What an amazing piece of machinery. An engineering master piece. I used to own an XS 2 in the early 70s and it gives me the most satisfying memories. This bike of yours would be for me the best retro bike I have yet come across. Makes me wish I could get one. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Tom, that bike is a work of art, you guys have done a ton of work to but not too over the top and well thought out. That bike could sit alongside anything and still look amazing. Plus the sound is addictive
@@PurposeBuiltMoto it would be cool to make 2-1 intake for the carb. Put a 40 mm Lectron/Edelbrock carb with those long runners to feed it with. 80 ft lbs and 70 hp anyone? Do you think the Shell 1 is similar to the XS2 cam? They were forbidden after 72 by the EPA because of the wide duration and overlap. Mine was a monster at 700 ccs with the XS2 cam!
Wow, the Kick Starter remained. That is very important - first contact. When you get the throttle down it remembers me of good times. You did a good job. My exhausts came from Dunstall, shortened a little bit... Thank you. 447!
@@PurposeBuiltMoto the rest is great too , but sometimes its just that one little thing that leaps out ,,, be very easily overlooked though it just looks factory , and thats when you know its right.
Oh my goodness, that sounds exactly like my XS2 from 42 years ago. That Shell 1 had to be the “ reverse pattern “ cam that had more duration on the intakes than the exhaust. The EPA made them neuter it for 73. That XS2 was wild compared to everything after 72. I had mine at 700 ccs and it had a 1.89 rod to stroke ratio and I welded a little blob on each side of the chambers to create a quench area and I lightened the new pistons and since there was no run out on the rods I didn’t see anything awry in the trans, but I did put 3 yellow and 3 blue springs in the basket for better holding and quicker grip for less slip and replaced the cable with the racing part. After putting the Virago larger valves in they fit perfectly and a little bit of taking away sharp edges, I decided to use the XS2 a am, a new chain with a pressed master link. The carbs amazingly were the BS38s with the clip in the richest position and a new diaphragm along with finding why it seemed to miss before. There was a burr that was chewing on the diaphragm one one carb , so I made a one off tool to run a flap wheel around square with the top but a mitre at 30 degrees smooth as a baby’s cheeks . It actually improved the diaphragm operation by giving it more room to pull up and to let down. I did the tops too. And I had some screw’s with a piece of reinforcement for them, so I drew out each top and had a friend cut a complete circle for each carb made to engage all 4 screws and a lug for each thing that required connection that was proud of the ring to keep any screws away from the diaphragms. The 38s get a bad reputation for the diaphragms but most I’ve seen had tears that were self inflicted by over tightening. So with that fixed. I moved on . A Harley friend of mine said hey those things will shake your balls off . Tear it down and bring the crank rods and the pistons attached and he cold balance it by setting the rods up with pistons and spinning it. Or he could split the crank and do a traditional bobweight balance with me polishing the rods and peening them. I said it has been off the road awhile why not. I called we were slow at work and I got two weeks vacation. We tore it down and I got to look at the trans and 3rd was worn the rest were new. I took it to the Yamaha shop and they weren’t surprised one of them said it was so close in ratio to 2nd that a lot of people skipped the clutch and didn’t let off the gas. He had a good solution was one that was a hair taller and it evened out the spacing and they had 5th that was OD. He said it was a race gear for top speed and it fit both and likely all three the 256 447 and 533. I took it back and sure enough they both fit and the dogs are perfect. I polished the crank and the pins that were hollow like car pins and 704ccs . I peened the rods and he weighed everything, the bearings were like new. And he balanced to 3 decimal digits from a gram . That’s really impressive! We put the crank back together and it took all his 100 ton press could do . Then he welded it a little at a time 360 degrees. We assembled it and you could feel that it was going to be a different machine. Put it all together to Ma Yamahas specs. Btw he even allowed for the weight of the weld, lol. We got it back together completely from the bottom to top , I had painted it all from home and the case was just scotch brite. But it was beautiful grey chrome . I painted the jugs and head super high temp baked black like headers and assume square by taking a skosh off. They had great metal because the jug and head took one pass. After it’s time in the oven how many modern pieces would you get away with that on? We got it back in the frame, a little rubber isolator kit for the engine mounts, bars and pegs, 😂. All together and the tank paint and side covers were beautiful, and I had gone through polishing it compound, polishing and wax and it shined like a diamond Red and White XS-2. The exhaust was stock but it was all crunchy inside, it was the double wall stuff. I called the Yamaha shop and they had a set of accessory double wall head pipes that were 1 5/8 