My XS650 build

[ryanglade]

Re: XS650 bobber

Thanks for the advice troy. I had a jig that I made out of plywood and 2x4's- I know it is not ideal but it had to be portable, I had to take it back and forth to welding class. I had it strapped down with shims holding it level and 2x4s holding the front and rear axles. I also had reference lines on the bottom, you know- centerline side frame lines and what not. I had to keep it as well laid out so I could get it all square and in line. I will definitley check my sprockets for alignment, I might get my engine in tomorrow.

Jay, I also get amazed at the work of so many on here. There is a lot of talent here. I hope to get to a point where I can have some of their skills. This is my first attempt at fabrication an hope to be able to do a lot more, but I lack the equipment. I just like to build things.

By the way how do you change the title of your post, I feel that my bike is drifting away from the title bobber.

I will post some pics tomorrow.

 

[Big R]

Re: XS650 bobber

Go back to your very first post on this thread and modify it.

 

[ryanglade]

So I took a couple pics today, it is raining so they are in my garage. I put the motor in (only a couple mounting bolts as it will be coming back out shortly) and put the tank on. I am going to take it outside one of these days and take a couple pics with me on it to figure out if I want forward controls or mids. I want to pick up a seat pan and rear fender to get a lot of the look stuff done.

I did pick up a early ford truck taillight at a thrift style shop (he calls it a trading post) I got the light for like 2 bucks. I will need to clean it up a bit and I want to make some leds to light it up.

I was originally planning on drag bars or a slight variation of them but I might just keep the stock bars. Opinions (and while your opinion may be apes- that is not going to happen).

And here is my portable jig, it got rained on so you can not really see my lines any more. I did have the frame shimed up level and strapped down, remember it had to be portable so be kind with the remarks.

Let me hear the thoughts and opinions I have a general direction I am planning on taking this build but I am always up for different ideas.

Thanks!

 

[ryanglade]

So I took some pics outside to get a good idea of what I want for foot controls.
Here is the stock control location

Here is forward control location- mounted off of the front engine mounting holes.

The stock position is a little cramped, so I am going to try to fabricate some forward controls to mount in the front engine mounting holes, but that will probably be a little while off.

Next in the hole is to mount my rear brake linkage and maybe fabricate a rear light/license plate mount. I might be moving in a little while so I am trying to figure out all the stock stuff I am going to be putting back on and what I need to aquire.

Here are a few things I need as of now;
Rear Fender, looking for a blank bobber fender 6" wide (the stock has too much on it and it would be to much work to get it smooth)
Seat Pan, I have been looking at a few on ebay, I was thinking about making one but I have pretty much decided against it, I want that to be formed pretty comfortable.
A chain- if anyone knows of a good source for chains that would be helpful. I might need to piece two together since it is extended about 8"

I have a ways to go, I am also starting to get some electrical things sorted out. Also if someone knows a good technique to get a tank dent out that would be great (you can see it in these pics towards the bottom front of the tank)

 

[HPrice]

nice layout. I'm into the low seat. My XS is heading in the same direction in about a month. My 350 is almost done and you know how it goes if more than one project starts going on in the same garage! direction and finance can disappear so quick- then you've got two non running bikes.

 

[Big R]

www.denniskirk.com has the best deals for chains that I have found. And J+P Cycles has fender blanks, but it's been awhile since I've looked.

There was one other place that I found for fenders - I think it was 7 Metals West or something. I even posted the link on here a couple months ago.

 

[ryanglade]

Thanks for the responses. It looks like Denniskirk does have some good prices for chains.

Does anyone do any pinstriping? I am wanting some old school pinsstriping for my tank and rear fender when the time comes. It is hard to find old school pinstripers anymore. I am debating getting a pinstriping kit and learning how to do it myself.

 

[VonYinzer]

Looks great man. The 8" stretch is a hair longer than I would have gone with, but Im short. As far as pistriping, I have a friend you does it. Hes cheap. Lemme know if you interested, and Ill ask him about it. If you want to go local, stop into your closest attoo or hot rod shop. They'll know someone. For a fender look for an old ford spare tire cover. You can usually find them really cheap. Not alum, but cool as hell. Theres tons of places that sell fender blanks. Youll be looking at around $100 for one new.

