We’ve got a fresh batch of photos from one of our own, showcasing a 1978 XS650 that’s been dubbed “The Evil Twin.” And let me tell you, this bike has got some serious attitude.
The community member behind this build has crafted a hardtail rear section out of 1-inch tubing he had lying around, cleverly incorporating the ends off the factory swing arm. This kind of resourcefulness is what the custom bike scene is all about—making magic happen with what you’ve got.
But that’s not all. The same 1-inch tubing was used to bend up some wicked little ape hangers that give “The Evil Twin” its menacing stance. It’s not just about looks, though; those bars mean business when it comes to handling and rider posture.
The ingenuity continues with a treasure chest-type box that houses the electronics, battery, and switches for the headlight and ignition. This isn’t just a functional element; it’s been turned into a statement piece with some hand-tooled leather work that also graces the solo seat. It’s these details that transform a build from great to extraordinary.
Our community member’s creativity shines through in the simple but effective forward controls and headlight mount. And speaking of the headlight, along with the brake and clutch levers, they’re repurposed Harley parts—a nod to the spirit of sharing and repurposing that runs deep in the bike-building community.
This XS650 isn’t just a showpiece; it’s a “b****** fun ride,” as our builder puts it. And that’s the ultimate goal, isn’t it? To create something that looks killer and rides even better. The fact that he did 100% of the work himself just adds to the cool factor.
And it sounds like this isn’t the end of the road for our intrepid builder. With a “super low xs in the works and one more in the wings waiting,” it’s clear that this is someone who lives and breathes the custom bike lifestyle.
So here’s to “The Evil Twin,” a 1978 XS650 that’s as much about the journey as it is the destination. And here’s to its creator, who reminds us all that with some tubing, leather, and a whole lot of passion, you can turn an old Yamaha into a road-devouring masterpiece.
Keep those pictures and stories coming. Submit them here. We’re all about the rides, the builds, and the people behind them. Ride on!
