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Post by zookiecrew on Jul 17, 2009 3:36:57 GMT -5
 Got My first XS Yesterday. Been drooling over them for several months and finally found the project bike I was looking for. Its an '81 with a heavily modified frame-the wheel base is 11 inches longer than stock. Not sure of the history on this bike, but I do know I'm the third person to take a whack at it. It was a craigslist find and a four and a half hour drive away. Came with two nearly complete parts bikes.  Immediately changed out the handle bars, and first thing today cut the huge fender off. I just plan on slowly piecing the bike back together, get it running good, and driving. Then I'll strip it down to the frame and sand blast, powdercoat, and paint everything.  With a little luck, I'm hoping to get it running this weekend. In the mean time I'll be ordering a headlight, springer seat, forward controls, and all the other things I need to make it a roadworthy bike.  |
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Post by roar on Jul 17, 2009 8:10:32 GMT -5
Looks like a fun project, but I suppose there's a reason you're the third to giver a go. I see a few bumps in your road ahead, but with patience you're going to have a bitchin' ride. Here's to hoping the third time's a charm.
Roar
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Post by drooling-bloodhound on Jul 17, 2009 14:48:36 GMT -5
I like that tank.
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Post by zookiecrew on Jul 17, 2009 17:27:40 GMT -5
Yeah, the entire bike is pretty rough...and the frame needs some serious attention. The welds are ugly, but he went overkill by gusseting everything with 1/4" plate steel. I'm sure it'll be plenty strong once I fill and grind out the hideously welded joints. But still, it had the basic look I was goin' for. I couldn't bring myself to buy a perfectly good OEM XS and cut it to pieces so I thought I would take on someone else's abortion instead. I'm a mechanic and electrican by trade so I doubt there's much about this bike I can't figure out and correct if needed. Especially with some help from XS650 Garage...
Yeah, I thought the tank was pretty unique...I was told the bikes original creator was the one who made it by hand. It's pretty rough too, like the rest of the bike, and needs some work
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Post by eric123 on Jul 17, 2009 22:51:05 GMT -5
The goose neck is pretty cool...The back half makes me a little nervous. Please keep us updated on your progress.
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Post by necos650 on Aug 5, 2009 19:47:31 GMT -5
Love the goose neck. Good Luck
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Post by Mat on Aug 10, 2009 14:46:12 GMT -5
Would you be interested in trading your rear wheel for a disc brake rear mag and full rear disc brake setup?
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Post by zookiecrew on Apr 26, 2012 3:04:36 GMT -5
Okay, so forgive me...but I completely forgot I had an account on this forum! Its been a few years, and thought that I would do an update and post some pics! My plans changed drastically as I built this thing. I originally was going for a more modern chopper look, and planned on making it super clean like I see so many others do with thier XS's. Well, clearly that didn't happen. I fell in love with the natural(and not so natural) patina it had. The light rust, scratches, grinds, and some corrossion, gave the bike so much character. So the build took a turn towards old school, and I never looked back! Now I'll admit, this thing is shifty at best. So I've lovingly nicknamed it "DeathTrap". And it lacks a lot of the "accessories" that would qualify it for "street legal". But I think that gives it a bit of the rebel feel a chopper should have to begin with... No fancy chrome, or shiny paint. No silly blinkers, or fenders, or fuel gauge, or chain gaurds, or any of that. Just a pure and simple rider. And thats exactly what I'll do with it, ride it till the wheels fall off... Let me know what you think!?!?
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Post by zookiecrew on Apr 26, 2012 3:10:48 GMT -5
Okay, nevermind. It won't let me upload a picture. Something about a valid authorization token or a device key? IDK...
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Post by madmax on Apr 26, 2012 5:29:12 GMT -5
Okay, nevermind. It won't let me upload a picture. Something about a valid authorization token or a device key? IDK... I've had the same issue with uploading photo's for a while, found the solution yesterday. Your picture needs to be uploaded to a hosting site (photobucket or similar, I'm using Picasa) then copy & paste the full URL into the text box here, ignore the browse/host it function. When you've got the URL pasted you need to delete the "s" from https, once that's done, highlight all the remaining URL and click the insert image button, bingo.... you've just uploaded a photo. Here's a short youtube clip explaining it much more simply. www.youtube.com/watch?v=uot9QBmwBHI Max |
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Post by zookiecrew on Apr 26, 2012 22:23:05 GMT -5
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Post by zookiecrew on Apr 26, 2012 22:24:08 GMT -5
Haha, it worked! Thanks Max!
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Post by zookiecrew on Apr 26, 2012 22:28:50 GMT -5
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Post by madmax on Apr 27, 2012 6:36:25 GMT -5
I like it, nice and simple although the jockey shift would be pretty dangerous on our busy roads.
Can I ask what tyres those are? what sizes are they and how wide are they as fitted? I'm looking for some fat tyres with old fashioned tread pattern for the SR500 bobber that is slowly taking shape.
cheers
Max
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Post by preston on Apr 27, 2012 6:56:01 GMT -5
I like the invisible rear brake linkage,,
,,, helps keeps the bike lines clean and un-cluttered.
Preston
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