Some 5, 6 years ago, Yamaha XS650 has been extremely popular for the “custom” projects, and the reason for this was mainly the reliability of the motorcycle. XS650 had its “Achilles heel” – electricity, but even that wasn’t such a problem because parts of it didn’t lack. In addition to the parts, the entire package for transforming the cafe-racer or street tracker were available, and even a new electric ignition system. As always happens, the popularity of the XS650 is slowly passed, and other two-wheelers have come into the limelight of the world to create a “custom” motorcycles. However, at one end of the world, this Japanese remained the real star.
Yamaha XS650 Cafe-Racer
Indonesia is one of the largest and most popular Asian markets, and XS650 is extremely high demand on that “custom” scene and it is very appreciated for its performance, engine capacity and availability.
XS from our today’s story is the work of the workshop “Studio Moto” from the capital of Indonesia, Jakarta. People from this workshop are big fans of XS650 and are aware of its importance for “custom” scene, so on the best way used the opportunity to work on this copy, made in 1982.
As they say, they were a bit tired from the usual approach used in the “custom” projects with XS650. The inspiration for them was in the history of the model, or the fact that he was inspired by the Triumph Bonneville engine, and is very much present spirit of the classic British cafe-racer.
Yamaha XS650 Cafe-Racer
First, the subframe has been modified in order to raise the seat height, then put specially designed seats. A set of 39-millimeter telescopic forks is added, due to the adjustment of weight distribution of drivers, as well as a new rear shock. Original Enkei wheels (19 inch front and 16 inch rear) are “tucked” in Avon tires, and modifications were done to the fuel tank.
The whole package is painted in the colors of Spies Heckers company. The final creations, named Minka is proof of XS650’s capabilities. Maybe it’s time to return to the old popularity. For this definitely has merit.
Yamaha XS650 Cafe-Racer
