The custom world can’t get enough of the Yamaha XS650, and for good reason: it’s one of the most flexible platforms you can find. Builders have turned them into café racers, brats, bobbers, dirt and street trackers, and even choppers. The base holds up just as well in every genre, offering agility and power in equal parts.
Made between 1968 and 1979, the XS650 is getting tougher to find. But it does play well with a slew of aftermarket parts, many of which are interchangeable with those from other Japanese bikes. As such, build-outs are a wide-open sea of possibility. Besides that, these old-school motors are dead simple compared to today’s tech. It’s no wonder the XS650 keeps popping up on our pages.
Two very different Yamahas dominate this weekend’s edition of Speed Read. We take a closer look at the new Yamaha XSR900 DB40 Prototype, and we profile a slick Yamaha XS650 street tracker from Canada. We also check out a new BMW R18 kit from Poland, and a tasty Honda VF1000F2 from Bavaria.
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From Jakarta to Bavaria, great custom motorcycles know no borders. Our weekly round-up includes a Yamaha XS650 chopper, a custom BMW R80RT, and a modern Suzuki GSX-R1000 with retro looks. We end things off with a 1974 Ducati 750SS that belonged to one of rock ‘n’ roll’s most prolific photographers.
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Many of the top dollar customs that grace these pages are built for one reason; to impress. But we’re just as enamored with motorcycles that look like they get ridden every day, with a deep connection to their riders. If you feel the same way, you’re going to love Norman ‘Sandy’ Sanders’ Yamaha XS650 scrambler.…
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Despite the company’s name, there’s nothing misshapen about Crooked Motorcycles‘ latest custom bike. This svelte Yamaha XS650 from the German shop is straight as an arrow; a riff on classic café racer style, infused with a little bit of Crooked’s personality. It’s no accident then, that the shop has nicknamed the XS650 ‘Silver Arrow.’ “Right…
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Simone Conti has what many custom motorcycles builders strive for—an instantly recognizable style. Working under the banner of Simone Conti Motorcycles, the…
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Alex Winkler wears many hats. By day he’s an industrial mechanic—but by night, he puts those skills to work in his home…
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We’ve had our eye on Sean Skinner at MotoRelic for a while now. The Virginia-based builder has a knack for creating tidy…
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When we think of Motocrew, we think of sleek, muscular customs with a very modern edge. But sometimes it’s good to try…
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Like many shops, Purpose Built Moto does a lot to put food on the table. On top of their regular custom bike…
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A pause on motorcycle shows has been one of the many disappointments of the COVID-19 pandemic. But rather than sulk, the organizers…
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The spotlight falls on Ducati this week, as they reboot the iconic Monster. Plus we have a hot-rodded Buell XB12S from the…
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News from two major OEMs this week, as BMW Motorrad update the R nineT, and Honda release a new Grom. Plus we’ve…
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