1979 Yamah Xs650 Cafe Conversion Xs 650 New On Frame Resotration Norton Triumph on 2040-motos

No expense spared getting it right. No shortcuts. I only put a little over 400 miles on the bike after I bought it (with under 10K miles and at that point over $1,000 was spent replacing tires, tune-up and little things here and there from that owner). I then took the bike down/apart and started looking for anything else that should be replaced. Mostly it was just rubber parts that got hard. The bike was just in incredible original condition. Clearly always garaged and well maintained

The stock motor was running great, but the stock vacuum carbs were the typical XS650 carbs that would not hold an idle and were poor on acceleration with a bog mid-range so I bought some brand new Mikuni 34mm VM Round Slide Carburetors and that took care of that issue. They are smoother and deliver more consistent power. The exhaust is a two into one and sounds great as well as performs better than stock. The pipes are used but in great shape. The stock tank, front and rear fender, seat, brake and tail lights have all been replaced with new parts to give it the café bike look. The stock wheels have been painted black lacquer with a clear coat finish on them The brake disks are in great shape as well as the pads. The new parts are all painted black lacquer with at least five coats of clear lacquer over them.

Here is what is new:

The tank is from 77’ xs650. This year tank in my opinion is the best start for this kind of particular look but it’s not enough to leave it stock so It has had the knee wells hand pounded out to give the traditional café look (very similar look to the old Triumphs and Norton’s). The tank has been pushed back 1.5” and lowered .5”. It does not look like the original 77 tank at all. The gold pin striping is laid out to accentuate the nice curves of the tank and the new knee wells.  

The side covers are also from a 77 XS650. Again this tin is a much better choice to give the look and feel of the old Norton’s and Triumphs.

The Café seat and fender combo are new and have a Cateye Tail/Brake light frenched into it. They are brand new as well as the license plate holder that I have mounted low and to the side of the bike; out of the way.

The handlebar is a really simple clubman bar. Nothing to fancy but works well with the overall look.  

I am in Asia from August 13^th through the 30th so if you are interested and serious about the bike please get a hold of me via the ebay email system. It may take a little while to get back to you because I do not always have an internet connection but I will respond as quickly as possible.