Most Radical Tail Light Ever & 1979 XS650 Project

[DogBunny]

http://www.handspiral.com/images/Diamond_Die/xlforum/Bling/BlingR.jpg

http://www.handspiral.com/images/Diamond_Die/xlforum/Bling/BlingCU.jpg
The tail/brake light is an antique Coleman lantern I think. The lens is a cast red glass hand. It is lit by a bulb from underneath.
Check out the pipe hanger.
No rear fender.

http://www.handspiral.com/images/Diamond_Die/xlforum/2009/right2.jpg
That bike was the inspiration for my own dual tail/brake lights. I don't have turn signals.

I am posting this in response to questions from another thread. I guess this will serve as my "introduction," so here are some more pics:

http://www.handspiral.com/images/Diamond_Die/xlforum/2009/seat/right.jpg
My grips and seat are now black. The racoon tail died of natural causes.

http://www.handspiral.com/images/Diamond_Die/xlforum/2009/teardrop.jpg
Swiss-cheesed my teardrop air cleaner. Dipped the brake pedal in red Plasticoat. BMX pedal footpegs from eBay.

http://www.handspiral.com/images/Diamond_Die/xlforum/2009/bandana.jpg
Using a bandana on the fork tubes instead of gaiters.

http://www.handspiral.com/images/Diamond_Die/xlforum/2009/rotor2.jpg
Painted my rotor.

http://www.handspiral.com/images/Diamond_Die/xlforum/eyebrow/on.jpg
Chopped the headlight eyebrow.

http://www.handspiral.com/images/Diamond_Die/xlforum/2009/battery.jpg
Had the tins powder coated, did all of the rest of the paint myself.

http://www.handspiral.com/images/Diamond_Die/xlforum/2009/Lengine.jpg
Painted my oil filter before I spun it on.

http://www.handspiral.com/images/Diamond_Die/xlforum/2009/headbolts.jpg
Top die is the fuel petcock. Bottom die is the enrichener (choke) knob.

http://www.handspiral.com/images/Diamond_Die/xlforum/2009/CatchCan/can1.jpg
http://www.handspiral.com/images/Diamond_Die/xlforum/2009/CatchCan/can2.jpg
Crankcase breather catch-can and drive rotor.


http://www.handspiral.com/images/Diamond_Die/xlforum/2009/spoke1.jpg
My favorite pic.

http://www.handspiral.com/images/Diamond_Die/xlforum/2009/RustBridge.jpg
My most recent pic.

[Hood Ornament]

LOL, those passenger pegs crack me up! :lol2:

[poser]

very cool!

[JTM]

LOL, those passenger pegs crack me up! :lol2:


:trust: I have got to agree about the foot pegs. :lol2:

[poser]

didn't really pay attention to the passenger pegs at first, and now I wish I hadn't

[Hemibee]

LOL, those passenger pegs crack me up! :lol2:

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: I agree :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

True one of a kind craftsmanship on building the bike :clap:

[DogBunny]

didn't really pay attention to the passenger pegs at first, and now I wish I hadn't
Yes, I do get some hate on the passenger pegs. However, they are very important for balancing the color, and emphasizing the horizontal flow. In other words, it's aesthetics, not a social commentary or lifestyle advertisement.

[poser]

Yes, I do get some hate on the passenger pegs. However, they are very important for balancing the color, and emphasizing the horizontal flow. In other words, it's aesthetics, not a social commentary or lifestyle advertisement.

I wasn't hate'n.
Honestly I thought they were lights at first, like the dudes on the run way at the airport. I thought maybe they were turn signals. Now I know they're "turn-on" signals :rofl:

[rob-houston]

didn't really pay attention to the passenger pegs at first, and now I wish I hadn't

Didn't notice the pegs either, but I did notice the oil spot in the first picture! :mrgreen:

[stacie074]

:rofl: :rofl:

[Outlander]

I wasn't hate'n.
Honestly I thought they were lights at first, like the dudes on the run way at the airport. I thought maybe they were turn signals. Now I know they're "turn-on" signals :rofl:

I though the same. :rofl: the "turn-on" signals :rofl:

That is a CUSTOM bike :clap:

I do not think the flashlights do justice to the rest of the bike.

[DogBunny]

I wasn't hate'n... ...Now I know they're "turn-on" signals :rofl:
I know, but I do get a small amount of hate regarding them.
I've heard it all, but "turn-on" signals is new.
They started out as vibrators, very inexpensive from an online supplier. I took the mechanisms out -- but they still vibrate when I start the bike up!
I though the same. :rofl: the "turn-on" signals :rofl:

That is a CUSTOM bike :clap:

I do not think the flashlights do justice to the rest of the bike.
Those are 99 cent promotional Eveready flashlights. Some have told me to switch to red metal Mag-Lights. But, those plastic lights were the genesis of the whole build. Inspired by the Iron Head. They are my favorite mod, no way I'm changing.

[Hemibee]

I took the mechanisms out -- but they still vibrate when I start the bike up!

Well that make's them true "Milwaukee Vibrators."

