Comments on: WWII Military Theme XS650

By: Ed

Ed — Sun, 13 Oct 2013 15:58:40 +0000

My builder had a bit if a hard time getting it right. He actually had to cut down part of the control trim because it wasn’t laying right. Sorry I don’t know any details. Good luck on your build!

By: Scott

Scott — Sun, 13 Oct 2013 15:52:07 +0000

Very cool scoot .any tips on the tank mount im also planning the same but with a different look

By: Ed

Ed — Thu, 09 May 2013 05:02:29 +0000

Ooops, I forgot to post the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQlF-w4pcnU

By: Ed

Ed — Thu, 09 May 2013 04:59:40 +0000

It lives! Needs to be fine tuned a bit, and the hydraulic clutch still needs to be sorted out a bit. Hopefully, I will be able to ride it in the next few weeks. I read someone describe a 270 Rephased XS650 motor as sound like a pissed off Ducati. Now, I also have a Ducati Monster and I don’t totally agree with it sounding like a Ducati, but it definitely sounds like a pissed off motor. LOL I would describe the exhaust sound as very raw & uncivilized in a good way.

By: JAXN

JAXN — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 02:43:06 +0000

Pretty cool. It would look even better if you could find a replica rifle scabbard to mount on the frame. Real cool if you keep a rifle (M1 Carbine) in the scabbard. Nice job.

By: domenic

domenic — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:05:01 +0000

vintage World War 2 motorcycles are so kool i built one 4 months ago your bike is so kool want to see more photos wish to see more of them built. this site is the best.

By: misfitskinny

misfitskinny — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:57:23 +0000

I think u nailed the look you were going for and it looks great!!! Like everything about this build. Lot of time , thinking and research put in this one!!

By: Ed

Ed — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 06:35:32 +0000

Yes, I have entertained the idea of a sidecar many times! LOL Maybe when I hit the lottery?

By: Ed

Ed — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 06:29:05 +0000

Hi,
Thanks for all the comments. I was a bit worried about the ceramic coatings retaining heat, but took a chance after consulting with Performance Coatings: http://www.performancecoatings.com/index2.html

http://www.militaryimages.net/photopost/data/996/1942-WLA-type-II-harley-davidson.jpg
I believe the headlight for the Harley WLA was repositioned below the horn after 1942. It was just my personal preference to replicate that look.

By: El Gaucho

El Gaucho — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 14:01:29 +0000

schweeeeet! When I saw the pics, I thought this might be a little heavier and would be a great bike to do a big bore and rephase on. Then I read the description and saw you were thinking the same thing! This should be a very cool bike when it’s done. Have you considered a sidecar for it? That would be bitchin’.

By: Scott

Scott — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:41:53 +0000

Take it from a guy who owns a 42′ military flathead 45″. The fender is spot on! Looks great and I bet you’ll have less problems than I do.

By: Geezerman

Geezerman — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:46:30 +0000

Cool idea, gonna be a great ride.
I like it.

By: mike lytle

mike lytle — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:23:21 +0000

looks like the front fender is mounted to the stationary fork tubes so there has to be room for the tire to move up and down. I think that’s why it looks a little strange

By: Ted Hewitt

Ted Hewitt — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:29:55 +0000

NICE

By: srbtjeep

srbtjeep — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:33:56 +0000

I agree with Steve on the headllight and horn switching places, and the fender a tad high, but the dual taillights are period correct for military bikes.

By: scott

scott — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:57:10 +0000

heard the same. prob better off w/ high temp rattle can. that’s how i did mine. no issues so far.

By: Joe Bob Biggs

Joe Bob Biggs — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:50:41 +0000

I had talked about Ceramic Coating my motor with my Powder Coat guy awhile back and he warned me against it. He said the Ceramic Coating keeps the heat in and that would make the motor run hotter. He said he had done a bunch of Harley Heads in Ceramic and they all got brought back and were stripped because the ran to hot. This is just what I have been told.

By: Barney

Barney — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:24:38 +0000

Excellent job, the best military bike i’ve seen on here. The front fender looks off and directs your vision to the rear fender which doesn’t match the tire radius. Can’t wait til it’s complete.

By: wally

wally — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:06:09 +0000

I love it! nice job!

By: scott

scott — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:36:26 +0000

very cool! have not seen something like this done w/ the XS before. I have to agree w/ steve tho, if you’re going through all this work, that front fender needs to fit the tire better. nice work all around tho!

By: JJ Gross

JJ Gross — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:53:19 +0000

Nice retro job, I’m doing a similar era XS650 but not military themed. Be sure to update with new pics as you finish, your bike kicks ass!

By: steve

steve — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:20:34 +0000

I built something simular to this many years ago with a XS and I really love the pride you put into it. The front fender a tad high? double taillights? I think I would switch the Horn and headlight.
they say it is easier to Criticize then to complement but this is meant to be postive.

Assume ride

By: Troy Parker

Troy Parker — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:57:35 +0000

Very Cool!!!

By: mike lytle

mike lytle — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:15:04 +0000

GO ARMY!!!!! nicely done!! thanks for sharing