The 'leftovers' project - XS650

[Tim]

Yeah, I'm definitely interested in something more unique / interesting.

On another more important note, I picked up my engine cases etc. from Gord Bush Performance where they were properly cleaned up / blasted.

Gord still has the cylinders while I wait on new pistons to arrive from XS Cycle Performance, who I picked up a ported head from and an XS1 cam (lumpier cam in the early XS650 engines) mated with the proper cam sprocket degreed for the thinner copper gasket that came with it.

Will start assembling the bottom end this weekend - pics to follow Hopefully in a week from now or so the engine is sitting in the frame and I can start measuring clearances for tanks etc.

 

[Tim]

Just looking at some inspirational photos.

 

[Tim]

Finally a bit of progress. Got the bottom end of the engine buttoned up. Was held up by a seal I needed.

Top end should go on easily tomorrow, then I can wrestle it into the frame.

That's my CA95 engine on the left - also waiting on a seal before I can button up the bottom end and flip it over.

 

[Tim]

Engine is rebuilt with fresh 0.5mm over pistons (XS Cycle Performance), fresh hone etc. from Gord Bush Performance in Toronto, the ported head, XS1 cam and copper head gasket also sourced from XS Cycle Performance, dutiful placement of Threebond 1194 etc. etc. etc.

Got it in the frame too Interestingly while the head and cylinders wouldn't clear the studs while the engine is in the frame, I'm quite sure the rocker cover would. So while this frame is incredibly low, it actually offers a bit more room above the engine than the stock XS frame does. Nice to know I wouldn't have to pull the engine if I wanted to swap the cam or something.

 

[Kanticoy]

:: slow clap::

 

[sxecafe]

:: joining in ::

 

[kopcicle]

are we there yet ...




~kop

 

[Leebo]

A cole foster tank would look ideal on that bike ;D

 

[john83]

Man, this thing is gonna be awesome.

 

[Tim]

A cole foster tank would look ideal on that bike ;D

Not my cup of tea. I'm not a big fan of triangular shaped tanks with such straight lines. No, this bike is likely going to get a custom tank, or set of tanks

 

[leggers]

Looking good Tim. Nice work thus far

 

[VonYinzer]

Any updates?

 

[Tim]

Just sorted out a seat. Picked up a cool old Aquila seat. Mounts at the front only - no springs at the rear. The frame is 12 inches wide, so will be perfect on the frame.

I'm going to ditch the old vinyl cover and likely just cover the spring area with a piece of leather, leaving the frame exposed. Will blast the frame clean and figure out what finish to apply to it once I sort out colors for the bike. The whole bike might end up just raw brushed metal finishes with only the rims and hubs in the white, but we'll see.

Working on tank designs with Junior

And I have fork covers on the way from Vintage Customs.

 

[JustinLonghorn]

That is a rad seat, sir.

 

[Tim]

I think the seat might be a pillion seat, designed to bolt onto a rear fender. That might explain the 12" width vs. the more typical 14-16" width of similar seats for the rider.

But it's perfect for me. I didn't want such a wide seat on the bike but I wanted this style. The grab bar on the back of the seat is pretty cool I think, and not having to sweat bungs and springs at the rear of the seat is going to save time and money and it's gonna look very very good.

Wonder how comfortable the seat would be if I just sleeved each spring in leather.... probably horribly bad but you never know.

 

[Maritime]

might not be comfortable sleeved but it would look cool as hell. Maybe you could sleave it then make a small pad to put on when you are actually riding, then pull the pad when you get off and show off the seat. Very cool find.

 

[Maritime]

you know it would be cool just to coat the seat after blasting in something to protect it, leave it as is, and use a removable pad for riding, but leave the fully exposed springs whenever it is parked. The seat itself is really interesting. I would say just leave it an ride with no pad but I bet the springs would pinch ;D

 

[JRK5892]

awesome!!

 

[JRK5892]

that is a killer idea! blast it and powder to match the wheels! do the springs in black! just when you put the springs back on hook them so the hooks face down!

 

[JustinLonghorn]

Hell yeah, man. I dig that idea, Joe.