When restoration meets rebellion, magic happens in the most unexpected places
In the world of custom motorcycles, some of the most compelling builds emerge not from high-end fabrication shops, but from humble garages where passion, persistence, and a healthy supply of beer fuel late-night creativity. Such is the story of TriXSie, a 1979 Yamaha XS650 that has undergone a remarkable transformation from tired runner to head-turning custom chopper.
From Smoke to Soul
The journey began with what many would consider an unpromising foundation: a dated-looking XS650 with a “tired and smokey motor” that had been sitting dormant for 15 years. What followed was a methodical resurrection that took place “over the course of a few years” in a workshop where craftsmanship was measured in both progress and empty bottles.
The builder’s approach was both practical and inspired. Rather than pursuing a complete frame replacement, the project retained the stock front end while grafting on a “one off hardtail section.” This hybrid approach creates the clean, uninterrupted lines that define classic chopper aesthetics while maintaining the proven geometry of Yamaha’s original design.
Engineering Excellence Meets Old-School Cool
The mechanical rebuild focused on addressing the bike’s core issues without losing its character. The top end received a complete refresh with new piston rings and valve seals, transforming the once-smoky powerplant into a reliable runner that now produces “zero smoke.” The original starter motor remains in place despite never functioning, but as the builder notes, “she kicks into life with ease” – a testament to both the engine work and the satisfying ritual of kick-starting a well-tuned machine.
The carburetor work exemplifies the attention to detail throughout the build. After vapor blasting, the carbs received “all new internals and jetted to suit” the bike’s breathing modifications. This level of tuning precision is what separates successful custom builds from pretty garage queens that don’t deliver on the road.
Form Follows Function
TriXSie’s visual impact comes from carefully chosen proportions and components. Up front, a massive 21-inch Invader wheel from the 1970s dominates the landscape, held in place by extended forks that stretch 6 inches over stock length. As the builder explains with characteristic humor, this measurement was chosen “only because they don’t make 12-inch extensions” – though the result achieves the perfect balance between dramatic stance and rideable geometry.
The handlebar choice reinforces the period-correct aesthetic. Z-bars sourced from Skeleton Chop Shop UK carry no modern switchgear, instead featuring “groovy metalflake grips and old vintage Brit bike levers” that maintain the bike’s commitment to analog simplicity.
Hidden Sophistication
Beneath TriXSie’s raw appearance lies thoughtful engineering. The electrical system represents a masterclass in minimalist wiring, featuring a “home made minimal wiring loom wrapped in braided cover” that routes to a Pipes n Stuff PMA (Permanent Magnet Alternator) kit. This system eliminates the troublesome points ignition in favor of modern reliability, with all critical components including “coils, ignition module, fuse box and capacitor” cleverly housed inside the bomb-shaped unit beneath the seat.
The braking system showcases creative problem-solving, combining the stock XS rear mag wheel and disc with a Harley caliper controlled by an “old Panhead master” cylinder. This collaboration of components from different eras creates both functional stopping power and visual intrigue.
Comfort Meets Style
The riding position reflects careful consideration of both aesthetics and ergonomics. Custom mid-mount foot controls utilize “original stock peg mounts and pegs cut down and mounted to lower frame rails with box section,” creating a comfortable riding triangle while maintaining the bike’s clean profile. The seat, acquired through what the builder describes as a “late night drunken eBay bid,” perfectly complements the custom-bent sissy bar that provides both back support and classic chopper silhouette.
Performance and Future Plans
Currently, TriXSie delivers on its promise as more than just a show piece. The builder reports it “gets ridden hard and goes well now that jetting is sorted for open pipes and bellmouths,” proving that form and function can coexist in custom motorcycle building.
Future modifications remain purposefully modest. Plans include shaving the front forks “to give that clean look,” while the current finish will remain untouched. “No plans for paint as I like the way she looks,” the builder states, demonstrating an appreciation for the honest patina that comes from actual use and age.
The Shed-Built Philosophy
TriXSie represents something increasingly rare in today’s custom motorcycle scene: a build that prioritizes character over perfection, function over flash. The combination of thoughtful engineering, period-appropriate components, and honest craftsmanship creates a motorcycle that feels authentic in ways that often elude higher-budget builds.
This XS650 proves that the most compelling custom motorcycles often emerge from builders who understand that the journey is as important as the destination – and that sometimes the best workshop tool is simply patience, combined with the wisdom that comes from “lots of beer and graft.”
In an era of increasingly sophisticated custom builds, TriXSie stands as a reminder that the soul of motorcycle customization lies not in expensive components or flawless finishes, but in the vision to see potential where others see problems, and the persistence to transform that vision into rolling reality.
TriXSie continues to evolve as an “ongoing project,” embodying the eternal truth that the best custom motorcycles are never truly finished – they simply reach new chapters in their stories.
