Yes, you can run a stock profiled camshaft, but it must be rephased to match the crank. If you need more information, email me at HughsHandBuilt@gmail.com

Hugh

I dig what you are saying. But to me, there is a major difference between “Assembling” a motorcycle from a pile of purchased parts, and creating your own parts from nothing more than raw materials. I don’t feel the need to defend what I said in this article. Its been almost 2 years since this was published here, and I’ve learned alot about the industry since. Yes, I get the part about supporting other shops, But I stand by my own actions and words. I am a Product Designer. It is my Job to push the envelope, try new things, and question the status quo.

And though you think I was a “newbie” at bike building, which is true, it allowed me to build from my mind, not a catalogue.

Paul, if this rubbed you the wrong way, I’m sorry. And please, feel free to drop me an email or check out the Blog sometime if you still feel that I am just another “Clueless” builder with luck of the draw. HughsHandBuilt@gmail.com

As for the rest of you guys (and gals), keep on chopping and have fun with these bikes. Taking yourself too seriously isn’t worth the effort. See ya on the road!

Hugh

What part of OWN did you not understand?

Some people actually support others in the industry…..its the American way. Try being professional in your speech while giving an interview. Learn more about what the hell you are talking about before you talk down on others or try to talk mechanically on what you “think” is the general consensus about the XS.

The tank is off of a 50’s Famous James motorcycle, good luck finding one, and if you do, send it to me 🙂

Hugh

HughsHandBuilt@gmail.com

LAND SPEED RACING here I come!

And Jason – look at this for inspiration if you´ld like to go caferacer style:

http://wrenchmonkees.com/monkee11.html

This bike will be featured in CYCLE SOURCE soon! Keep an eye out for the January Edition!!!

Hugh

Im 6′ tall, and with the peg location and the bars, its a perfect fit for a fast twisty ride…

I used Wiseco 707CC Pistons. Search “Wiseco XS650” on ebay, and they pop up from time to time. You’ll have to have the cylinders bored out of course, I had a shop do that for $40 for me. They are higher compression than most “750” pistons, which is what I wanted as I wanted a full on Hot-Rod XS!!

cool build, and superb sounding engine.

What reference are the Wiseco Pistons that you used ? Am planning to overbore my motor without spending the big bucks on 750cc + kit

cheers

The tank is off of a 1957 James… I have only seen 1 other, so if you find one, BUY IT, and send it to me!!!

I also do alot of side work when School isn’t going full tilt, so if you guys need anything, just let me know…

Hugh
mo34299@appstate.edu
Boone NC

I work with Aaron and he showed me your ‘BAD ASS’ work on the yahamas. I am currently working on a project, or should I say trying to figure out what style I am trying to go with on my bike. The bike I have is a daily driver, 1974 honda cb750 k4. The only thing I have done is changed the mid sized original ape hanger handle bars to old school cafe bars, removed the old sissy bar and ride the hell out of it. Cool look especially since I haven’t seen a cafe style honda of my year in Lenoir NC since I bought the bike. Not sure at this point if I want to go totally cafe or bobber. I will probably start breaking the bike down for restoration at the start of cold weather this year. I can’t seem to stay off the thing long enough during warm weather to do anything to it. Aaron and I have talked about riding up and checking out your work. I have some questions that I would like to talk to you about before I start this adventure. I have a cousin attending college and I am always in the area. Let me know if it would be ok to stop in sometime. Would love to get a closer look at some of your work on the bikes.

Later and TON-UP!

Jason

Hey just ran across your post while Googling xs yamaha. I have recently taken interest in these xs bikes. I see you are in Boone at App. Nice! I live right down the mountain near Hickory. Hit me up on my email one day, I would like to come see what you guys have going on up there and hopefully soon I will be picking on of these up to work on myself. Hit me up at agoossens83@gmail.com

I have not bothered with the Banshee setup, since I have not had trouble with my charging system since I fixed that wire… I’m sure It’ll crap out as soon as I’m about 500 miles from home though, hah…

@ Hugh
Did you get the banshee charging system setup yet? I was going to tell you that to make sure you put Loctite on all the bolts! I just saw a guy who had a banshee set up and the bolts backed out while he was on the road..

Looking to make some new Intake Velocity Stacks as well as some other small things… New paint on the way as well, as I have to have the tank re-sealed at a radiator shop…

Doing the crank yourself is a time consuming project, look at the build thread on pirate4x4 and you’ll see how hard it is to get 4 flywheels all lined up and true. Prepare to cuss, kick and beg for a quick death once you get that part started!!

A few pics up is a tool I made to pull the 2 halves of the crank back together. I used 2 Fine threaded bolts and nuts to press the crank apart. They were about 3/4″ or so, and high grade steel of some sort (I had em laying in my box o’ bolts).

Basically, cut the bolts down to fit between the 2 halves of the crank. Then thread the nuts onto the bolts, push the bolt/nut combo between the 2 halves of the crank and back the nuts off. This puts pressure against the 2 halves of the crank and allows them to separate. I did this in 2 locations 180 degrees from each other. You’ll only get cranks apart the width of the nut, so you’ll have to re-thread the nuts back down and shim the bolt head out more to finally get the job done. It’s a tough job, your hands will be worn out when you get the crank apart!

I hope thats a clear enough answer for ya.

-pangea andy