inside, and 1.75 outside with a set of the finned attachments for the stock head and a set of cafe bullets, straight through made like a set of chrome 12-14 inch glass packs. My Harley was excited as I was. The petcocks didn’t leak no roughness turning them. All the wires were tied up. We let the gas fill the carbs and let it sit no leaks, turned it on and kicked it and it started on the first kick. It was in the center stand and no none nada vibration. Even let it run for a bit and revved it no center stand dance. I told him that since he twisted my arm into building it right be got the first ride. He put on a helmet and got on kicked it off the center stand off he went, I could hear all 5 gears on that road, two lanes and nice sweeping curves. And I know without a doubt he hit the ton i I n 4th! And 5th was a sweet sound. He was on his way back and he was just cruising in 5th and man it sounded so good, like an 850 Commando Norton. Big , strong, and commanding. He parked it and said man that Sportster has to go. I got on and ran it up to 7000 through the gears and the Speedometer in 5 th was past 120, smooth as a Honda boxer 4. I swear, no tickle on the taint I could see through the rear views as I backed off and went around the sweepers in 4 th at 80 mph, kept scrubbing off speed. Got back and he was over the moon. I had to get home because I had to work the next day. The entire engine build he charged me $750 and let me pay as I could. I was 18. What a bike, bullet, no bomb proof! That thing there is no telling how fast you could do. I d put bronze swing arm bushings and made an upper brace, and got fork brace for it, I bet you would never find one for the XS2, plenty for the later forks. I went and worked for the forest service for a year contract and met my future wife and we have been together for 40+ years. We had another XS2, but that’s a story for another day. That XS is a fine piece of machinery and it you build it right you will love it. Some folks do 277/83 rephased engines but the 360 degree engine has a charisma that is going away. It would cost you $30,000 and a solid XS2 in order to do it again.
A beautiful build, the parts, paint and polishing are eye catching, and for that reason I'm surprised you have gone without mudguards? The first time it is caught out in the rain the whole bike will be covered in crud! after all that hard work too!!! Oh well you know what you are doing!!
Nice-one ! That is one-cool front-brake, my TX650 cafe has twin-disk, but I prefer a good drum. Apart from a recent seat-upgrade and front-guard, mines a period conversion. 47 bikes over many years, and builds like yours still show what custom-specials are all about. Ride it like you stole-it ! (once you fix that 'miss') Dave Aotearoa nz i
This is incredibly beautiful. Love the amount of thought that went into this build. After seeing this I had to subscribe. Excited to see what’s in store in the future.
Mate !.. they make exceptionally beautiful cafe-bikes. I own one a bit more old-school than this, wires/borrani's, twin-disk, chromed 70's USA rear-sets that also fold like this one, for kick-start. Big-bore custom stainless exhaust (it barks w/orig 38mm carbs)..I'd park mine in the lounge if I could. Has later 750 triple tank, looks the shit, and I'm nearly 70, so I DO know what a good bike looks and goes like. This one sounds a little under-jetted on the main.... Dave Aotearoa nz
The Black Box is our electronics control module. Check out our website for details. We run a mikes XS ignition here. More details can be found on our build blog at PurposeBuiltMoto.com
Imagine I was a 16 year old in 1971, I owned one of the first custom build XS650 , not sure if someone crashed it to make it something other than stock. For a kid to go from a Suzuki 125 trail bike to this bike was something. I usually don't like the chopped, poor designs some guys try to make with this motor. You put the right components on this to make a stunning winner. I would guess non of these custom mods comes cheap. You really have to want this beautiful motor adorning such a tasteful creation you've made. The paint job is very subtle, striking and creative, great work. I can feel the strong pull and solid feel the bike has, you can put yourself in the seat of a bike just by sound and movement when you've been riding as long as I have. That bike looks and feels way more stable than any stock XS650. Did you weigh the bike ?
Thanks so much! I was speaking to the owner just yesterday, he’s moving the new bike! We did weigh it, although the number escapes me. Check out the blog on our website, linked in the video description, the info will be in there.
Really nice build. My only thoughts are the x pipe. How do you change oil (removing lower oil filter) without also removing exhaust? Otherwise...it's beautiful. Currently building one with a shell No.1 cam and ported/modified chamber cylinder head. Hope mine turns out as nice. What sprockets did you end up using (gear ratio)?
Oil changes are fine, the lower oil filter clean the headers come off. It’s a 10 min exercise. Worth it. We used some US Highway Highway gearing on the XS, 32T rear I think
Hey mate where do you get those chrome throttle housings am going to need one soon enough for my build as I'll be getting some of your switches. seen them on a few of your builds and can't seem to find them anyway?
