When Mikes XS customer Clayton Englar first saw a Yamaha XS650 Street Tracker at a local bike show in 2006, he was immediately struck by just how “right” it looked. The proportions, the custom add-ons, the whole dirt-track look he recognized from his youth of riding late 60s Yamaha 2-strokes and classic British twins.
“This was the first I had seen of a customized XS650,” Englar shares, “and it seemed like such a good platform to work with.”
Soon after that revelation, Englar was on the lookout for a suitable example. Unable to afford one in good, running condition at the time, it became clear that his options were limited. So, when Englar saw an eBay ad for two basket-case, untitled XS650s less than an hour away in Baltimore for only $400, he jumped on it. One was a 1976 Standard model and, the other, a 1980 Special.
It was March 2007 when Clayton bought these abandoned treasures and, soon after that, he embarked on his first vintage motorcycle build.
“Thanks to eBay and Mikes XS, I began accumulating everything I needed to create the vision I had in my head,” explains Englar. “I call this a Quasi-Street Tracker because I didn’t completely go for the flat track-style pipes and tiny tank…and definitely wanted street tires. I did like the look of the seats that were popular, as well as the 19″ front and rear wheels. I wanted more of an old TT look, in particular, that style of pipes, as well as the dual disc brakes.”
Some clean fabrications were made to the classic XS650 frame, including a battery box and relocated electrics under the seat, a seat support bracket, an exhaust bracket, and a rear signal/license plate bracket. “Everything was bolt-on”, says Englar. “I don’t have a welder and I wanted to do all of the fabrication myself.”
So, this is what Clayton ended up with…
Excellent work, Clayton and thank you for choosing Mikes XS to help resurrect this sleeping giant into one of the coolest Quasi-Street Trackers the world has ever seen!
Mikes XS Parts List
XS650 Engine Gasket Set ( fits 1975 – 1981 models )
XS650 Top End Sealing Washer Kit
XS650 Bottom End Sealing Washer Kit
16mm Dual Disc Front Master Cylinder
XS650 Rear Disc Brake Master Cylinder ( fits 1978 – 1980 “Special” models )
17 Tooth Front Sprocket ( for 530 Chain )
31 Tooth Rear Sprocket ( for 530 Chain )
XS650 Swingarm Grease Seal Set
XS650 Swingarm Bolt Grease Fittings
XS650 Brake Caliper Rebuild Kit