[Annhl8rX]

That thing is great. I'd love to have something like that, but I have absolutely zero artistic talent or ability. If a mod doesn't involve unbolting one part and bolting another in its place, I don't even attempt it.

[Outlander]

Those are 99 cent promotional Eveready flashlights. Some have told me to switch to red metal Mag-Lights. But, those plastic lights were the genesis of the whole build. Inspired by the Iron Head. They are my favorite mod, no way I'm changing.

I see your point, they are more than just one part.

I do not get the DIE logo. What is it?

[jbobiccus]

That is truly an awe-inspiring (and aaaahhhhh-inspiring with the passenger pegs) bike. Very very impressive. :clap::clap:

I wish I had the creativity and skill to pull that off.

[DogBunny]

Thanks for all the comments.

I do not get the DIE logo. What is it?
Well, I'm glad you asked.

"DIE" is a double-entendre. Yes, I am telling the world to die, which jibes with the whole Harley eff-off attitude thing, but without resorting to the hackneyed skull emblems that a lot of "customizers" use. And, of course, a single dice is a die, which was one of the genesis's of my bike's theme.

There's actually quite a bit more to it than that, but that should work for now...

[el_chupo_]

Love the brat style bikes, this is definitely a great looking bike!

who did your seat?

[DogBunny]

Love the brat style bikes, this is definitely a great looking bike!
who did your seat?
People, including me, have a really hard time figuring out what the right name for the style of my bike is. I've never heard "brat" before, but maybe that's what it is.

The black seat is a Biltwell mounted with a Biltwell hinge. The old red seat was a West Eagle.

[el_chupo_]

People, including me, have a really hard time figuring out what the right name for the style of my bike is. I've never heard "brat" before, but maybe that's what it is.

The black seat is a Biltwell mounted with a Biltwell hinge. The old red seat was a West Eagle.

I found them when looking for something similar for a XS650 conversion. Apparently, Bratstyle started over in Japan, and has become this:

http://www.bratstyle.com/

with this being my favorite XS :
http://www.coolhunting.com/images/Bratstyle1.jpg

And this my favorite HD:
http://www.bratstyle.com/custom/photo%203706.jpg


I dont know if the term is accurate, but they are good looking bikes

[DogBunny]

Yeah, after reading your post, I Googled "brat motorcycle." I definitely see similarities, but I need to do more research.

The next few people who ask me what it is (a lot of people don't even realize it's a Harley), I'm going to tell them it's a brat or a Harley brat, and see what their reaction is.

[NorthOfDallas]

that freakin rules!!!! Seriously, its so awesome I can't even type it. I am not a typical HD fan, but this thing does it for me, especially the everready's and both pegs...big red/shiner caps, and all!

where in TX are you? If you're in DFW, I'd love to see it.

PS: in my eyes, your favorite pic is a fitting honor to Don Walser, even if unintentional (http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=alb.137891)

[BexarWolf]

All I can say is :clap::clap::clap:

[DogBunny]

where in TX are you? If you're in DFW, I'd love to see it.

PS: in my eyes, your favorite pic is a fitting honor to Don Walser, even if unintentional (http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=alb.137891)
I'm in Austin.
I believe Walser's album is a tribute to "The Texas Top Hands," a western swing band that formed in 1941 and possibly still occasionally performs. I used to see Don perform for free in a small room at a local Mexican food joint. It was like having him perform in your living room.

The old tour bus in the pic is permanently parked in front of the world-famous Broken Spoke in Austin. The same day I took that picture, I took this one of the front door:
http://www.handspiral.com/images/Diamond_Die/xlforum/2009/spoke2.jpg

[BexarWolf]

I need to get down to the Broken Spoke. I've been in Austin 5+ years and haven't crossed their threshold yet. :giveup:

[DogBunny]

Love the brat style bikes, this is definitely a great looking bike!
I found them when looking for something similar for a XS650 conversion. Apparently, Bratstyle started over in Japan, and has become this:

http://www.bratstyle.com/

Okay, I spent a lot of time researching brat style. Your link was great, here's another good one: http://www.berrybads.com/

Brat seems to be a combination of the words bobber and rat.

Apparently in Japan it is not street-legal to hard-tail a frame, so they all have rear shocks. It does seem to be okay to chop the frame though, that's how a lot of them get their low stance. I also noticed that the forks seem to all be stock, with no stretch or rake or anything.
Anyways, I've started wanting to find a nice, old Jap bike to turn into a rat, and now I really want to find one, lots of ideas on those sites.

As for my bike, I don't think that it's bobbed enough, or ratty enough to really be a brat. But, I'm going to start telling people that's what it is, and see what happens.

[NorthOfDallas]

I'm in Austin.
I believe Walser's album is a tribute to "The Texas Top Hands," a western swing band that formed in 1941 and possibly still occasionally performs. I used to see Don perform for free in a small room at a local Mexican food joint. It was like having him perform in your living room.

The old tour bus in the pic is permanently parked in front of the world-famous Broken Spoke in Austin. The same day I took that picture, I took this one of the front door:
http://www.handspiral.com/images/Diamond_Die/xlforum/2009/spoke2.jpg

I kinda knew that, but still wasnt entirely sure. Believe it or not, I've never been to the 'Spoke and I'm a big Bruce Robison fan, and really like Jesse Dayton and Dale Watson. How sad is that, right? Great shot tho' and I'm glad that someone other than me knows of the Pavarotti of the Plains.

