Justin “Slick” Lamboy, has shared with us the remarkable journey of his 1980 Yamaha XS650 Special, affectionately named “El Cheapo.”
Justin’s story begins three years ago when he decided to gift himself a 40th birthday present that would turn heads and spark conversations. “Three years ago for a 40th birthday present for myself, I bought a 1980 special that was also turning 40,” he recalls. The bike, which had been sitting idle for 15 years due to a locked front caliper, was a diamond in the rough. Justin saw the potential in this neglected machine and set out to transform it into something extraordinary.
The journey from a bone-stock XS650 to the stunning El Cheapo was no small feat. Justin undertook the entire build in his shed, embracing the challenge with a DIY spirit that is both inspiring and commendable. “El Cheapo as the bike has now affectionately been named was entirely home built in my shed. I did all of the paint, fabrication, wiring, and welding myself,” he proudly states.
One of the most striking features of El Cheapo is its paint job, which Justin executed using rattle cans. “Believe it or not, the paint is all rattle can including clear coat. I went for a 1970s feel and sprayed through some lace,” he explains. This innovative approach was more than just a cost-saving measure; it was a statement to those who doubted the potential of rattle can finishes. “All just to prove to the stuck-up a%$holes at the local paint supply house it could be done with rattle cans.”
The build was not without its challenges. Justin’s resourcefulness and determination were put to the test on numerous occasions. “I set the wiring on fire twice while wiring it. Boiled over a battery once when the regulator went bad and rebuilt one for $40 using some car parts and cheap electrical bits,” he recounts. Despite these setbacks, Justin’s perseverance paid off, resulting in a bike that is as reliable as it is visually stunning.
To keep costs low, Justin scoured the marketplace for parts and made strategic decisions about what to reuse and what to replace. “I fortunately bought a stash of XS650 and chopper parts for $400 from good old marketplace and sold what I didn’t use including another XS650 for a profit, which kept my cost on the build super low,” he explains. This frugality extended to the tires as well, with Justin admitting, “I am still running the same rear tire that was on it when I purchased the bike which has a 90’s date code. Dumb probably, cheap most definitely.”
El Cheapo’s transformation took just under a year from start to finish, with Justin handling nearly every aspect of the build himself. The few parts that were purchased included a hardtail from TC Bros, a sissy bar, rear fender, fork brace, handle bars, and mounts. Justin even fabricated a fake horseshoe oil tank to house the bike’s electrics. “I reused what I could of the stock wiring and made most of anything else needed, all in an effort to keep my cost down,” he says.
The result is a bike that not only showcases Justin’s skills but also embodies the spirit of motorcycle customization. El Cheapo is a testament to what can be achieved with determination, creativity, and a willingness to tackle challenges head-on. As Justin reflects on his XS650 adventure, he acknowledges the addictive nature of these bikes. “A good friend had warned me when I started this XS650 adventure that they are highly addictive. Man was he ever right. I have owned 5 of them now including El Cheapo and still find myself looking on marketplace and in garages for more.”
As winter approaches, Justin has plans to give El Cheapo some well-deserved touch-ups and refinements. “This winter I am planning on blowing El Cheapo apart and doing some touch-ups and redoing a few things that I would like to do. Obviously as cheaply as possible,” he shares.