 

[ryanglade]

Thanks Von, I am still a ways off for the pinstriping, but if I do not try and do it myself (or hate it if I do) I will remember your friend.

I have been pricing out some fender blanks on ebay and found a few for like $50 shipped.

 

[VonYinzer]

$50 is a great price if they are a decent quality.

 

[forty4ma9]

Looks like your moving right along but those pictures make it look like you might want to consider how much ground clearance you have.

 

[ryanglade]

Yeah, it is low, about 4". It kinda goes with the drop seat, low. It will be for cruising and fun, not fast and curvy.

This is also my learning build, if I end up not liking it I will rebuild it later, I plan on picking up another xs650 but for a cafe. Then if need be I can rebuild this one. Don't get me wrong I am not just trying to do stuff, I am trying to build a bike that I will like and will be right.

Thanks for the comments

 

[forty4ma9]

Right on. Keep sharing the progress its great to see the bike as it comes together.

 

[ryanglade]

So, I will be moving in a couple months and will start putting the bike as together as I can to ease the moving process. I am also picking up some wiring stuff this weekend so I can start rewiring most of the bike. I want to get it running if I can before june, that is when I am moving. I still do not know what I am going to do for turn signals, i want it to be legal but do not want obvious turn signals sticking out of my bike.

Also before I move I want to fab up a brake light/license plate mount and figure out my rear brake linkage. I saw on a bike video someone posted on another build that the guy(not the builder of the thread) used a cable linkage instead of the rods. I am wondering what the + and - are of doing that. It looks to be easier to figure out how to run that and make it work. My other thought is to attach the pivot point from my old rear end andgo from there. any thought?

Look forward to seeing the bike come together, minus the seat and rear fender, I still have to get them and it might not happen before the move.

 

[Big R]

As far as the rear brake cable, that's how the Motobits setup is for the CB160's. I talked to him about it when I got my rear-sets, and he said you don't have to worry about bending the original metal rod and it stops any binding caused by the said rod.

The only reason I decided against it is I hate the thought of the cable wearing out and braking.

 

[ryanglade]

So, I will have to do some thinking about the cable but it might win out.

 

[ryanglade]

So, I started getting more of the bike together today. I made a new rear wheel spacer, Got the front brake on (not yet functional) and finished bolting in the engine.

As I was doing the brake I really realized how bulky and ugly the stock controls are. I already want to get rid of the light controls and stuff. It is kick only so I do not need the starter button and plan on a switch somewhere for hi/low. The only controls I want on the bars are the turn signals and horn, I plan on putting them both on clutch side.

I also want to clean up my front brake w/ master cylinder- It is ugly!! I want it clean. Any ideas would be great. I am thinking micro switches but also thought about making my own but that might be more work than is worth it.

Let me in on some of your pearls of wisdom for cleaning up the bars.

Thanks

 

[dcwp]

I'm sure you've seen the Sterling Motor Works replica switches. If not, definitely check them out:

http://sterlingmotorworks.com/switches?b=1

I am using a tricon on the right side since I only have electric start and a three position turn signal switch with a horn button on the left side.

I don't see the combined turn signal, horn on the link I posted, but I'm sure I can find the one I bought if you're interested.
Here's the best picture I have of it:

Microcontrols could be cool as well, if you mount them right and run the wires through your bars, it's like there's nothing there.

 

[ryanglade]

That is a nice setup and wallet friendly. If you could find where the 3-way and horn switch is that would be great I will look around also.

Thanks

 

[dcwp]

If I remember right I got it on e-bay. I'm pretty sure this is the same seller, same part:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Triumph-BSA-Norton-2-3-way-Handle-bar-switch-clampon_W0QQitemZ360241887660QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotorcycles_Parts_Accessories?hash=item53e016f9ac

Have fun!

Dan