[DogBunny]

I need to get down to the Broken Spoke. I've been in Austin 5+ years and haven't crossed their threshold yet. :giveup:
Believe it or not, I've never been to the 'Spoke and I'm a big Bruce Robison fan, and really like Jesse Dayton and Dale Watson. How sad is that, right?
I've lived in Austin for 36 years, but I can't dance, so I've only been to the Spoke twice. Both times to show clueless out-of-state guests what a real Texas honky tonk is like. Here's how one visit worked:

Go to the Spoke. An old biddy at the door is checking I.D.s. Show her mine, and I pass.
First friend gives her his I.D. The biddy looks at his I.D., then looks at him with a pained expression on her face, and bellows in a Texas drawl loud enough so that everyone nearby can hear, "Pennsylvania???!!!" Exact same thing happens with second friend, only this time she bellows "New Jersey???!!!"
I'm sure this is standard operating procedure with "foreigners" at the Spoke, and it was pretty funny.
Might add that this happened at least 20 years ago, at a time when Texas, and particularly Austin was quite xenophobic. It was common to see bumper stickers with slogans like "Keep Texas Beautiful. Put a Yankee on a Bus," or "Welcome To Texas. Now, Go Home."

[zombierider]

Love that bike. I am working on customizing mine.

[zombierider]

What did you use to eliminate the controls on the handle bars? I'm want to clean up my handle bars.

[DogBunny]

What did you use to eliminate the controls on the handle bars? I'm want to clean up my handle bars.
http://www.handspiral.com/images/Diamond_Die/xlforum/2009/Lgrip1.jpg
$15 clutch lever. (I dipped it in red Plasti-Dip.) I got mine from Flyrite. These are very common, should be easy to find. I've got a die in the mirror mount hole.
http://www.handspiral.com/images/Diamond_Die/xlforum/2009/button1.jpg
Internally wired micro switch for my horn.
http://www.handspiral.com/images/Diamond_Die/xlforum/2009/button2.jpg
I thought the switch looked naked, so I glued this frog to it.
http://www.handspiral.com/images/Diamond_Die/xlforum/2009/switch2.jpg
This is the matching brake. Cost about $90, I think. Note the red die used for the throttle friction screw. Also, note the black shrink wrap on the mirror stem. That stem was all scraped up and looked like ****. I've used shrink wrap to black-out a lot of things.
http://www.handspiral.com/images/Diamond_Die/xlforum/2009/switch1a.jpg
Frog starter button and skull run/stop button. Internally wired.
http://www.handspiral.com/images/Diamond_Die/xlforum/2009/bars.jpg
Too much red. I have since switched to black grips.

http://a763.g.akamai.net/7/763/1644/3/app.infopia.com/img/image/fp/VPID/7213874/img3/img.jpg
I wish I had known about these from demonscycle.com. $150, but I don't see them listed anymore -- try calling. No electrical switches at all, except the brake lioght switch(?). Clean. You don't need all those switches on the bars, you can hide them anywhere on the bike that you like. Here's an example:
http://www.handspiral.com/images/Diamond_Die/xlforum/2009/ROT/keys.jpg
And another:
http://www.handspiral.com/images/Diamond_Die/xlforum/2009/HotRod/rat2.jpg

[shootergal]

LOL, those passenger pegs crack me up! :lol2:

things that make you go :rofl::lol2::rofl::lol2:

[Badge502]

Awesome bike... Very well done.

[ceddec]

I have come back to this post a couple of times. When I first saw your work, I thought what were you thinking. The more I look at it, the more its been growing on me. You have done a really nice job of working the details and composition of the bike. Hopefully one day I'll get to see it person at a pie run or something. Oh yeah, those red grips really needed to go.

[DogBunny]

Thanks for all the comments.
I have come back to this post a couple of times. When I first saw your work, I thought what were you thinking. The more I look at it, the more its been growing on me. You have done a really nice job of working the details and composition of the bike. Hopefully one day I'll get to see it person at a pie run or something. Oh yeah, those red grips really needed to go.
The red seat really needed to go too. I really appreciate your post.

el_chupo_, why did you have to tip me off to bratstyle? I am completely obsessed now. Just bought this sweet 1979 Yamaha XS650 today:

http://www.handspiral.com/images/aXS650/2009/virgin.jpg
I plan to rat it, and then bratstyle it. It's kind of a shame because it is so pristine -- 10K on the clock -- but, they made zillions of them, if I play with one, I think the universe will still be okay...

http://www.bratstyle.com/custom/xs650sp%20satou/photo%2033011.jpg
Here's some inspiration for me. Bratstyle XS650. Check out those pipes!!!

[el_chupo_]

Thanks for all the comments.

