In our vibrant Yamaha XS650 Facebook Community, we’re constantly amazed by the incredible builds our members share. We’re putting the spotlight on Gareth Buckle and his jaw-dropping 1975 XS650 chopper. With its sleek black paint job and eye-catching red flame designs on the gas tank, this bike is a true head-turner.
Gareth’s journey with this chopper began when he purchased it half-done, after a 20-year break from riding. “It had been 20 odd years since my last bike as we started a family and they are now grown!” he shares. “I thought it’s time for a chop as previously I had had sports bikes and road legal motocross bikes and it was time for a change as age is now upon me!”
When Gareth got his hands on the XS650, it was running, but that was about it. “The lights were abysmal as were all the electrical system with the ignition / light switch being on the ammo box,” he explains. Undeterred, Gareth rolled up his sleeves and got to work, rewiring the bike and installing proper lighting.
But Gareth didn’t stop there. He bought an airbrush and took on the challenge of painting the bike himself. The result? A stunning black paint job with fiery red flames licking the sides of the gas tank. “I’m no artist but for a first go I’m happy!” Gareth admits, but we beg to differ – the paintwork is nothing short of incredible.
In one of the five photos Gareth shared, we see him proudly seated on his XS650 chopper, a huge grin on his face. It’s clear that this project has brought him immense joy and satisfaction. The other four pictures showcase the bike from various angles, giving us a closer look at the intricate details and modifications Gareth has made.
One of the most impressive upgrades Gareth tackled was installing twin disc brakes. “As I got into it I decided to put twin discs on as I had a set of Xj 600 front calliper’s-sitting around as you do!” he explains. Using some stainless steel plate he had on hand, Gareth fabricated the brackets himself, showcasing his skills and resourcefulness.
Gareth’s XS650 chopper is an ongoing project, with plans for more changes and improvements in the future. It’s a constant ongoing project,” he says, “and as I got into it, I decided to put twin discs on.” This sentiment perfectly captures the spirit of our Yamaha XS650 community – always striving to make our bikes better, one modification at a time.
We’re incredibly impressed by Gareth’s dedication and creativity in bringing this 1975 XS650 chopper back to life. The black and red color scheme is a classic choice that never goes out of style, and the custom paintwork elevates this bike to a whole new level of cool.
