Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature currently requires accessing the site using the built-in Safari browser.
We noticed you are blocking ads. DO THE TON only works with community supporters. Most are active members of the site with small businesses. Please consider disabling your ad blocking tool and checking out the businesses that help keep our site up and free.
As much as I wanted to wait until my bike was completed to introduce it to you all, I thought I'd may as well include my build log upon the site.
I'll basically repeat previous posts that I'd made upon my blog, which do include some ramblings and decisions that had led me upon the path that I had taken.
Long story short, this is my first bike and bike build which I am doing mostly within my apartment living room (as you do). I've got friends and contacts that have extensive XS650 experience offering important engineering advice and guidance along the way as well.
Some decisions and ideas have evolved along the way, as the posts will show, however, if anybody can offer any constructive advice I'm all ears.
Details of the donor bike include a 1975 XS650B chassis, 1972 XS2 Motor (electric start) and 1973 TX750 Rear Wheel.
After doing some research and gaining some valuable advice from friends and those in the know, it was decided that a Yamaha XS650 was the stead of choice for my bobber build.
One of my mates, Rob Pellew was looking to move out of town and happened to have a donor bike looking for a new home.
Thanks for all of your help in getting it home Rob!
Thanks to Rob whom I'd bought the bike from, it was time to pick her up.
What a journey! We couldn't have chosen a day with crappier weather, with it absolutely bucketing down during the trip between Sydney and the Central Coast where it was stored.
Here it is a strapped up and ready for it's trip home.
I decided that to set my XS650 bobber apart from the pack, I researched a tank that I felt would work well with the overall feel that I was searching for.
I discovered that the BSA Bantam tank was perfect, due to its tear drop shape and classic lines.
One of the things hat I wanted was an exhaust system that had nicely rounded header pipes, leading into a set of big ass flared out trumpets similar to the examples below.
The black bike is from Motoshop Tonouchi whilst the dark brown bike is from Heiwa.
I did want to have a matt ceramic finish, with black header wrap as well.
With special thanks to my very talented friends Vera Black (formerly Amanda Baker) and her hubby Luke, I was given a Dues Ex Machina gift voucher for my birthday.
I managed to p-up the Posh Brown Gum grips that I'd been eying off.
After cutting out the underside of the tank, I thought I'd check and see what sort of clearances I had with the top engine mount and head of the motor.
As suspected, a ghetto engine mount was required to clear the tunnel of the tank.
It looks like I'll have to ditch tank mounted petcocks with fuel reserve for an inline alternative due to lack of space.
Thanks Mike for being the best darned tank holder I know!
I ordered one of the tyres so that I could make some adjustments to the Harley Fender stay that I'd received with the original purchase of the bike.
I purchased some new spokes from Mikes XS, the Firestone 400-19 tyre from Antique Tyres, did a trial lacing of the front rim and mounted my first motorcycle tyre.
Let's just say that next time I'll leave the rim truing and tyre mounting to the experts next time!
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.