The red seat really needed to go too. I really appreciate your post.

el_chupo_, why did you have to tip me off to bratstyle? I am completely obsessed now. Just bought this sweet 1979 Yamaha XS650 today:

http://www.handspiral.com/images/aXS650/2009/virgin.jpg
I plan to rat it, and then bratstyle it. It's kind of a shame because it is so pristine -- 10K on the clock -- but, they made zillions of them, if I play with one, I think the universe will still be okay...

http://www.bratstyle.com/custom/xs650sp%20satou/photo%2033011.jpg
Here's some inspiration for me. Bratstyle XS650. Check out those pipes!!!


I would feel bad, but then, I dont...:eek2::sun:

I picked up an XS500 to play with, so I understand. The site xs650chopper.com has some really nice bikes (and some ugly stuff) but its all projects from individuals, and a couple of XS builders.

[pacman]

I would kill for that bus. Style like that in mass transit has not been seen since.
http://www.handspiral.com/images/Diamond_Die/xlforum/2009/spoke1.jpg

Your bike is spectacular. Can't wait to see the bratstyle XS.

[Teeds]

I kinda knew that, but still wasnt entirely sure. Believe it or not, I've never been to the 'Spoke and I'm a big Bruce Robison fan, and really like Jesse Dayton and Dale Watson. How sad is that, right? Great shot tho' and I'm glad that someone other than me knows of the Pavarotti of the Plains.

Great music and I'm betting that you already know ... A mainstay on "The Range".

Someday I have to flip the music box in my truck from CDs back to radio.

As much as I like the Range, I'm on the southern edge of their broadcast range.

Really nice and well thought through bike.

[NorthOfDallas]

Great music and I'm betting that you already know ... A mainstay on "The Range".

Someday I have to flip the music box in my truck from CDs back to radio.

As much as I like the Range, I'm on the southern edge of their broadcast range.

Really nice and well thought through bike.

Yep, I've been listening to 95.3 for over a decade, but its not the same station. I havent heard the likes of a Don Walser on the station in some time. With the change from Ken Jones to his son Josh, its gotten a lot more Reckless Kelly and a lot less Bob Wills. Not bad, just not as good, IMO.

[Teeds]

Yep, I've been listening to 95.3 for over a decade, but its not the same station. I havent heard the likes of a Don Walser on the station in some time. With the change from Ken Jones to his son Josh, its gotten a lot more Reckless Kelly and a lot less Bob Wills. Not bad, just not as good, IMO.

That is one of the reasons for me as well.

The earliest days were the best.

[DogBunny]

Thanks to all for all of the comments...
I picked up an XS500 to play with, so I understand. The site xs650chopper.com has some really nice bikes (and some ugly stuff) but its all projects from individuals, and a couple of XS builders.
I too like xs650chopper.com, but it's not a "real" forum like this one.
Here is an excellent, "real" xs650 specific forum:
http://xs650temp.proboards.com/index.cgi
I don't think there is a good xs500 forum, but there's probably a lot of carry-over to your bike on that forum.

[el_chupo_]

Thanks to all for all of the comments...

I too like xs650chopper.com, but it's not a "real" forum like this one.
Here is an excellent, "real" xs650 specific forum:
http://xs650temp.proboards.com/index.cgi
I don't think there is a good xs500 forum, but there's probably a lot of carry-over to your bike on that forum.



Havent found that one, but there is another one I have bookmarked. Thanks for the link.

My first order of business is to pull the oil filter and replace it. Apparently someone thought JB WELD was a good way to keep a cracked filter alive:giveup:

Apparently the frames are a little different, and I cant find much info. The XS400 seemed to have been more popular. Either way, its gonna be fun...

[Tourmeister]

Thanks for all the comments.

The red seat really needed to go too. I really appreciate your post.

el_chupo_, why did you have to tip me off to bratstyle? I am completely obsessed now. Just bought this sweet 1979 Yamaha XS650 today:

http://www.handspiral.com/images/aXS650/2009/virgin.jpg
I plan to rat it, and then bratstyle it. It's kind of a shame because it is so pristine -- 10K on the clock -- but, they made zillions of them, if I play with one, I think the universe will still be okay...

http://www.bratstyle.com/custom/xs650sp%20satou/photo%2033011.jpg
Here's some inspiration for me. Bratstyle XS650. Check out those pipes!!!

I would love to see a thread that chronicles the creation of this new project! Maybe we should have a "Project Bike" forum section? There have been some cool threads about restorations and other kinds of project bikes. Would be nice to have them all in one place.

[pacman]

That's great idea Scott. I've seen something similar on other forums and it makes for some great reading.

[busarider1]

Beautiful ride. It says, "my owner would be a cool guy to have a beer with".

[el_chupo_]

Do it Scott!

If things go to plan I hope to start a project this winter, and it would be great to see what others are doing, even if its only mild mods, not full builds.

[zombierider]

I can't get over how cool your bike is. Take pics of the progress of the xs as well.

[DogBunny]

Once again, thanks for all the comments.

Uh-oh, now the pressure is on... Sure, I can do a build thread, and if need be, I can do it right here in this thread -- it's already off the original topic, but has a catchy title.

Gotta admit, I'm a little overwhelmed by the responses...

[Tourmeister]

Once again, thanks for all the comments.

