The 'leftovers' project - XS650
- Thread starter Tim
- Start date
Going to get in touch with David and see how the frame is going. I'm also thinking of perhaps maybe possibly using an inverted front end. I have an XS650 front end that will bolt on, but the fork tubes are bent. I'm working on another set, as they're easy to lower (properly with an internal spacer on the dampening rod and cutting the springs short) and cheap. But something in the back of my head has always wanted an inverted front end on SOMETHING. Have a line on a nice silver GSXR inverted front end (not a fan of the gold anodized models) with complete triple tree for around $200.
Anyhow - if I get that I might use it on the SR500 and use the SR500's forks on this frame with the XS650 tree (unless the SR's tree bolts onto the Voodoo frame as well). Or I use the inverted front end on this frame like the Monstercraftsman bike. Anyhow... nice to have choices.
The racing engine is coming along, so hopefully I'll have the engine for this bike soon. Will snap a pic of the wheels later too.
Anyhow - if I get that I might use it on the SR500 and use the SR500's forks on this frame with the XS650 tree (unless the SR's tree bolts onto the Voodoo frame as well). Or I use the inverted front end on this frame like the Monstercraftsman bike. Anyhow... nice to have choices.
The racing engine is coming along, so hopefully I'll have the engine for this bike soon. Will snap a pic of the wheels later too.
Going into the jig shortly - David's promised to send pics soon.
jelloelstone
Been Around the Block
Im liking the shape of the frame!
It's a Voodoo Vintage frame - David charges $825 for the MK4. Sounds like a lot, but when you figure a hard tail kit for an XS650 frame runs $200+ and that's just for the kit... you're into a solid $400 or so to hard tail an existing XS650 frame if you have to pay to have the thing welded up properly on a jig (which I would have to do as I don't weld and honestly would want it done proper on a jig).
Also, hard tailing a frame instantly voids your insurance here and essentially makes the bike illegal for the road. Lots do it to be sure, but I have a life insurance policy I'd like to see paid out in the event my hard tailed home-welded XS650 frame split in two with me along with it
Then, if you factor in the value of an XS650 frame with title... gotta be worth $100 or so. Bottom line is for a few hundred more than a hard tailed XS650 frame, you can get into a full custom Voodoo Vintage frame which honestly looks about 1000x better. Plus it's legal here (Ontario Canada) - I can register it with the Ministry of Transport and get a VIN for it, and insure it no problem for about the same rate as my current XS650. All well worth the extra $400 or so.
Also, hard tailing a frame instantly voids your insurance here and essentially makes the bike illegal for the road. Lots do it to be sure, but I have a life insurance policy I'd like to see paid out in the event my hard tailed home-welded XS650 frame split in two with me along with it
Then, if you factor in the value of an XS650 frame with title... gotta be worth $100 or so. Bottom line is for a few hundred more than a hard tailed XS650 frame, you can get into a full custom Voodoo Vintage frame which honestly looks about 1000x better. Plus it's legal here (Ontario Canada) - I can register it with the Ministry of Transport and get a VIN for it, and insure it no problem for about the same rate as my current XS650. All well worth the extra $400 or so.
