but I've always made them - they're pretty simple, really. As for length, get some wooden dowels & play around with length until you find the ride height that suits you.

[ QUOTE ]
i just picked up a VL springer

[/ QUOTE ]

Please tell me you're not going to put that beautiful thing on a Yamaha - or anything other than a Harley? It NEEDS to be on a Harley where god intended it! I love the RL/VL I-beam springers - much, much cleaner look than the tubular springers. I've got an RL for my custom 45 project...

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[rev616]

[ QUOTE ]
It almost looks like a triumph motor... sortakina...



[/ QUOTE ]

yeah man,they were made to rival triumps..man this sucks.i just sold a ton of XS stuff you might have been interested in.one frame cut ready for a hard tail.an electric box shaped like an oil tank.black out engine,misc engine parts,and alot more for $150.oh well.if you need any help check out www.650motorcycles.com (http://www.650motorcycles.com) they have manuals and all sorts of stuff

[burndup]

yes, that website is the BOMB, I downloaded all the service manuals and printed them out here at work! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Also, mikesxs.com is... THE... SHIZZY... for parts, super cheap, and fast, free shipping on >$30 orders...

[hatch]

Drewfus...the wheels are stock Yamaha xs650. They made them with standard spoke pattern and also with extra spokes (the black wheels)...both sets are 16 rear and 19 front. The seat is mounted rigid to keep it as low as possible.

On the black wheel bike, the struts are made from stripped shocks that are tack welded together at the top....cheap and easy.

[Boyd Who]

Jason, did that seat show up yet?

[purple]

<font color="purple"> I had an XS360, t'was stolen it was.

Slazzen, Do you just need a frame? I have the Kawi that the tank came from, anything else from it too. </font>

[FnDIRTYGREASER]

ok, a few things that i have enough money to buy from egay now are the dragbars, or z bars(undecided yet).... and the solo seat. ok, question ... What length would be ggod for the dragbars, since there seem to be many to choose from? hatch, what length are yours?? thanx guys.
ps, dragbars or z bars????? watcha think?
manny

[raaf]

hey,

i've got easy access (aka FREE) to an '85 yamaha virago. can these be made in to anything cool? pics? resources?

thanks,

raaf

[FnDIRTYGREASER]

those are pretty coo, they seem to have a lower seat height. get that badboy!!

[haring]

[ QUOTE ]
this Long Bike looks nice.

[/ QUOTE ] http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/image_uploads/478271-long.jpg

The exhaust exits up into the rider's face! That would be fucking MISERABLE! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

[whizzerick]

I've been lookin' around for XS650 stuff and found this buildup: http://www.cyclepsycho.com/yamachopper/chopper204a.jpg
at This address (http://www.cyclepsycho.com/yamachopper/yamachopper.html)
Looks darn clean...

[slazzen]

got my donor the starter is going quick but its a runner

[kustombuilder]

damn you ALL! i've been wanting to do a choppa for a loooong time. figured i'd buy a wrecked Harley someday and toss the frame. now i se there is a much cheaper (and still cool) alternative. might have to move the choppa up on the priority list now.

[choprods]

That longbike Hairing posted[650 Yam] belongs to a young guy I met in Ottumwa Ia...the clutch lever is on the Jock handle..... its a cool deal.

[FnDIRTYGREASER]

yeah, i saw that website recently. cheap buildup, and the exhaust is coooo! hope this thread goes up to like 50 pages http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
manny

[Tackett]

I got one a while back for $160 bucks, and made it run after 30 minutes. I tore it apart, and it's in the middle of a rebuild - but I couldn't decide between a bobber and a street-tracker. Fortunately, a friend of mine is selling me one he rides less and less due to a newer bike - for $350.
Wooo! One of each.

Here's a butt-ton of pictures (mostly XS650s): Right Here (http://liberalredneck.org/gallery/CoolBikes)

Tackett

[slazzen]

check th cheap (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&amp;item=2485410073&amp;rd=1) is out

[FnDIRTYGREASER]

hey tackett, your in my neck of the woods. Im glad someone local that can help me out. hope you dont mind if i pm you sometime to ask a specific question. any pics of your 650 right now?? oh yeah... hatch what size rear tire you got? im looking for some WWtires but dont know jack about the sizes... front size would help out a bunch too.

