The 'leftovers' project - XS650

[sxecafe]

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Tim]

I decided to abort the notion of selling off the XT500 rear wheel and buying a new alloy hoop for the XS hub I have. The XT500 wheel has an 18" alloy hoop and I think it will lace up just fine to the XS hub. So, Buchanan got a phone call and my heavy gauge spokes are on the way for both ends. If I can salvage a few bucks out of the XT rear hub and the stainless spokes it already has, great. If not, it didn't cost me much.

If I need any bits, I'll let you know. An interesting tank is required, but it has to sit quite high as there is only a couple inches below the backbone before I hit engine.

 

[Tim]

So, anyone of the opinion that lacing the XT rear rim to my XS rear hub won't work? Too late, as I've ordered spokes from Buchanan to do it (they know the hub and rim I'm using so they'll make the spokes the right lengths).


Think it has the same lacing pattern and the hubs are about the same diameter. I'm not using the spokes I have with the XT hub because the XS hub is 1/2 the width from spoke flange to flange as the XT hub, and I assumed the angles on the spoke ends would be an issue.


XT wheel is top, without the tire.

 

[Tim]

BTW - this is on the other side of me (both in my 10 x 8 home office with my desk in between). On the 2nd floor of my house. 2 motorcycles and me in the office

 

[john83]

I was starting to wonder about the status of this. Glad to see you're making some headway.

 

[Tim]

Dismantled the XT500 rear wheel. Just need to cut the hub out of the old XS wheel and take the rims and hubs out to have them powder coated some color of antique white (unless I change my mind between now and then)...

 

[Captmilk76]

Re: Re: The 'leftovers' project - XS650

BTW - this is on the other side of me (both in my 10 x 8 home office with my desk in between). On the 2nd floor of my house. 2 motorcycles and me in the office

That is going to look so badass

Sent from my DROID RAZR

 

[cyclefreak]

Some of the best office decor I have ever seen!

 

[DrJ]

So, anyone of the opinion that lacing the XT rear rim to my XS rear hub won't work? Too late, as I've ordered spokes from Buchanan to do it (they know the hub and rim I'm using so they'll make the spokes the right lengths).
Think it has the same lacing pattern and the hubs are about the same diameter. I'm not using the spokes I have with the XT hub because the XS hub is 1/2 the width from spoke flange to flange as the XT hub, and I assumed the angles on the spoke ends would be an issue.

Spoke holes aren't drill that precisely, there is some give for the nipples to rock. Should lace up fine.

 

[Tim]

Should be fine. Both 18" rims laced to drum hubs about the same diameter. Only difference is the width of the hubs, but like you say, there's a bit of play in the angle of the nipples so it should be ok. I was going to order a new alloy rim from MikesXS for $80 but they're not in stock in Canada, and they don't ship up here. So would cost me $30 in shipping to get the rim here, and then I'd have to try to sell this wheel to make up the cost which would be a pain. Nice to have the matching rims too - both from the XT and the profiles are identical.

Quite a narrow 1.85 rear rim, and my 4.00 AVON calls for a 2.15 minimum, but lots of guys have put them on 1.85's. The stock XT500 tire was 4 inches wide anyhow. 1.6 wide front rim taking the 3.00x21 AVON tire.

 

[Autotek]

Just working with David on the final details for the frame - it's on the jig - hoping to get some pics soon.

Also think I've selected the tires for the bike - at least for the moment. I could go all 'Firestone' on it, but not really feeling that at the moment. But I do like the vintage tire look, and recently I've been liking the more aggressive treads. So for the time being it's Shinko SR241 dual sport tires for this one.

They come in all manner of sizes and are up to P rated for 94 MPH - plenty fast enough for this bike and those tires. And they're CHEAP - $100 for a set.

Will be a 4.00-18 on the rear and a 3.00-21 on the front.

Hey Tim, This is killer, glad I found it. FYI, I used these tires on my recent KZ400 and I am quite pleased. I got them from JP Cycles and free shipping.

 

[Tim]

Odd thing is I either decided against the tires or forgot about them I have a set of AVON Safetymileage / Speedmaster tires sitting here in the room with me for some reason

 

[Autotek]

Sweet, better handling.

 

[Tim]

Looking for some creative input.

I'm at the point that I'd like to get my rims and hubs powder coated, so I can lace the wheels up when my spokes arrive and get the tires mounted. While the rest of the bike can be broken down and painted after (which is kind of the only way to do it) the wheels, not so much.

So I need to start down the road on a color scheme. Originally this bike was going to be just all raw materials where possible - no finishes at all. And that is still an option. But, I'm not adverse to making it shiny and nice looking either. I have no intention on any artificial patina or trying to make it look older than it is cosmetically. It will have plenty of time to start looking authentically old and tired as I ride it, like my XS650 cafe.

I've collected a whack of inspirational photos, and continue to do so. My first impulse was a cream/off white for the rims and brake drums, and then polish the brake plates (drums front and rear). But not 100% sold on that yet.

I've got white on the brain, and the white frame of the BMW in the pics is appealing. I also like the blue-grey on the Nimbus and other bikes down there.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

 

[Autotek]

I am of no use, It took me months to decide my paint. I think they all look great. Sorry I told you I was no use.

 

[VonYinzer]

For what its worth...

Simplicity is king. Keep the wheels natural/chrome. Keep the body colors mild and appealing. Muted and traditional colors. Not sure what kind of cash you want to drop, but I'm a huge fan of chrome or nickel plated frames. Do that with a nice pearl white (Cadillac makes a great one) on the bodywork with chrome or nickel accents would be amazing. Especially with some subtle artwork on the tank/fenders. Not your run of the mill pinstripes, flames, etc. but something that would look factory decades ago.

Again, just my ramblings...

 

[VonYinzer]

Pretty similar to the all chrome XS in pic two, but with paint. Haha.

 

[ProSimex]

I wonder how much that would cost?

 

[Pattheswede]

Must say you have some frame to build upon, wouldn't mind to have one my self!
Here's a pic from a swedish builder, Drusse. At first i wasn't that keen on the colours, but .... now, thinks it's really nice

Another is this bike, that I really like the painting on, I...

Green/Cream, yummy!

 

[Tim]

Would love a link to the Drusse bike - want to read more on that front brake.