Engine, year and make, model, modifications: 1980 XS650 stock engine (rejetted BS34 carbs) Frame: Shaved stock front loop, with a custom (zero stretch) rear section by me. Stock rake. Fork: CB750K forks (shaved) and lowered 2”
Chassis mods: Removed upper engine mount tube, and OEM neck gussets. Replaced with custom upper engine mount and custom (smaller) neck gussets. Handbuilt foot-controls, solo seat, handlebars, sissybar, battery box, etc… its all in the little things.
Tire/wheel size and style: Misc 1970’s CB wheels – Firestone squigglies 4.00x19F/4.50x18R. Also, the gearing is slightly longer than stock XS, so it goes pretty well on the highway, but its basically impossible to do a poppa wheelie on this thing now.
Favorite thing about this bike: probably the handlebars, which I’m pretty proud of. I think that the front drum brake is a pretty neat part too
Next modification will be: I’m considering getting a few more parts nickel-plated. I was originally worried about it being too flashy. But I think it could use some more shiny bits.
Other mods, accessories, cool parts, etc: This was my first successful seat upholstery, but I think the king and queen on my next bike might be too tricky for me to do… I got my LeBlond lathe when the bike was about halfway completed, so I got a good chance to learn how to build some interesting parts, like the brass wheel tensioners, knurled brass footpegs, and the exhaust tips.
Thanks to: Josh Scott of Old School Helmets for painting my tins (he’s a rad dude). Steffan at Zombie Performance for selling me some mandrel bends so I could build my bars. A lot of the local guys here in SLC, for giving me some ideas and helping me out. And, of course, my parents.
Owner/Location:
Greg Hebard
Regatta Garage
Salt Lake City, UT