The $100 Wonder: Cafe build....

[scott s]

A while back, I picked up a non-running but complete 1980 XS650 off Craigslist for $100. It even came with a spare motor!
It took a little work to get it going, but I'm proud to say that I've done all the work myself (well, me and my Dad) and haven't paid a shop for anything so far, other than parts!
Well, the project has progressed well past the "get it running" phase and is now in the "make it look cool" phase, so I thought I'd start a thread dedicated to the build-up of my cafe racer.
Plans are for an XS750 tank, Omars narrow fender, Clubmans, fork gaitors, etc.
Here's a pic to show you all what I started with:

 

[scott s]

After fixing the kickstart and electric start, cleaning the carbs and changing the plugs, we got it running. I had to replace a few oil seals and gaskets, too. It's still not bone dry, but 90% better than it was. I was able to take it for a spin around the neighborhood and it feels strong and runs well.
Now that it's running OK, we started modifying it. I mounted an XS750 tank and mocked up the Omars seat. I'm waiting on a buddy of mine to build me a bracket/brace for the rear of the seat and then it will be done. NOTE: The Omars seat has to be moved back to clear the XS750 tank just far enough to make the usual mounting points unusable!
Here's a pic with the forks removed (more on that later) and the seat and tank mocked up:

 

[scott s]

Today, we installed the copper head washers from MikesXS and retorqued the lower headstuds (still chasing the last few drips). We also did the breather mod and installed a new filter. I'll be running velocity stacks on this bike, so no factory breather hook-up. Did you notice the stacks in the pic above?

 

[scott s]

I also taped up the bike in preperation for spray-bombing the frame. There'll be some engine paint/detail coming up soon, too.

 

[Drifter]

A while back, I picked up a non-running but complete 1980 XS650 off Craigslist for $100.

I'd love to find a deal like that. I've looked and watched for an XS650 but everything I've seen is beyond my budget. I like my Seca, but I'd like a vertical twin to cafe-ize!

Dave

 

[TenTwelve]

Great progress. Can't wait to see the finished product.

 

[scott s]

Got the cylinders paint detailed today using Dupli-Color high temp engine paint.

 

[Tim]

Nice! Did you paint with a brush or mask/spray? Either way it looks nice.

 

[scott s]

Masked and sprayed...and Thanks!

 

[Darkbane]

The progress is looking great!!! Keep the posts and the pics coming!!!

 

[Mortikan]

have you thought about throwing an oil cooler on that thing? they work great on the xs cool running temp by quite a bit. Easy to do just cut the return line and put the cooler in line. I am running a aftermarket lockhart cooler.

 

[scott s]

Been working on the permanent mounts for the Omars fender. Here's a shot of the front bracket. I have some rubber washers/spacers that will go between it and the frame when it's all bolted down.

 

[scott s]

And for the rear, I had a buddy weld on a plate across the frame. Using the XS750 tank caused everything to be pushed back an inch or two. Here, it's all done except drilling two holes for the well-nuts. I need a larger drill bit to finish...hopefully tomorrow...and then I can finish painting the frame.

 

[scott s]

We also got the rear turn signals and tail light mounted. The turn signals are wired in. I still have some thinkin' and wire tracing to do in order to get the tail light wired up. (Sure wish my camera took better pics in the garage)

 

[scott s]

I'm still trying to decide on a paint color. Here's another XS750 tank I have; black with a graphite insert. The insert is reflective and looks cool, I think. My significant other is quick to remind me that I already have a black bike. :
I considered silver, but I'm afraid the bike will get a little too "washed out" with the chrome fenders and polished engine cases.
Any suggestions?

 

[raney]

that's a damn perty tank. If you plan on repainting either of them, have you thought about englarging the knee indents before hand? I did that to my 750 tank that i'm using on my 400 and it really added to the cafe look. It was incredibly simple as well, considering that the tank already has the lines for the indents. I can post pics if you'd like to see how it turned out.

 

[scott s]

Yeah, pics would be cool. Which tank you like better...the black or the red? Or have another color in mind?

 

[raney]

i personally like the black, but that's because my paint scheme will be black and gold. My tank isnt painted yet, but i'll post pics tomorrow when i get home so you can have an idea of the general shape.

 

[Ease]

The paint on the black / silver tank looks great. I would considering using the same look on the seat, even if you allready have a black bike. ;D

 

[Tripler]

I'm still trying to decide on a paint color. Here's another XS750 tank I have; black with a graphite insert. The insert is reflective and looks cool, I think. My significant other is quick to remind me that I already have a black bike. :
I considered silver, but I'm afraid the bike will get a little too "washed out" with the chrome fenders and polished engine cases.
Any suggestions? The tank is from an 80 xs850G, which is what i have