Hey fellow XS650 fanatics! Today, we’re rolling out the red carpet for a ride that’s as cool as it is custom. Brad swung by our digital garage with three snapshots of his pride and joy, a slick ’76 Yamaha XS650 he’s lovingly named the “Bare Bones Bobber.” And let me tell you, this bike is all about stripping things down to the essentials—and then some.
From the pics, we get the full tour: every angle tells a story of a bike that’s been given a new lease on life. And there’s Brad in one of them, looking every bit the proud papa sitting on his mechanical offspring.
So what’s the scoop on this two-wheeled rebel? It started as a weld-on hardtail—yep, that’s where the “bare bones” part comes in. Brad’s taken what was essentially a rolling chassis and turned it into a minimalist masterpiece. He’s chopped the fender to keep things tidy, slathered on some fresh paint to make it pop, and swapped out the handlebars for something that screams ‘cool’ with every twist of the throttle.
But this isn’t just about looks. Brad’s XS650 isn’t just some pretty face in the crowd—it’s got the guts to match. The motor’s been rebuilt, which means this bad boy isn’t just ready to turn heads; it’s ready to tear up the streets. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a bike that looks like it was born in a back alley but rides like it owns the road?
Brad calls it a “cool little bar hopper,” and we can’t argue with that. It’s the kind of bike that doesn’t need to shout to make a statement. It just pulls up with a rumble, catches glances with its understated swagger, and leaves a lasting impression with its departure.
Big thanks to Brad for sharing his ’76 Bare Bones Bobber with us. It’s builds like this that keep the spirit of the XS650 alive and kicking. It’s about more than just a bike; it’s about a lifestyle, a personality, and a passion for the open road. So, hats off to you, Brad—ride on and keep the XS650 torch burning bright.