Great work with this beautiful motorcycle!!, that said, I don’t like the cheap plastic hose as brake and clutch fluid reservoirs, and not tell me it works because it doesn’t, there’s some engineering on the reservoir cover like rubber membrane and tiny air vent that are there for something and can’t be emulated by a simple piece of hose with a plug no matter how “fancy” it may look!!
What an amazing piece of machinery. An engineering master piece.
I used to own an XS 2 in the early 70s and it gives me the most satisfying memories.
This bike of yours would be for me the best retro bike I have yet come across. Makes me wish I could get one. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Thanks for the kind words Peter, we put a lot into the build of this bike. If You'd like one of your own, please get in touch with us!
Amazing bike. Who doesn't love the Yamaha 650.
No one worth knowing, you should check out our latest XS650 build
A work of art! Beautiful ride too!
Tom, that bike is a work of art, you guys have done a ton of work to but not too over the top and well thought out. That bike could sit alongside anything and still look amazing. Plus the sound is addictive
Much appreciated. The owner has been getting to know his machine and loving it over the last couple of months
Nice little ride out at the end ….superb 👏…
@@landyfish0116 we miss this bike
Open the pipes,what a piece of art!
The single airpod conversion is so cool! Nice work! 🤘
Yeeeeha brother !!
@@PurposeBuiltMoto it would be cool to make 2-1 intake for the carb. Put a 40 mm Lectron/Edelbrock carb with those long runners to feed it with. 80 ft lbs and 70 hp anyone? Do you think the Shell 1 is similar to the XS2 cam? They were forbidden after 72 by the EPA because of the wide duration and overlap. Mine was a monster at 700 ccs with the XS2 cam!
@@Bbbbad724 I'm not sure about those cam similarities, I would say Hoos racing would be the man to ask about that.
That’s at least the third time I’ve watched this. So good.
Looks killer
Thanks mate!
Wow, the Kick Starter remained. That is very important - first contact. When you get the throttle down it remembers me of good times. You did a good job. My exhausts came from Dunstall, shortened a little bit... Thank you. 447!
Another stunner from you guys.
Appreciate the love!
Real nice, looks Great, and stands out from the rest of the crowd.
Well done, nice work , will spread the "carb jet up" ?
Although the mill is not a 90 degree v twin the look is pure ‘70’s Ducati. That scooter is tight as a tick.
air filter set up is really nice.
Thanks for noticing we worked hard on making this set up perfect. One of our favourite details on the build
@@PurposeBuiltMoto the rest is great too , but sometimes its just that one little thing that leaps out ,,, be very easily overlooked though it just looks factory , and thats when you know its right.
Oh my goodness, that sounds exactly like my XS2 from 42 years ago. That Shell 1 had to be the “ reverse pattern “ cam that had more duration on the intakes than the exhaust. The EPA made them neuter it for 73. That XS2 was wild compared to everything after 72. I had mine at 700 ccs and it had a 1.89 rod to stroke ratio and I welded a little blob on each side of the chambers to create a quench area and I lightened the new pistons and since there was no run out on the rods I didn’t see anything awry in the trans, but I did put 3 yellow and 3 blue springs in the basket for better holding and quicker grip for less slip and replaced the cable with the racing part. After putting the Virago larger valves in they fit perfectly and a little bit of taking away sharp edges, I decided to use the XS2 a am, a new chain with a pressed master link. The carbs amazingly were the BS38s with the clip in the richest position and a new diaphragm along with finding why it seemed to miss before. There was a burr that was chewing on the diaphragm one one carb , so I made a one off tool to run a flap wheel around square with the top but a mitre at 30 degrees smooth as a baby’s cheeks . It actually improved the diaphragm operation by giving it more room to pull up and to let down. I did the tops too. And I had some screw’s with a piece of reinforcement for them, so I drew out each top and had a friend cut a complete circle for each carb made to engage all 4 screws and a lug for each thing that required connection that was proud of the ring to keep any screws away from the diaphragms. The 38s get a bad reputation for the diaphragms but most I’ve seen had tears that were self inflicted by over tightening. So with that fixed. I moved on . A Harley friend of mine said hey those things will shake your balls off . Tear it down and bring the crank rods and the pistons attached and he cold balance it by setting the rods up with pistons and spinning it. Or he could split the crank and do a traditional bobweight balance with me polishing the rods and peening them. I said it has been off the road awhile why not. I called we were slow at work and I got two weeks vacation. We tore it down and I got to look at the trans and 3rd was worn the rest were new. I took it to the Yamaha shop and they