Uh-oh, now the pressure is on... Sure, I can do a build thread, and if need be, I can do it right here in this thread -- it's already off the original topic, but has a catchy title.

Gotta admit, I'm a little overwhelmed by the responses...

:tab TWT has a pretty eclectic mix of riders with all manner of bikes (and scooters and trikes). The common thread is a love of bikes. While there are many bikes I would never care to own, I can still appreciate that others love them and even appreciate the work some folks do that I might not do. I think there are a LOT of other folks here like that. Besides, as has been pointed out, your bike is quite cool ;-)

[Texason]

:clap: That is one of the best looking bikes I've ever seen.

[Badge502]

OK, along these same lines... As I was leaving Lonestar BMW today, a BMW Kbike pulled out of the parking lot, and it was pretty cool looking... single sided swingarm, no body work, different pipe, lots of touchs on it... If somebody sees it, or knows of it, I sure would like to get a better look at it... Looked like a work in progress...

All day, that is all Ive thought about... What would I get if I was going to make a "fun/rat/cafe/whatever" kind of bike... :ponder:

[DogBunny]

Tourmeister, Texason, and everyone, thanks a lot.
Badge 502, Austin is filled with cool bikes. I have quite a collection of pics, maybe I should start sharing. Almost all of them are Sportsters, because that's my thing, at least it was until getting that XS650. Here's a start:

http://www.handspiral.com/images/Diamond_Die/xlforum/2009/lolita/points.jpg
Sportster points cover. I believe this is for changing the timing on the fly?
Seen at Jo's Coffee during SXSW.

http://www.handspiral.com/images/Diamond_Die/xlforum/2009/HotRod/scorcher1.jpg
http://www.handspiral.com/images/Diamond_Die/xlforum/2009/HotRod/scorcher2.jpg
http://www.handspiral.com/images/Diamond_Die/xlforum/2009/HotRod/scorcher3.jpg
http://www.handspiral.com/images/Diamond_Die/xlforum/2009/HotRod/scorcher4.jpg
Kickstands? We don't need no stinking kickstands!
From the Flyrite Choppers open house in Taylor earlier this year.

I've started tearing into my new 1979 XS650. I'll try to update eventually.

[Badge502]

I raced an XS650 in open production endurance races at the old Texas World Speedway back in the 80's... Always finished fourth... Other bikes were pulling in for tires, and adjustments, we just kept going round and round... That WOULD be a fun bike to play with...

Bring those pics on... Id love to see them.

[DogBunny]

I bought yet another 1979 XS650. That's two in seven days...

http://images.craigslist.org/3n33kf3mb5Oe5Q65S098n9f6e8bc0d1bd1600.jpghttp://images.craigslist.org/3n33ob3l85Qf5Pb5R498n49dc16881a3f1031.jpg
Here's what I just bought, if the Craig's List pictures still work.
It's a barn find, with title, that I got for $320. A pretty lot of rust, but everything is there. Hasn't run in at least two years -- and half a tank of gas...
It's hard to see the exhausts because they are black, but they are two into ones.
Anyways, this ones going to be a ton of work.

Here's an update on the first bike, the one that looked so pristine. Turns out this bike is something of a piece of work. Lots of amateurish repairs, wallowed-out screw heads, buggered nuts and bolts, and missing and mis-matched fasteners.
The neck bearings felt like gravel -- have already removed the races. One fork was almost dry, and the Teflon coating on one of the brass fork tube bushings was slightly gouged. The fork oil seals were extremely hard to remove, I wonder if they are the originals.

Carb is so gummed that the throttle won't snap back, nor will the chokes lift without prying. Somebody put brand new plugs in -- never been fired -- and way over-tightened them. It took all of my tricks to get them out. The intake boxes were loose. It's pretty obvious that someone who didn't know what they were doing tried to get it running, but didn't get very far.

Weirdest of all is the two crankcase covers. They have been "buffed" or something, you really have to see them. Don't know what that means, hope it's not bad.

In any case, it's been pretty fun so far. I've never worked on a metric before, so there's a steep learning curve for me. The nice thing, is that now that I have yet another XS, doing the same procedures to it will take a fraction of the time.

I've got some work pics on the way. Thanks.

[DogBunny]

As I said in my last post, even though it looks great in that first picture, it turns out the bike is not all that pristine. I am more or less going to have my way with it, except that I will not modify, cut or weld the frame. The one exception is that I intend to put a grease fitting in the neck.

http://www.handspiral.com/images/aXS650/2009/forks/shave1.jpg
Shaving the legs. Actually, just one leg, since I intend to run a fender. The paint is KG Gun Kote Heat-to-Cure. I've been using it for a while, and I love it. It is more abrasion and heat resistant than powder coat, and I can do it myself. It does require a lot of prep and a blasting cabinet and an old oven for curing.

http://www.handspiral.com/images/aXS650/2009/forks/shave3.jpg
Make shift wet-grinder. Silicon carbide belt on an expanding wheel drum. Yes, it is plugged into a GFI circuit. Took about 5 minutes to clean up the nubs, and the whole casting, which wasn't finished very well. The XS in the background is the barn find. The good one is indoors.

http://www.handspiral.com/images/aXS650/2009/forks/shave2.jpg
The bike is stripped enough to remove the carbs. 1/4" of varnish in the bottom of the float bowls. I also tried to show the bad steering bearings. Also, the stripped and bent fork pinch bolt stud.

