Our community member, Charlie Lawton, poured his heart and soul into his ’79 U.S. Spec XS650 Chop, and the results are nothing short of spectacular. Charlie imported this beauty from the US to the UK. It’s an XS650 G, originally built in ’79 for the 1980 market. The transformation of this classic machine into a custom chopper is a testament to Charlie’s dedication and skill.
The first thing you’ll notice is the sleek TC Bros hardtail frame, giving the bike that unmistakable chopper look. But the magic doesn’t stop there. The motor has been rebuilt from the bottom up and bored to a powerful 707cc. As Charlie mentioned, “Crank rephased by Smedspeed who also supplied the 277 cam which is a hybrid XS1/Shell #1 item. It delivers punch from lowdown but will still rev. Works really well.”
One of the standout features of this build is the modified Mustang tank. Charlie cleverly hid the rear mount under the frame, creating a seamless and clean look. The electrics are top-notch, covered by a Motogadet m-unit, with mini LED indicators, headlamp, and tail.
For those who love the technical side of things, you’ll appreciate the electronic Speedo/tacho from Koso, providing all the essential information at a glance. And let’s not forget the standard brakes, which, as Charlie humorously noted, “need upgrading given the motor😳 Still, think ahead and it’s ok.”
Charlie’s attention to detail extends to the paint and finish of the bike. “Paint all done at home with rattle cans,” he proudly shared. The engine cases, however, were polished professionally, adding a touch of shine to this already impressive build.
After four years of hard work, dedication, and countless hours in the garage, Charlie has created a truly unique and stunning XS650 chopper. Each of the seven pictures he sent in showcases the bike from different angles, highlighting the craftsmanship and passion that went into every aspect of the build.
If you’re working on your own XS650 project, we hope Charlie’s story motivates you to keep pushing forward. Keep those pictures and stories coming and send them in!