weren’t surprised one of them said it was so close in ratio to 2nd that a lot of people skipped the clutch and didn’t let off the gas. He had a good solution was one that was a hair taller and it evened out the spacing and they had 5th that was OD. He said it was a race gear for top speed and it fit both and likely all three the 256 447 and 533. I took it back and sure enough they both fit and the dogs are perfect. I polished the crank and the pins that were hollow like car pins and 704ccs . I peened the rods and he weighed everything, the bearings were like new. And he balanced to 3 decimal digits from a gram . That’s really impressive! We put the crank back together and it took all his 100 ton press could do . Then he welded it a little at a time 360 degrees. We assembled it and you could feel that it was going to be a different machine. Put it all together to Ma Yamahas specs. Btw he even allowed for the weight of the weld, lol. We got it back together completely from the bottom to top , I had painted it all from home and the case was just scotch brite. But it was beautiful grey chrome . I painted the jugs and head super high temp baked black like headers and assume square by taking a skosh off. They had great metal because the jug and head took one pass. After it’s time in the oven how many modern pieces would you get away with that on? We got it back in the frame, a little rubber isolator kit for the engine mounts, bars and pegs, 😂. All together and the tank paint and side covers were beautiful, and I had gone through polishing it compound, polishing and wax and it shined like a diamond Red and White XS-2. The exhaust was stock but it was all crunchy inside, it was the double wall stuff. I called the Yamaha shop and they had a set of accessory double wall head pipes that were 1 5/8 inside, and 1.75 outside with a set of the finned attachments for the stock head and a set of cafe bullets, straight through made like a set of chrome 12-14 inch glass packs. My Harley was excited as I was. The petcocks didn’t leak no roughness turning them. All the wires were tied up. We let the gas fill the carbs and let it sit no leaks, turned it on and kicked it and it started on the first kick. It was in the center stand and no none nada vibration. Even let it run for a bit and revved it no center stand dance. I told him that since he twisted my arm into building it right be got the first ride. He put on a helmet and got on kicked it off the center stand off he went, I could hear all 5 gears on that road, two lanes and nice sweeping curves. And I know without a doubt he hit the ton i I n 4th! And 5th was a sweet sound. He was on his way back and he was just cruising in 5th and man it sounded so good, like an 850 Commando Norton. Big , strong, and commanding. He parked it and said man that Sportster has to go. I got on and ran it up to 7000 through the gears and the Speedometer in 5 th was past 120, smooth as a Honda boxer 4. I swear, no tickle on the taint I could see through the rear views as I backed off and went around the sweepers in 4 th at 80 mph, kept scrubbing off speed. Got back and he was over the moon. I had to get home because I had to work the next day. The entire engine build he charged me $750 and let me pay as I could. I was 18. What a bike, bullet, no bomb proof! That thing there is no telling how fast you could do. I d put bronze swing arm bushings and made an upper brace, and got fork brace for it, I bet you would never find one for the XS2, plenty for the later forks. I went and worked for the forest service for a year contract and met my future wife and we have been together for 40+ years. We had another XS2, but that’s a story for another day. That XS is a fine piece of machinery and it you build it right you will love it. Some folks do 277/83 rephased engines but the 360 degree engine has a charisma that is going away. It would cost you $30,000 and a solid XS2 in order to do it again.
A beautiful build, the parts, paint and polishing are eye catching, and for that reason I'm surprised you have gone without mudguards? The first time it is caught out in the rain the whole bike will be covered in crud! after all that hard work too!!! Oh well you know what you are doing!!
Theres a balance of style and functionality in everything we do. this time we leant on the style side
Beautiful work.
Thankyou George, it was hard to let this one leave the garage
Wet sharp looking build👌🏼 I really like the 2 into 1 intake.
Thanks mate, a bit of jewellery for the build for sure
The way you got the hi-tech mixed with the old skool kickstarter and drum brakes is genius.... 👌
The hydraulic drum is my favourite bit
Top build, well done
@@daviddawson4453 thanks Dave!
beautiful mate - I'd love to bring an XS 650 into my workshop, if I had a workshop!
Step 1- get workshop
@@PurposeBuiltMoto had workshop - mate moved. Built this there th-cam.com/video/P8LTY3yh8tE/w-d-xo.html
@@stephenmarshall6004 Nice bike, we're building a few more honda 4's at the moment. A 550 and a 400 F
@@PurposeBuiltMoto I’ve been considering doing a fairing on mine, yours looks amazing!
My god this is beautiful, mate. Inspiring.
