David Roberts – 1983 XS650

David Roberts – I built this one in my shop, Broken Sprocket Garage. It is the first custom bike build I have done. I learned many skills along the way, from basic MIG welding to pipe bending to being patient with the build process.

Inspiration for this build came from the many old machines I work on in my shop. Especially old tractors and farm equipment. The foot clutch and brake pedals are from an old wheel horse tractor. The brake pedal operates both the hydraulic front Brembo and the rear mechanical drum.
I asked friends to make some wood pieces for that antique tractor feel. The seat is Spanish cedar, the shift handle is white oak, the front motor mount is Bamboo plywood, and the kick pedal is an unknown exotic African species.

-1 2014 -5 2014
The frame is by Voodoo Vintage, as is the seat pan. Seat is sprung by a fully adjustable mountain bike shock. Wheels and forks are stock bits, powdercoated by Aurora and relaced/rebuilt by Broken Sprocket Garage with stainless steel Mikes XS. spokes.

Custom made, cloth braided wire harness made by Broken Sprocket Garage. This has become a specialty of the shop. I make bare bones and wire harnesses for the XS650 and also late model H-D Big Twins and Sportsters. I have shipped several around the USA and Canada!

The tail light is one of my favorite pieces on the bike. It is a large nut that my late, great friend, the legendary Al Gillen machined for me. I then hand bent some 1/2″ round stock, welded it up and mounted it to the Bare Knuckle Choppers spun steel rear fender. HHB speedo delete and solid riser bushings modified for countersunk bolts Billy Lane internal throttle.