In our private Yamaha XS650 Facebook Community, we’re always thrilled to see the incredible builds our members share. We’re putting the spotlight on David Johnson’s stunning 1980 Yamaha XS650 Special, a true labor of love that he’s been working on for the past two years.
David’s XS650 is a real head-turner, with its sleek matte red tank and black accents throughout. He tells us, “I poured everything into this bike to try to build something I could be proud of.” And boy, should he be proud! The attention to detail on this build is remarkable.
Starting with the frame, David had it powder-coated for a durable, long-lasting finish. He then added custom 17″ laced wheels on both the front and rear, giving the bike a modern, sporty look. The front end is from a Yamaha R6, a nice touch that shows David’s willingness to think outside the box.
One of the most eye-catching features of this XS650 is the Cognito Moto top clamp, which houses a Motogadget mini speedometer. It’s a clean, minimalist setup that perfectly complements the bike’s overall aesthetic.
David’s custom work doesn’t stop there. He fabricated a rear cowl that cleverly hides the starter solenoid, keeping the lines of the bike clean and uncluttered. And that gorgeous matte red tank? David painted it himself in his garage, proving that he’s not just a skilled builder but a talented painter as well.
When asked about the style of his XS650, David says, “I’d consider it a cafe racer.” We couldn’t agree more. The low, aggressive stance, the minimalist bodywork, and the performance-oriented modifications all point to a classic cafe racer build.
