XS650 Special becomes a Vermont Backroader

More glamour shots from last Saturday (yes, the sun shines occasionally in Rhode Island!)

So, I think this is the end of my mad-posting streak, for now... phew...... comments welcome, as always!!!

Video...We need a video..I gotta hear what those pipes sound like...

The pipes alone were....uh....loud? The mufflers did a surprising job of quieting it all, even though I could see straight through them!

I do have a video that I posted on vimeo when I first got the bike started, and another quickie from last saturday... I just gotta figure out how to post them... I am a virginvideoposter.....:eek1

OK, so here's the link to the first-ever video that I did when I was getting the bike running....



Just tried it, and it works as a link! Next I need to learn how to embed......

PS Another video is being uploaded and procerssed by VIMEO, so it will get posted SOON....

I don't know man,your bike looks pretty sweet!John runs a motorcycle shop and works on the bike when he's got some free time.It's coming along tho,despite a broken collarbone from a dirt bike tip over.:eek1

<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/56877910" width="500" height="375" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/56877910">Will's XS650 runs for the first time!</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user15673910">bpeckm</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>

Sounds great. Again GREAT job. Thanks for the video.

Sounds great, good job, keep the news coming!!
Cheers
Baza

VERY nicely done, neighbor!
(Good catch on those transmission gears).
Thanks for the 2-part clear info - how many cans did you use?
Beautiful transformation - only one thing I'd change:

One of these "Lucas-style" tailights instead of the large square one, and you'd have 2-wheeled perfection (or nearabouts, IMHO).

Yeah, the tail light was a sort of... well, we have this one... that fits..... I was sorta looking for an early XS round tail light, or an early '70's Honda tail light.... that's a really easy one to change, should the right thing show up!

I used just one can of the 2K... and did the tank and the underside of the seat with the same can.... I still have 2 more cans for "another project".......

Hoping to shoot a video riding up the street... but it IS freeking JANUARY in Rhode Island......

You'll find that thing vibrates so much it will shake yer balls off after a couple hundred miles.

...so if you find a pair on the side of the road they're probably mine.

Cool write up on the XS............ I want to do this soooo bad. I want to do a high pipe setup however, black frame, # plate, and ......... well, just make it mine. Great Job, and thanks for the tips on rattle can clearcoat, and header info. Cool Job!!!


Boojum

....^...... I'll keep my eyes peeled (or covered?)......

You know, that was one of the things that came into play when deciding to go with the tiny tank and hard seat: ain't gonna do any long trips on THIS one!!

Thanks!!

Great stuff Please tell me that brake hose ain't the original

Ooof... sharp eyes... yes it is original. I am having a braided stainless, one-piece line made up to replace it! So far I have gotten to maybe 25mph and am just bedding in the pads....

Very nicely done.

My son stopped in for a half hour on Friday, trying to get home before Stormin' Nemo cut out all driving... and got to see and sit on the bike (and ride it up the street!) for the Very First Time....



I'm pretty sure he is a Happy Camper......

...this is the same place as above, AfterNemo:




:eek1