We’ve got an exciting update from one of our dedicated members, Sky, who’s been hard at work transforming his ’79 XS650. If you remember his last post, Sky started with a simple project that quickly turned into a full-blown custom build. Today, he’s back with four new photos showing off the latest progress from different angles. Let’s dive into the details!
Sky’s journey with this bike has been anything but straightforward, and that’s what makes it so fascinating. What began as a plan to build some bars and tweak the tail section evolved into a complete overhaul. The only original parts left are the front half of the frame and the engine! Sky decided to go bold with an air-ride system, a first for him, which adds a whole new level of customization and comfort to the ride.
The engine remains stock, except for the custom exhaust that Sky built himself. Despite being a $300 parts bike, the engine fired right up with just a few new gaskets. Talk about a lucky find! The front end now features 2004 Kawasaki ZX6R inverted forks and brakes, paired with 2008 Harley Road Glide rotors. This combination not only improves handling but also adds a unique visual flair.
One of the standout features is the 240mm rear tire, which Sky managed to fit using a custom offset sprocket and a jackshaft setup. The front tire is a 120mm, giving the bike a beefy, aggressive stance. Sky built the bars, the rear half of the frame, the swingarm, and the seat himself. This level of hands-on customization is what the XS650 community is all about.
Sky recently finished painting the bike and is in the process of reassembling it. The new paint job looks fantastic, adding the final touch to this incredible build. For his first bike project ever, Sky has truly outdone himself, and he’s rightfully stoked about the results.
So, hats off to Sky for his relentless creativity and hard work. This ’79 XS650 is a testament to what can be achieved with vision, determination, and a lot of elbow grease. We can’t wait to see what Sky comes up with next, and we’re sure this bike will continue to turn heads wherever it goes.
Keep those updates coming, Sky. Ride on!
