Bought the bike as a tired US spec Special that was a non runner. It was a solid low mileage bike but way too stock for me.
I stripped the bike down and got it running for a season and tried a few different bar and suspension setups.
![](https://xs650chopper.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/special-brat-xs650-jake-8.jpg)
In the end I went with wide international bars, modified stock tank, custom seat and lowered suspension.
![](https://xs650chopper.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/special-brat-xs650-jake.jpg)
Up front I used the stock 35mm tubes but shaved and cleaned them up – fitted Hughs lowering kit and an early twin shoe drum brake fitted with a wide alloy 18” rim.
![](https://xs650chopper.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/special-brat-xs650-jake-2.jpg)
At the back just cleaned the stock stuff up with bronze bushings a wide alloy 18” rim.
![](https://xs650chopper.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/special-brat-xs650-jake-3.jpg)
Rear shocks are 2015 Harley Sportster and the side panels are 70s XS panels with ignition key set into left side.
![](https://xs650chopper.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/special-brat-xs650-jake-4.jpg)
All the frame was deathbed, I welded in a cleaner rear loop, removed the rear pegs and anything that wasn’t useful.
![](https://xs650chopper.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/special-brat-xs650-jake-6.jpg)
I rebuilt the engine and box – changed the 5th gear and ported the head – nothing crazy – its fitted with stock cam, a pair of Mikuni 34s, and a hand made set of hi pipes with stainless baffles to keep things looking clean.
![](https://xs650chopper.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/special-brat-xs650-jake-7.jpg)
The motor was vapour blasted and side cases polished.
![](https://xs650chopper.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/special-brat-xs650-jake-9.jpg)
Bike rides good, the exhaust is quite civilised but has a nice bark when opened up.
![](https://xs650chopper.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/special-brat-xs650-jake-10.jpg)
All wiring replaced with a super simple capacitor and PMA setup.
![](https://xs650chopper.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/special-brat-xs650-jake-11.jpg)
I haven’t put many miles on the bike but its a nice comfy cruiser with the fat firestones – probably no good on the twisty stuff but I love the way the bike came out.
![](https://xs650chopper.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/special-brat-xs650-jake-12.jpg)
Helped by friends -paint by Darren Mills, polish by CMA (rip Paul) and exhaust by Neil Brown – I did everything else…slowly.
![](https://xs650chopper.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/special-brat-xs650-jake-13.jpg)
Submitted by Jake
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