Scroll down for a list of XS650 hardtail frames for sale:
Did you know, the Yamaha Motor Company produced Over a quarter million XS650’s in 40 different variations between 1970 and 1985.
The XS 650 big twin, in America and worldwide has developed a cult following for good reason. The standard model was introduced in 1968 and produced through 1979. Then, the “Special” cruiser model was introduced in 1978 and manufactured through 1985. When Yamaha launched the XS 650 in 1968 it had one of the most advanced engines of all the large parallel twin motorcycles…
The large parallel twin engines has a 360° crank angle. This provides an even firing interval between the two cylinders, but also produces vibration by the two pistons rising and falling together. This vibration is very noticeable at idle – but it’s a characteristic that many appreciate about the bike.
At the heart of the XS650 is an indestructible engine. The best parallel twin ever built.. Tough durability, classic look and abundance of cheap parts make this bike a perfect platform to build a custom chopper, bobber or café racer.
Ten years ago if you wanted to build a custom Yamaha xs650 chopper with a hardtail frame you would’ve had to build it from scratch yourself!
Today, if you want to build a sick XS you’re in luck.
There are a number of companies building parts for the xs crowd. Not even a dead battery can get in the way of the xs650.
Here are some options if you’re looking for a hardtail.
Ardcore Choppers
Ardcore choppers offers a complete hard tail frame for the Yamaha. They also offer a Weld-On Hard Tail XS650 DIY kit… And a new DO IT YOURSELF HARDTAIL KIT – The ARDTAIL! The design utilizing slugs and triangulation to make installing the kit super easy for the average garage builder who doesn’t have access to tons of tools. Check out Mothers-little-helper – a sick example of one of Ardcore’s bikes with a complete hardtail frame.
Tcbros choppers
The TC Bros Weld-On Hard Tail are designed to use your stock wheel, tire, spacers, and chain adjusters. The 1 1/8″ diameter is also the same as your stock frame tubing for a very nice looking installed that looks like it was factory made! This is the most used hardtail on the market! It incorporates 3″ of stretch and 5″ of ground clearance. It is designed to use your stock wheel, tire, spacers, and chain adjusters. Only for use with 1970-1983 Yamaha XS650.
If you’re curious to what year bike you’re working with – check out the model ID table here. TC Bros. Choppers also offers a Universal Hardtail Kit. The axle plates are cut from 3/8″ thick steel and have an integrated mount hole for easy fender mounting. THESE HARDTAILS ARE IN STOCK AND READY TO SHIP!
Blue Collar Bobber is a great example of what can be done with one of the TC Bros Weld-On Hard Tail. For the lowdown on TC Bros – Check out this interview with Tyler from the TC Bros. We talked about some of the new products that they are working on, and how they launched their motorcycle company. You will also find more pics of the Blue Collar Bobber for you to drool over…
THE FONG BROS
It is probably NOT necessary to point out that the bike is by the Fong Bros as their style is definitely recognizable. The Fong Bros like leaving in the center cross member with the foot controls/pegs. It’s a good setup if you’d like to have mid controls with little fabricating. This black bike uses the TC Brothers hardtail kit.
Lowbrow customs
lowbrowcustoms is selling a Weld-On Hardtail by David Bird – with a Looped Style frame. The 3/8″ thick axle plates feature a 3/16″ doubler plate so your stock rear wheel, axle, and axle adjusters will fit. these frames are custom-built to order, so they are made to your specs with your choice of stretch and drop to give your bobber or chopper the exact look you want. These are available in 0″ (stock), 2″, 4″, and 6″ stretch. You can also choose 0″, 1″, 2″, 3″ or 4″ of drop.
It will fit all Yamaha XS650 and TX650 models between 1974 – 1985. Check your model ID table here. Because they are made-to-order you should plan for a 4-6 weeks wait time while they build your frame and ship it out..
This design is unique in that it allows you to leave your stock motor mounts in place, not having to cut and sleeve your vertical seat post tube and have the possibility of misaligning your frame. These hardtails are made of 1-1/8″ diameter .120 wall DOM tubing so it matches up beautifully to your stock front frame section. The gray xs650 Looped Style chopper is built by Scott from Canada. Check it out for more pictures..
Garage Company Customs …
Garage Company has a DIY kit that comes with axle adjusters, weld in piece for the rear loop/motor mount and seat gusset… The bungs are already welded in place and the stretch and drop options rake/stretch available when you order. The frames constructed in-house to your specs in precision jigs and professionally welded to high quality standards. The build pictured above as a frame hard-tailed with a 6 inch stretch in the rear and an additional 3 degrees of rake in the neck.
GL choppers
GL choppers offers Weld-On Hard Tail that enable you to run larger rear wheels. Their hard tail is able to run rear wheels up to 180/200 if you’re looking for that fat rear tire look… You will probably want to call their shop and make sure they have the capacity/time to get you your frame built and shipped out in a time-frame that works with your schedule. Definitely check out “Shop Rat” ( pictured above) built by Josh of G&L Choppers his personal ride – for ideas…
AND, if you’re looking for more ideas and want inspiration you definitely want to check out the monthly feature archive section of the site which has tons and tons of pictures of extremely well-built beautiful examples of customized xs650 motorcycles.