Holy shit that paint makes me feel some type of way.
Fuckin' nailed it on this build. The whole lot is absolutely mint.
Yewwww cheers for that leeemo!
As Robinson manufacturer, very good to see my kid in a beautiful bike! Congratulation, nice work!
That’s great, glad you like it! Send me an enail I’d love to use more of your products
Nice-one ! That is one-cool front-brake, my TX650 cafe has twin-disk, but I prefer a good drum. Apart from a recent seat-upgrade and front-guard, mines a period conversion. 47 bikes over many years, and builds like yours still show what custom-specials are all about. Ride it like you stole-it ! (once you fix that 'miss') Dave Aotearoa nz
i
The XS650 look really cool 😎🏍️👍. Awesome chrome work. Very racey looking bike and is a work of art.
Thanks Mike, I hope the owner thinks the same!
This is incredibly beautiful. Love the amount of thought that went into this build. After seeing this I had to subscribe. Excited to see what’s in store in the future.
We’ve got plenty of builds on our channel already, and more to come!
clever build mate its the little things that make it goodonya cheers
Lovely job
Thankyou peter
I hate cafe racers with a passion BUTthis xs is bloody stunning ,,fantastic job
We’ve converted you!!
@@PurposeBuiltMoto unfortunately not lol ,,credit where it is due though ,,that's a beautiful bike
Much appreciated, we’re starting to make our way into choppers too
Mate !.. they make exceptionally beautiful cafe-bikes. I own one a bit more old-school than this, wires/borrani's, twin-disk, chromed 70's USA rear-sets that also fold like this one, for kick-start. Big-bore custom stainless exhaust (it barks w/orig 38mm carbs)..I'd park mine in the lounge if I could. Has later 750 triple tank, looks the shit, and I'm nearly 70, so I DO know what a good bike looks and goes like. This one sounds a little under-jetted on the main.... Dave Aotearoa nz
Are you running TCI not points PMA ? Beautiful
Hi great beautiful awesome. You said black box. TCI not points ? Where's the battery ? It is starter delete of course ?
The Black Box is our electronics control module. Check out our website for details. We run a mikes XS ignition here.
More details can be found on our build blog at PurposeBuiltMoto.com
Imagine I was a 16 year old in 1971, I owned one of the first custom build XS650 , not sure if someone crashed it to make it something other than stock.
For a kid to go from a Suzuki 125 trail bike to this bike was something. I usually don't like the chopped, poor designs some guys try to make with this motor.
You put the right components on this to make a stunning winner. I would guess non of these custom mods comes cheap.
You really have to want this beautiful motor adorning such a tasteful creation you've made.
The paint job is very subtle, striking and creative, great work. I can feel the strong pull and solid feel the bike has, you can put yourself in the seat of a bike just by sound and movement when you've been riding as long as I have. That bike looks and feels way more stable than any stock XS650. Did you weigh the bike ?
Thanks so much! I was speaking to the owner just yesterday, he’s moving the new bike! We did weigh it, although the number escapes me.
Check out the blog on our website, linked in the video description, the info will be in there.
Really nice build. My only thoughts are the x pipe. How do you change oil (removing lower oil filter) without also removing exhaust? Otherwise...it's beautiful. Currently building one with a shell No.1 cam and ported/modified chamber cylinder head. Hope mine turns out as nice. What sprockets did you end up using (gear ratio)?
Oil changes are fine, the lower oil filter clean the headers come off. It’s a 10 min exercise. Worth it. We used some US Highway Highway gearing on the XS, 32T rear I think
Hey mate where do you get those chrome throttle housings am going to need one soon enough for my build as I'll be getting some of your switches. seen them on a few of your builds and can't seem to find them anyway?
They’re a domino throttle
Thanks legend found them, by the way love the build well all of them actually, you know what your doing
Noice
Great work with this beautiful motorcycle!!, that said, I don’t like the cheap plastic hose as brake and clutch fluid reservoirs, and not tell me it works because it doesn’t, there’s some engineering on the reservoir cover like rubber membrane and tiny air vent that are there for something and can’t be emulated by a simple piece of hose with a plug no matter how “fancy” it may look!!
It works
Tell that to the massive number of racers with working brakes and clutches running those small reservoirs...
They work just fine.
🤘
Nice enough, but Cafe Racers are out, Brat is where its at.
You’re out, I’m fuckin in - Kenny Rogers
Wish I could give more than 1 thumbs up to your response. I'll be in touch. Great build 👏
Not perfect But nice
Sorry I don't like it, I must be old skool.
1973 not old school enough for you?