[50 merc]

I paid a local locksmith around $20 (I think) to make a set of keys for my '76 Yamaha XS500. They just needed the numbers off of the ignition (the numbers should be located right next to where you put the key in the slot).

I have a set of XS650 wire wheels laying around. I was going to try and make them fit my 500, but that was a no go. I did find some 500 wire wheels. I had to get the swingarm off of the same bike I got the wire wheels from, beacuse the wire wheels use a larger axle. Not sure if the 650 is the same?


do you by any chance still have the wire wheel off the 650? i am lookin for a set for my 78

[jazzbum]

my buddy is getting a 650 together - picked it up for 400 and a parts bike (with sweet-ass flipped bars on it) for like another bill and a half. can of primer, the new bars and some fiddling with the seat pan/seat/tail section/forks, the damned thing looks cafe racer already. honestly, you won't believe what some new bars will do for this bike.

[50 merc]

does anyone know of any place that builds cheap custom frames for xs650s? or where i can find out how to build a jig so i can build my own?? any help will be apreciated. thanx.

[briggs&strattonChev]

is the bike done burndup?

[RileyRacing]

Would you guys quit bringing this back up?:D

I want to build one of these before the prices get driven up... one that looks like this...

http://www.650motorcycles.com/ScottEssex.html

;)

Jay

[RileyRacing]

does anyone know of any place that builds cheap custom frames for xs650s? or where i can find out how to build a jig so i can build my own?? any help will be apreciated. thanx.

over at 650choppers.com, or really xs650.com, there is a buttload of pix. One of them has the dimensions someone used to hardtail their stock frame. I thought I had it saved but I don't. But go thru the pix over there, there are a lot of good ones!


PS, I found this as a lead...


Here is my XS650 rigid in progress. The frame is from Casey Tallon at Tallon Custom Equipment. It has 38 degree rake and 4" stretch in the rear. Wheels and front-end from Seca 550. Bars and hand controls donated from a new H-D Deuce. Carbs and ignition are from you, as you already knew. I'll send more as its gets finished.

If I knew how to edit pix, i'd post em. but here's the link...
http://www.650choppers.com/GaryC.html

Jay

[Circus Bear]

does anyone know of any place that builds cheap custom frames for xs650s? or where i can find out how to build a jig so i can build my own?? any help will be apreciated. thanx.


try www.chopperunderground.com . There is a guy on there named horton. look for him in the jap section of the forum. He builds kick ass frames. You send him the neck and he will use it to keep registration simple.

[mybeatupford]

i remember someone sayin early in the thread about 350 anyone have pics of a honda 250 turned into a bobber or something similar? i got one i learned how to ride on a while ago but now it's just rustin up in my back yard. maybe if any of them look cool i might chop it up

[tomslik]

[


Wait till you hear my NEXT bike, though...a 'wing-dinger' (two stroke!).

I'll call it the "Chainsaw Chopper"!!! [img]


3 cyl Kawasukakocky?

[dt50chev]

Check out www.chopperunderground.com (http://www.chopperunderground.com)

[airkooled]

I have no interest in bikes. But damned if you guys aren't making me want one.

[Kilroy]

Sweet Jeebusss!!!

Year-old posts RUUUUUUUUUUUUULLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!

[HoldFast]

I paid a local locksmith around $20 (I think) to make a set of keys for my '76 Yamaha XS500. They just needed the numbers off of the ignition (the numbers should be located right next to where you put the key in the slot).

I have a set of XS650 wire wheels laying around. I was going to try and make them fit my 500, but that was a no go. I did find some 500 wire wheels. I had to get the swingarm off of the same bike I got the wire wheels from, beacuse the wire wheels use a larger axle. Not sure if the 650 is the same?


that thing is PIMP.

I want to do a CB750 flat track/cafe style. For a commuter bike. sick of spending $100 a week on gas.

[daddylama]

just a note, as i noticed the company names mentioned here, about frames...

Tallon Customs has been apparently not shipping items that were paid for, and has more than a few guys after him.

Horton is going out of business, for other reasons... but the frames of late are less than great.


dont take my word for it, do a search on just about any chopper board. lots of pissed off guys...

[Django]

does burndup even post anymore?

I have an XS now. Hatch is making it pretty for me. I blame it on the HAMB. And I'm going to sell my Ducati.

