It’s the stock kickstand from a 74 frame. The correct part was broken on that frame and when I got it, someone had already added the piece that welds on from a 1974. I had to find the kickstand, which is kind of a rare piece and shorten it because the bike is lowered.

Any xs650 front end will work. I did not use an xs1 frontend. However you will need to make some wheel spacers to center the wheel (I use an old handlebar) and a brake stay to keep the drum from turning when you apply the brake.

one more question the x1 front wheel, did you have to use a x1 front end or did you use a xs front end (forks, triple trees)?

Thank You! Awesome build!

They ae both the same 18″x36 xsperformance rims sold by mikes. From my recollection,he only sells one size, but they are both back wheels, so it would be the wider one non shouldered.

What size 2.15 x 18, or 1.85×18 36 hole shouldered or nonshouldered
and the rear ?

Mikesxs

Fong is among a small handful of guys who have done the work to show the rest of us how it’s done. Now that these guys have done the work, all one needs to do is look the bikes over and decide which one you want to emulate. Now we know how each different kind of tank looks, how different wheelbases look, girder vs springer vs stock forks look, handlebars, ground clearance etc. There was a time when none of this had been done for the XS yet. The evolution has been going on for years now, and criticizing this bike is to find fault with the time and work spent on bringing the XS bobber to its present point. Sometimes people even say, “How boring, this has been done before.” Yeah, you’re right. By Fong!

Or, perhaps they aren’t “real deal bikes,” ie, V-Twins or Triumphs. Maybe that’s what the problem is.

Don’t understand the trend of no rear fender on any bike frankly.

Otherwise, nice basic bike.

Some people don’t get it and possibly never will get it…I got it and it rocks!

REPLY:I do respect the fact that you don’t like this bike, so I will not try to persuade you to think differently. However, I will respond objectively to your comments. To start, in my opinion, this bike is not a POS, but you were right to start your post by calling me GOD. Second, I happen to like the look of the frame with the stock heavy parts i.e. footpegs/mounts because they eliminate the negative space left in front of the wheel when a hardtail is added. Beyond that, I guarantee my frames, with all the extra pieces are WAY stronger than those without (so there is some thought of function). As for it being a basic novice build, did you read the title BASIC BLACK BIKE? Basic is in the title. As for novice, I’m still satisfied with my skill level. My bikes are built for putting around town and barhopping, not for winning the next drag race, stunt competition, or Isle of Mann TT. So therefore, I think they function just fine considering their intended purpose. The seat is positioned to keep one from sliding into the back tire (function), and I do not feel it detracts from the line of the bike. I like the tank. It’s a Wassell and I’ve been using them for years. I know you think they blow, and yet somehow they command a fortune and 2 major companies DETROIT BROS and LOWBROW are re-making them. Those companies must have very little forethought to spend the money to market and make a part that blows. Just think how much money they and other builders could save if only they had taken the time to hire you as a design consultant – with your eagle eye. It’s keen vision like yours that sees clubman bars where there are none. This bike has Daytona which are nothing like Clubmans. Finally, as to my getting a clue about design, I have degrees and certification in both Art and Engineering, so I think I might know a little about design – well, as much as anyother novice. This bike has style in spades, but maybe not the style you like. I respect that.

I’m completely lying.