XS650 Bobber Flat Tracker

[british bulldog]

Looks awesome Dennis keep up the good work. I can't wait to run my BEEZER against her win or loose it will be a blast and a bucket of fun then some. We will have the beer nice and cold and lots of it. Do you know how many others are been born?

                                                  British Bulldog

                                                       

[Dennis]

I finally got around to taking some new photos.

The forks are straight with fresh seals.  The wheels have new bearings, seals, paint and rubber.  The gas tank and seat are mounted.  The rear fender brace had to be cut and narrowed.  I still have to do the front mount for the fender, mounts for the battery and voltage regulator, and finish the foot peg mounts and brackets.  I was hoping to get all of that done last weekend but it didn't happen.





Jeff made these rear axle spacers from a marine propeller shaft.  They're stainless steel.



Peace & Grease, Dennis

[Dennis]

I will try to post some new photos soon.  The fab work is completed.  Time constraints, and the fear of dumping the bike while racing have forced the choice to simply use the same cheapo rattle can paint (yellow) for the rear fender.  I am going to borrow the little tank from my drag bike, because the one I was planning on using needs too much work.  I would hate to spend a bunch of money on a liner and paint job, only to ding it all up when I crash.

It will be a roller for the Motorcycle Awareness Show 'n Shine, but I likely won't have it wired by then. 

Peace & Grease, Dennis

[fast1]

  Saw a guy today riding a 650 rigid with an over length springer and rake wearing a green metal flake helmet. Looked cool. CHEERS.

[british bulldog]

Dennis it sounds good. Keep up the good work can't wait to see that Flat Tracker of yours. Fast 1 it might be Fuddy, Dennis's nephew's friend. I saw the bike a couple of months ago, it looks like somebody did a pretty good job on it, if i remember right. The Yamaha 650 XS is a great engine though, from what i have seen and been told over the years. I never owned one though.

                                             British Bulldog   

[Dennis]

On the weekend, I guilted the Chopper Boyz into helping me with some fab work.  Emery made the battery box.  His own design and it works great.  Note that there is no writing left on the battery.  He removed it "'cause its cooler."



Rear fender spray bombed to match the drag bike's gas tank.  I will have to compare the hue later.  Same paint, but the gas tank has had a year to fade.  No Bondo and just a smidge of primer so it kinda sucks.  Good enough for racing.  One day this bike will be a chick magnet and for that it will be all smooth and shiny.



I am closely monitoring the weather this afternoon.  If the sun comes out I will head home early and paint the frame. 

Peace & Grease, Dennis

[Dennis]

Frame done.  Everything done but washing the engine and polishing some aluminum.  Assembly is scheduled for Sunday (barring yard work or other familial duties).



Peace & Grease, Dennis

[Dennis]

The Wedding Day Bobber is now ready for the Motorcycle Awareness Show.  It is not finished but will have to do.  I screwed up on the foot pegs.  I have made two sets and neither turned out right.  I made assumptions about exhaust clearance which were wrong.  The wiring needs to be completed and few other small bits.  I will have to start all over with the foot pegs though.









Peace & Grease, Dennis

[Dennis]

Thought I should finish this thread with a picture of the bike at O'Keefe's.




Although the plan was to turn it into a street legal bobber, my current plan is to leave it as is and race it again next year.  I am starting a new thread on the Smithers xs650 bobber.

Peace & Grease, Dennis