There’s something undeniably magnetic about a well-built Yamaha XS650—especially when it’s a meticulously crafted, blacked-out machine that blends vintage aesthetics with raw, no-nonsense functionality. This particular bike, submitted by one of our dedicated community members, David Slavens, shows passion, patience, and the joy of hands-on creation.
Built on a 1979 frame but powered by an 1983 engine, this XS650 is a carefully curated mix of decades and styles.
The builder didn’t just slap parts together—they chose each component with intention. The early ’70s tank and headlight bucket pay homage to Yamaha’s heritage, while the 1983 front end and wheels ensure modern reliability.
“I didn’t want to try to hide the fact that it was a Yamaha by using a peanut tank, which are kool, but the early XS Yamaha tank and headlight bucket was the ticket for the look I was going for,” the builder explains.
The result? A machine that proudly wears its lineage while carving out its own identity—a bobber-tracker hybrid with aggressive stance and clean lines.
Details That Define the Build
The rear fender, salvaged from a 1974 Yamaha 175 Enduro, adds a rugged touch, while the 1985 Yamaha XT550 handlebars lend a dirt-track-inspired riding position.
The custom battery and electrical box, fabricated by the builder himself, keeps the bike’s profile tight and uncluttered. Cleverly, the electronic ignition is hidden behind the neck, tucked neatly beneath the fuel tank—proof that thoughtful engineering can be as beautiful as bold design.
Suspension duties are handled by a TC Bros hardtail, paired with forward controls for that classic bobber feel. The rattle-can satin and gloss black paint job is a temporary measure—“until I work all the bugs out”—but it gives the bike a sinister, no-frills attitude that perfectly suits its purpose.
Labor of Love
With over 180 hours of labor and roughly $2,400 invested, this build wasn’t just about the destination—it was about the journey.
“Fun, fun, fun!” the builder emphasizes, and that enthusiasm radiates from every angle.
From the hand-fabricated electrical box to the carefully selected vintage parts, this XS650 is a rolling testament to the joy of building something uniquely your own.
For now, the bike rides as it looks—raw, unfiltered, and full of character. But as any true builder knows, a motorcycle is never truly finished. With plans to refine the paint and iron out any remaining quirks, this blacked-out XS650 is only going to get better with time.