[DogBunny]

It's been a few days since I've worked on the XS650. Been busy with other repairs. Here's an interesting one I did to my old abused and misused 1990 Sportster:

http://www.handspiral.com/images/Diamond_Die/xlforum/2009/GasSight/gauge1.jpg
Here's an easy sight gauge if you have an old, aftermarket Sportster tank like mine.
The ninety-degree fitting on the bottom, which I had capped-off, began leaking. I didn't have another cap, so I grabbed a length of 5/16" I.D. vinyl hose, and stuck it on. I was about to find a golf tee to cap the other end of the hose with, when I realized that I could just stick it on my analog speedo trip meter reset knob. 60 second site gauge completed.
Only thing was, it looked vulnerable and prone to vandalism.

http://t-trial.hp.infoseek.co.jp/image/kaze_musi/ihaXL230_shock-unit.jpg
Then I remembered seeing pics of these vintage TL 125 trials bikes with their cool hose-vented gas caps.

http://www.handspiral.com/images/Diamond_Die/xlforum/2009/GasSight/gauge3.jpg
I had a spare pop-up gas cap that I never used because it never vented correctly. If you disassemble one, there is a hole in it that perfectly fits a 1/4" I.D. oil line. I already had a spare 1/4" hose barb tee.

http://www.handspiral.com/images/Diamond_Die/xlforum/2009/GasSight/gauge2.jpg
This time I used 1/4" I.D. vinyl hose, because it fits the tank fitting better. I slipped a small piece of 3/8" I.D. oil line hose over each end of the vinyl hose so that the hose clamps would have something to grab on to.

http://www.handspiral.com/images/Diamond_Die/xlforum/2009/GasSight/gauge4.jpg
The hose is now securely fastened, and follows the dash contour, so it is inconspicuous. This one took longer to make then the first, but it looks sharp. The only thing I didn't already have was 2 feet of 1/4" vinyl hose, less than fifty cents at Lowe's.

[Houston_Rider]

And, of course, a single dice is a die, which was one of the genesis's of my bike's theme....


but there are 9 "die" on your bike... :rofl:

[DogBunny]

Houston_Rider, you deserve some kind of prize for that last post. I had to actually go out and count the Dice on The Diamond Die. You are absolutely correct, there are exactly nine.

I've been waiting for the day when someone would figure out where I stole the "DIE" emblem on my tank from. It looks like that will never happen, so here is the story. Let me preface the story by saying that I am an artist, I graduated from UT with a BFA, and I took a really lot of Art History courses.

Everyone has heard of the Pop Art movement of the 60's and of Andy Warhol. A slightly lesser-known, but also hugely successful friend and collaborator of Warhol, was and is fellow Popist Robert Indiana. Although you may have never heard of his name, he is arguably the most successful and famous Pop Artist after Warhol.

http://www.handspiral.com/images/Diamond_Die/LOVELg.jpg
You have doubtlessly seen a version of Indianna's most famous work, his slightly kitschy, cash-cow known as "LOVE" (1962). As you can tell, I'm not crazy about "LOVE," but there are a lot of other Robert Indiana works that I do think highly of. All of Indianna's works are based on letters and/or numbers.

As a child traveling the country with his parents, Indianna was struck by the fact that many roadhouses and diners had signs that said "Eats" or simply "Eat," on them, as if that were a command.

http://images.lunaimaging.com/images/AMICA/Size1/WAC/wac_.127c.jpg?userid=12&username=cartoinscribe&resolution=1&servertype=JVA&cid=1&iid=AMICO&vcid=NA&usergroup=cartoinscribe&profileid=8
These signs were the inspiration for his "The Green Diamond Eat" (1962).

Indianna thought that the logical and ironic converse of "eat" would be "die."

http://images.lunaimaging.com/images/AMICA/Size1/WAC/wac_.126c.jpg?userid=12&username=cartoinscribe&resolution=1&servertype=JVA&cid=1&iid=AMICO&vcid=NA&usergroup=cartoinscribe&profileid=8
Robert Indianna, "The Red Diamond Die" (1962).
"Eat" and "Die" are usually displayed side by side as a diptych.

When I was mulling the dice theme and the red and black color scheme of my bike, I serendipitously remembered Indidnna's "Die" from my Art History courses, and the rest, as they say, is history (art history?).

One final tie-in: the tins of the donor bike that I used to build The Diamond Die were yellow. The little bit of yellow in Indianna's "Die" I regard as an homage to The Diamond Die's original color.

[DogBunny]

http://www.handspiral.com/images/aXS650/2009/virgin.jpg
This is the 1979 XS650 when I bought it...

http://www.handspiral.com/images/aXS650/2009/engine/frame.jpg
...and this is what it looks like now. I have done a considerable amount of work to it already...

