Here is Greg Love’s Yamaha XS650 build, which has a rich history and a lot of personal significance for Greg. Let’s dive into the details of this impressive transformation.
Greg’s journey with his XS650 began when he first purchased it as an original bike with a few aftermarket accessories and custom paint. After enjoying the bike for a couple of years, he sold it to focus on other projects. “It was sold to finish other projects and came back for sale 12 months later,” Greg explains. When the opportunity arose, he couldn’t resist buying it back with a new vision in mind.
Determined to build the bike exactly how he wanted it, Greg pulled it completely down and started fresh. He fitted a TC Brothers hardtail, added a new custom rear guard, and installed a Warsell fuel tank. The front forks were shaved, and an XS1 drum brake front wheel was fitted, along with a 16″ rear wheel. These modifications gave the bike a distinctive look and improved its performance.
The motor, which had been fitted with a big bore kit and performance cams, was in good running condition and had proven to be both reliable and quick. As a result, Greg decided not to touch it. “The motor was in good running condition so it wasn’t touched,” he notes. The frame was coated in gloss black, while the tank, guard, and other accessories were painted in a dark blue custom mix 2-pack, giving the bike a sleek and cohesive appearance.
Greg’s dedication to his XS650 is evident in every detail of the build. “I purchased it back again with plans to build it the way I would like it and not sell again,” he says. This bike is not just a project; it’s a labor of love that reflects Greg’s passion for motorcycle building.
