Paul picked up a couple of XS650s on Boxing Day. One was complete and one.... wasn't. Paul gave me the incomplete rigid framed one. It was just the engine, frame, and rear wheel (and a seat that didn't fit right). I had an old dirt bike front end which I have kept knowing one day a project like this would come my way. I bolted it on and one of my least favourite handlebars from my stash.
Rusty gave me a spoked 16" XS650 rear wheel, with a drum brake and aluminum rim. I'll use that instead of the cast one currently on the bike.
If I decide to actually go with the dirt bike front end, I'll have to have a "guess what it is" contest, because I can't remember what it is from, and it will need lots of work. I like dirt bike front ends for choppers because they are already longer that street bike forks, they have no fender mount bosses cast on the lower legs (which looks good for fenderless), and the wheels are light weight spoked and aluminum. Modern (relative term) dirt bikes have disc brakes which I also like.
The engine is missing carbs, electrics, and the starter motor. There is a wide open hole where the starter motor was. This doesn't bother me a bit, because any XS650 rebuild I do, will be upgraded to Mikuni VM Carbs, electronic ignition, and fixed magnet alternator ... exactly what I did with the Smithers XS650 Bobber which arrived in my driveway in close to the same condition.
One more bike for the project pipeline.
Peace & projects, Dennis