[NitroRoo]

wow. Read this whole thread. I like your DIE harley, and can't wait to see what you do with the Yammi. Thanks for the art history lesson too :)

[DogBunny]

NitroRoo, thanks for the comment.
I have almost finished the tedious cleaning drudgery work. It has been unglamorous, which is why I haven't updated for a while. I have also done an unbelievable amount of research and learning. I have pretty much completely learned an entire, new-to-me, MC system in just a couple of weeks. Huge amounts of time have also been spent deciding on parts and ordering them. The fun part is just now beginning.

Here are a couple of pics of the results of the many various oil leaks that had to be investigated and their sources corrected:

http://www.handspiral.com/images/aXS650/2009/engine/right1.jpg

http://www.handspiral.com/images/aXS650/2009/engine/left1.jpg

http://www.handspiral.com/images/aXS650/2009/engine/front2.jpg

Following are two pics of the oil delivery tube bottom mount. It leaked because it is supposed to have a copper gasket. Instead, someone used gasket sealant (which didn't work):

http://www.handspiral.com/images/aXS650/2009/engine/front1.jpg
Before cleaning.

http://www.handspiral.com/images/aXS650/2009/engine/front4.jpg
After cleaning.
Cleaning the engine has proving to be a real chore. The engine castings are very poorly finished, with lots of dirt trapping spatter and crannies. I began with 409 and moved on to kerosene, but there are still lots of stains and paint splatters that defy removal. It required carefully applied paint remover to get the brown sealant off from around the bottom of the oil feed tube. It was then that I discovered that the lower crankcase casting is PAINTED aluminum color!!

http://www.handspiral.com/images/aXS650/2009/engine/left5.jpg
Almost all of the engine, frame and parts cleaning drudgery is done, and I finally got to have a little fun. I painted the oil feed tube and the tappet covers with KG Gun-Kote. I've been using Gun-Kote for a while now, it is a bake-on product that I think has superior abrasion and heat-resistance to powder-coat. The prep is a bit of a chore, however.
This is just a mock-up. The nuts and screw heads are all buggered, so I am ordering a fresh set, as well as a top-end copper gasket set, and a top-end o-ring set.

In case anyone is interested, here are a couple of basic, obligatory, mods that I did which correct XS650-specific design shortcomings:

http://www.650motorcycles.com/SwingArmBushings.jpg
The stock Yamaha XS650 swingarm bushings are black PLASTIC!! I replaced them with aftermarket bronze bushings.
I also replaced the weak stock swingarm pivot bolt which is hollow (for grease passage) with a solid Suzuki 78-80 GS1000 swingarm pivot bolt.

http://www.650motorcycles.com/PressBushings2.jpg
And, I installed a grease fitting in the swingarm to grease the new pivot bolt.
These modifications are detailed here:
http://www.650motorcycles.com/SwingarmBushings.html
http://www.650motorcycles.com/PivotBolt.html

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q148/pumps32/XS650/xs%20repairs/oldandnew.jpg
The stock steering bearings are just loose balls in races (top) and are incredibly crummy. I replaced them with nice, aftermarket tapered bearings (bottom).
The steering bearing mod is detailed here:
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v463/GoranXS650/XS650%20Tinnis%20Project/Steering%20Bearings/
http://650rider.com/index.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=70083#70083

http://www.650rider.com/index.php?name=Forums&file=download&id=4123
Oh yeah, I also installed a grease fitting in the steering head. Like the one in the very center of this pic.

[pacman]

Excellent! :thumb:

[zombierider]

You are my kind of artist. Here is a 1976 cb500 that a friend and I built. It's his bike but I have custody lol. He doesn't have a place to store it.
It should be a real kidney killer.
I don't have any pics of the before.

[SL350]

I would kill for that bus. Style like that in mass transit has not been seen since.
http://www.handspiral.com/images/Diamond_Die/xlforum/2009/spoke1.jpg

Your bike is spectacular. Can't wait to see the bratstyle XS.

Am I the only one who sees the lines of a 60's microbus when looking at the front of that bus. It really does deserve to be restored.

[Soozy]

This thread should be called "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Morphing".

You have mad skills, DogBunny.

[pacman]

Am I the only one who sees the lines of a 60's microbus when looking at the front of that bus. It really does deserve to be restored.

+100 I'd love to see that thing in restored glory rolling down the road. It has great lines and a classic beauty that new buses can't come close to matching. It's a Flxible Clipper, '48 model I think. It should be restored in the Texas Top Hands/Lone Star Beer livery. It would be a perfect period piece.

http://www.flxibleowners.org/

It's a shame it's just rotting away.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3517/3851907451_5196d04f3d_b.jpg
http://image4.360doc.com/DownloadImg/2009/7/14/16546_4271003_3.jpg

[gotdurt]

http://www.coolhunting.com/images/Bratstyle1.jpg


This is almost exactly what I had in mind for my next street bike. A while back I was expecting to acquire a '76 GL1000 (fell through) and my ideas for it were inspired by the 50's bobbers. Didn't realize that it was basically already a style called 'brat'... So I guess applying this concept for early bikes yielded bobbers, the late bikes are streefighters, and the in-between bikes are brats...