[Indocil Art]

I do paint work for a guy in Wallace that digs this kind of stuff. The name of the shop is River Rats. 1-843-921-8903 Tell him Ryan Young told you to call. I built my own but they are going to help me build my next bike. Jap chops are the shit by the way!

http://test.81x.com/Authors/indocil/My_bike.jpg

http://test.81x.com/Authors/indocil/My_bike2.jpg

http://test.81x.com/Authors/indocil/My_bike3.jpg

http://test.81x.com/Authors/indocil/River_Rats.jpg

[Nads]

What was that Kawasaki they made that looked like a Norton?

That was a cool bike.

[zman]

Don't forget the GB500... hard to believe it's a honda..

[50 merc]

does any one have any info on how to eliminate the electric starter on the 650s i heard that you could somehow add a mag. but i dont know if that is true. any info will be appreciated.

[bowtiemyk]

Yeah! Street Trackers & Super -Motard style is bichin'. Also you can get these XS's up to 850cc.

[autocol]

no... mister CRX is gone...

i liked his old signature so much i stole it once i was sure he'd gone for good!

[Fordicator]

I want to build an old Jap bike Mad Max style. Either The Goose's bike or the toecutters will work.

http://www.madmax-jp.com/movie/kwaka1.mov

http://www.madmax-jp.com/kwaka/img/gr-4.jpg
http://www.madmax-jp.com/kwaka/img/gr-5.jpg

[james]

Yeah, I know you've all seen it, but I love the way the new pipes turned out :D

[willowbilly3]

My son &amp; I are building a Hardtail 650 Yam. right now.It was a savior frame that we converter to a hardtail(springs where shot), It has a springer front end &amp; HD front wheel.
He was all hot on getting it done, then last week I helped a guy who dumped a big honda in front of us &amp; got his foot ripped off from about mid shin, after that my sonn said" I thing when i get the bike done i'll sell iot &amp; by a rod" !! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
They are a great bike &amp; plentiful, he picked up his fro a duece!
Jim
What is &amp??

[lilbill]

Here's a 650 I'm building now.



more pics here
http://photobucket.com/albums/v371/lilbill2180/XS650%20CHOPPER/

[50 merc]

sorry about the electric start question what i meant was how to eliminate the batt. since they are required to kick start a yama chopper. if any one has any info on how to eliminate the battery and replace it with a mag or something it would be helpful

thanx

[JEB]

Don't forget the GB500... hard to believe it's a honda..

Got one, it's the coolest Honda ever made. I bought it from an old guy in Austin, his back couldn't take the crouched seating position, so he had to quit riding it.

It has a flatslide carb and a Supertrapp silencer, it runs like stink for a 500cc engine, and sounds so sweeeeet. Sometimes I go out to the garage and just look at it. Here's a shot from the Cycle World show last fall in Dallas...

http://home.comcast.net/~bellboy17/my_gb.jpg

FatHack, what kind of two-smoker are you building?

[skaaly]

does anyone know of any place that builds cheap custom frames for xs650s? or where i can find out how to build a jig so i can build my own?? any help will be apreciated. thanx.

I can weld up a frame for you for around $450, I have a jig and i make about 8-10 of these a year

[the-rodster]

I can weld up a frame for you for around $450, I have a jig and i make about 8-10 of these a year

Since it's been four years ago, I kinda doubt he needs it.


Rich

[Crazy Backyard Builder]

I can weld up a frame for you for around $450, I have a jig and i make about 8-10 of these a year


Skaaly,

This thread is from 2005 !!!!!!!!!!!!


CBB

[hotroddon]

Well, at least it was his first post with no intro, so he's got that going for him.

[BuickBorracho]

Not sure if its been mentioned or not, but http://www.cb750cafe.com/ is making some bad cafe racers out of old Hondas.

http://www.cb750cafe.com/cache/photos/7e51e7cb270e3fbcda6721df0e35186a.jpg
http://www.cb750cafe.com/cache/portfolio/76a81f0e50ebbd4a291eda58e489a107.jpg
http://www.cb750cafe.com/cache/portfolio/b887031e0e6d65f6908ecf3d21e6253f.jpg

edit: Holy old post!!!

[Evil Wicked Mean & Nasty]

Where are we going today Mr. Peabody?

[RichG]

http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr52/rgallegos88/peabody.jpg

[adjustablejohnsons]

Holy necropost, Batman!