There’s something undeniably magnetic about a Yamaha XS650 that’s been stripped down, rebuilt, and transformed into a snarling custom machine.
The latest example to land in our spotlight is Crotch-Rat, a fiery red hardtail built by Ryan Benson of Motorcycle Warehouse. This bike doesn’t just turn heads—it demands attention with its aggressive stance, raw fabrication, and meticulous craftsmanship.
A Hardtail with Attitude
At the core of Crotch-Rat is a TC Bros weld-on hardtail frame, a staple in the XS650 custom scene, but what sets this build apart is the execution. Paired with forward controls and clubman bars, the bike’s posture is low, lean, and ready to carve asphalt.
The steel pan seat keeps the profile minimal, reinforcing the no-nonsense aesthetic.
The owner’s statement says it all:
“We wanted to build something different this time.”
And different it is—while many XS650 customs lean toward vintage homage or café racer purity, Crotch-Rat embraces a brash, industrial personality.
Fabrication with a Signature Touch
One of the standout features of this build is the hand-fabricated high-mounted exhaust, terminating in a thunderous 3” Echo can.
The pipes snake aggressively along the bike’s right side, adding a muscular edge to the otherwise clean lines.
Up top, a Triumph T-25 tank replaces the stock unit, its classic shape contrasting with the bike’s modern-hardtail aggression.
“All work, including paint, was done in-house,” the builder notes—a testament to the shop’s skill.
The deep red finish is flawless, a bold choice that ensures Crotch-Rat stands out in a sea of blacked-out customs.
Built for the Rider Who Wants More
This isn’t just a showpiece—it’s a rider’s machine. The forward controls and clubman bars suggest a bike meant for aggressive, engaged riding, while the hardtail setup keeps the connection between man and machine uncompromised.
For those inspired by Crotch-Rat, the builder extends an invitation: “For info on a special build for yourself, call us at 908-475-1094, Motorcycle Warehouse. For web info and email, motorcyclewhse@gmail.com.”
