Here is Larry’s stunning XS650 Bobber, affectionately named “Oldskool Red n Black.” Larry, who goes by the nickname “blackwidow,” sent us three pictures of his bike, capturing it from different angles and highlighting its unique character.
The Journey of the Build
Larry’s journey with his XS650 has been nothing short of inspiring. When asked how long it took to build his bike, Larry shared, “I had the bike 6 months and after the 3rd month I hardtailed it. Then it sat for a month and about two months to finish the rest, so probably a good 3 months of working on it solid.” It’s clear that Larry’s dedication and hard work paid off, resulting in a bike that truly stands out.
First-Time Builder
Amazingly, this is the first bike Larry has ever built. He mentioned, “Yes, this is the first bike I’ve built. It’s only the second bike I’ve ever owned. The other bike I owned like 6 months then I sold it to buy an XS.” For a first-time builder, Larry has done an exceptional job, demonstrating that passion and perseverance can lead to remarkable outcomes.
Overcoming Challenges
Every build comes with its challenges, and for Larry, the wiring was a significant hurdle. “The harder things for me were the wiring because I know nothing about bikes and just figuring placement for everything like the brake and all that stuff,” he explained. Despite these challenges, Larry managed to overcome them, resulting in a beautifully finished bike.
The Ride Experience
Larry’s hard work paid off not just in looks but in performance as well. When asked how the bike rides, he said, “I like the way it rides. It’s not that noticeably stiff to me, only on some real hard bumps. But besides that, it rides real good and I feel comfortable as to where the bars are set and the forward controls.” It’s great to hear that the bike not only looks good but also offers a comfortable and enjoyable ride.
Future Plans
As for future builds, Larry is open to the idea but noted the challenge of finding another XS650. “If I can find another one LOL, they’re kind of hard to find around here,” he shared. We hope Larry manages to get his hands on another XS650 soon because we can’t wait to see what he creates next.
