"Capone" '78 XS650

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Meet "Capone" 1978 Yamaha XS650 Special

I want something low and long...aggressive looking with attitude. It has to have the right stance....thats were it all starts. Black...with just the right amount of color and polished parts. Pamco/PMA combo to keep things reliable. It may not appeal to everyone, but it's mine. It will only have a rear drum brake. I still have a long way to go, but it will be worth it.


I'd like to thank Jon Ard @ Ardcore Choppers and Dan Patterson at Angry Monkey Motorcycles for their help, knowledge, advice, and parts.


Mid December 2011 - I picked up this non running '78 Special for $400. It's not pretty, but 90% complete.

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The teardown begins!! After getting it home, I immediately put it on the lift and started peeling it down. My goal was to get rid of stock wiring and get the motor out. I then took it to the local carwash and blasted the hell out of it. Years of nasty road grime and chainlube disappeared down the drain. It's amazing what a little degreaser and a high pressure blast can do to clean it up.

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Next, it was time to hardtail it. I looked into several options, but it only took one visit to Ardcore to make my decision. Jon had his new DIY hardtail prototype sitting in his shop. It had the look I wanted...4" stretch and a 2" drop seat. The quality was obvious, but Jon's friendly attitude and knowledge is what sold me. Jon and Carl both stopped what they were working on and talked to me for over an hour. They answered every question I ask them and took time to explain it. Jon explained that the kit wasn't on the market yet, but would be shortly. He explained that he wanted to come up with detailed directions and pics before releasing it. I offered up my frame for his pics and directions.....thankfully he accepted the offer and did the hardtail for me. I can weld....but NOT like him! It turned out great.

BEFORE:




AFTER:

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After getting the frame home, I started cutting off tabs and brackets that were not going to be used. I decided to eliminate the stock neck gussetts.

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Next, I contacted Dan Patterson @ Angry Monkey Motorcycles. The style of his British built motorcycles really appeal to me. Not only was Dan willing to answer all my questions, he also sold me a Cole Foster tank. I had been searching for that tank for two months, but couldn't locate one. I also bought a pair of rear fender struts that he makes. When the package was delivered there was a T shirt and stickers included. Dan is another very talented builder and is an inspiration to this build. I managed to get a used 21" 40 spoke wheel locally and Jon had a 16" 36 spoke drum wheel that I wanted to use. Wheels went to powdercoat as my new Avon Venom tires arrived. I'm running a 120/70-21 up front and a MT90-16 in the rear. The brake was overhauled and tires were mounted.

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I had to wait over a week, but eventually my new 4" under black DNA Springer arrived. I couldn't decide between a 2 or 4 under...I could have really went either way. I figured the 4 under would be closer to the look I was going for. After seeing it on the bike, I'm glad I went with my gut.

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Well, here is where I'm at currently. The tank is just sitting there for mock up. I'm happy with the direction it's going. Hopefully, I will have an update and more progress pics soon.

[novafrk]

Very cool looking project!! When do you plan to have it on the road?

[cb500bobber]

Very nicely done its always nice to see everyones ideas that they put into a bike
by the way what did you do with those wheels

[550fi]

Great build thanks for sharing,dig the springer.

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Thanks guys! I hope to have it on the road in May, but realistically it will probably be June or July. The mag wheels went to Jon Ard @ Ardcore. He was kind enough to swap me out for a set of wires...which is what I wanted to run. I eventually decided to run the 21" up front. It's a slow process with all the fab that needs done, but it'll be worth it in the end.

[leadkrm]

Nice. Love the name too

[Deleted]

I usually dig rat looking bobbers a lot more, but something about those wheels and tires sets that bike off. Cool looking for sure man. Gonna be sick.

[taggat]

Very cool cant wait to see the completed project.