Custom Yamaha XS650 by Simone Conti Motorcycles

Mechanical animal: Simone Conti’s custom Yamaha XS650

Simone Conti has what many custom motorcycles builders strive for—an instantly recognizable style. Working under the banner of Simone Conti Motorcycles, the Italian craftsman creates machines that look fast, aggressive and futuristic, like two-wheeled mechanical aliens. His style is so distinctive, that when he told his friends he was about to customize a Yamaha XS650,…

Schwinn-inspired Yamaha XS650 by MotoRelic

Adult Schwinn: A Stingray-inspired Yamaha XS650

We’ve had our eye on Sean Skinner at MotoRelic for a while now. The Virginia-based builder has a knack for creating tidy restomods and customs, and knows how to nail that ‘factory’ vibe. But he’s just thrown us a major curveball with his latest project: a vintage Schwinn-inspired Yamaha XS650. This deviation from MotoRelic’s usual…