The latest installment in our ‘Customer Build’ section takes us back to Christmas of 2015 when Mikes XS customer Robert Poage was gifted an all-original 1974 Yamaha XS650.
Robert and his father are quite the duo when it comes to restoring these timeless vertical twins.
Robert does all the wiring, while Dad builds the motors.
“We built it for about a year and it ran ok”, explains Poage. “One day, [it] had a ticking sound coming from the engine, so I turned it off and removed it. We found nothing wrong but decided to rebuild it, anyway.”
Since new pistons, rings, and the bore job would cost almost as much as a Big Bore Kit, the Poage’s opted to go that way. While the engine was being revamped, might as well install a brand new performance camshaft!
The upgrades didn’t stop there. The stock charging system was replaced with the XS Charge XS650 PMA & Gen-II Standard Electronic Ignition. While the bike was disassembled, the father-son duo chose to go all the way down to the frame and paint it ‘Chevy Red’.
The tank and fiberglass seat were painted silver by a buddy’s paint job. “We did our own graphics at home, which are actually from Yamaha Piano Company“, says Robert. “The seat is from Dime City Cycles and the tank is from Omar’s Fiberglass“.
Poage elected to run an Acewell Digital Speedometer/Tachometer that utilizes the original speedometer mounting location, accompanied with a 7″ LED headlight. A YTX4L-BS battery powers this XS650 and is tucked away under the seat.
As aforementioned, Robert does all the wiring work so he whipped up a custom harness from scratch! This vertical twin has the bare-bones wiring and no push-start…kick only.
“This bike has been a labor of love and I’m glad to be able to ride and enjoy it now. I want to say thank you for having a great place to get parts, as well as offering great customer service.”
Excellent work, Robert and thank you for choosing Mikes XS!
Mikes XS Parts List
Big Bore 750cc Cylinder and Piston Kit ( 447 Type Engines ONLY )
XS Performance Camshaft and Valve Spring Kit
XS650 Cam Chain Tensioner Pivot Arm Assembly
Cam Chain Master Link ( rivet-type )
XS Charge XS650 PMA & Gen-II Standard Electronic Ignition
Heiden Oil Filter and Cooler Kit
XS650 Polished Billet Alternator Cover
XS650 Engine Oil Seal Kit ( fits 1970 – 1979 models )
XS650 Engine Top Fastener Kit ( fits 1972 – 1984 models )
6-Bolt Cam Chain Tensioner Gasket
6mm Copper Washer Kit ( multiple applications )