Anyway, I've acquired a running '81 CB750 Custom and I'm really going to have fun creating this one. I'm totally broke though, so all mods will be my own creations, which I'm hoping will be a good thing :zen:

I'll be following your XS650 closely. My dad had one for a few years that he was going to make a project of, then he passed it to a friend of his, whom I don't think did anything with it... it would be a good parts bike, and if he still has it, I'd bet he'd give it to you. I'll check.

[doolittle_m]

I think there are many people here watching this project.
The other day I saw a sportster with a set of steer horns (under the bars) and a coon tail (flappin in the wind) next to me at a stoplight. It reminded me of this post.
Its amazing how we can be on a completely different end of the MC spectrum and yet still we each have a respect for what the other one rides.
Afterall....who am I to judge.....I'm a S Tx redneck with a BMW. Talk about oil and water.

[DogBunny]

You are my kind of artist. Here is a 1976 cb500 that a friend and I built. It's his bike but I have custody lol. He doesn't have a place to store it.
It should be a real kidney killer.
I don't have any pics of the before.
Well, I guess it's about time I contribute to my own thread. I have been getting so focused on building the XS that I haven't had the energy to post, although I have tons of pictures to show. Then, there was the half-week that I spent hunting down an intermittent electrical problem on one of my Sportsters, and the couple of days I spent buying yet another 1990 Sportster, and the week I spent on the East coast, etc., etc.

First, I want to say thanks to everyone for the latest responses, and I want to respond to some of them in order beginning with zombierider.
Cool build, looks like a fun bike to chop. My first bike (and my first motorized vehicle) was a 1975(?) Honda CB550:

http://www.handspiral.com/images/Diamond_Die/xlforum/SanDiego.jpg
I was in the Navy, stationed in San Diego, and it was all I could afford. The pics were taken about 1985 at Ocean Beach. Check out the stock cocktail shaker mufflers on the bike!

After about a 20-year biking hiatus, I knew I wanted a Harley, but wanted a starter bike first, so a few years ago I bought a 1978(?) Honda CM450 on Craig's List:

http://www.handspiral.com/images/Diamond_Die/xlforum/Honda.jpg
Bought for $600. Kept for 3 months, ran flawlessly, put almost no money into it, and sold on Craig's List for $600 in about 15 minutes.
I had no idea what I had at the time. I now realize that it too would have been excellent to bratstyle, although a bit small -- riding it on I-35 was always an adventure. Anyways, you don't know what you've got 'till it's gone...

[Pumper54]

DogBunny
Kind of late getting into this thread but I have to say that is one sweet looking sporty. Looks like your second build will be just as nice. If you want to share your work with other Harley riders or just want to check out some older iron go to: http://www.shovelhead.us or http://pweb.jps.net/~splaxco/index.htm and check out those sites. I know the folks there would love to see your sporty.
One day when I get out to Austin again maybe we can hook up, I will ride out on my 77 shovel.
Tom

[DogBunny]

http://www.handspiral.com/images/aXS650/2009/November30/right1.jpg
Sorry that I have been doing such a poor job of updating my progress.
This is what the XS650 looked like about three weeks ago. It is now just a couple of parts away from being running in Reincarnation Version 1.0.

http://www.handspiral.com/images/aXS650/2009/November30/left3.jpg
The tank is one I've had laying around for a while, from a Sportster, and that is factory paint. I originally wanted a flat texture black tank like the fenders, but the paint on this one is too good to mess with right now.

The Diamond Die, my Sportster that so many people on this Forum liked, has been dumbed down, or "de-artified" a bit. A few months ago, I decided I wanted to sell it. I knew that no one would buy a bike that said "DIE" on it, and I also knew that the vibrator foot pegs were too controversial to leave on. I also took a few of the custom parts that I really spent a lot of time on off. A local H-D dealership was moving, and I picked up a lot of chrome bling cheap to tart it up with, trying to make it easier to sell.
A also got hit by a car while riding it -- the classic on-coming car failing to yield right-of-way and making a left turn into me at an intersection. A few additional things got replaced changing the look there.

The XS650 -- I am trying to decide between calling it the "Red Hornet" or the "Angry Hornet" -- should be on the road in a few days, and I'll post pics. I also have some pretty sweet details to show, if I do say so.

Pumper54, thanks. Those are good links, however, I spend all my free time on the XL (Sportster) Forum, and recently on the XS650 Garage Forum. I could have never built this project without the 650 Garage. There is a ton of specific knowledge you need to learn about them.

[pacman]

:drool:

[Pumper54]

Interesting way to de-chrome parts is to hit them with WD-40 and a fine Scotch-brite pad, rubbing in one direction. Gives chrome an industrial look. I'll see if I can pull some pics from another website to show what it looks like.

Tom

[gotdurt]

Interesting way to de-chrome parts is to hit them with WD-40 and a fine Scotch-brite pad, rubbing in one direction. Gives chrome an industrial look.

Very interesting...

[DoctorVenture]

The Sportster was inspired and this 650 is looking awesome - I especially love the tank paintjob. Keep it coming!

[Dwyatt]

I built a Yamaha XS650 too, but turned it into a vintage roadracer.

http://650rider.com/index.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=3945