In the world of custom motorcycles, there’s always something special about a build that combines passion, skill, and a unique vision. Here’s a stunning 1981 Yamaha XS650 custom build that exemplifies these qualities. This eye-catching creation, affectionately dubbed “Yamahell XS66650” by its owner Mike Von Sothen, is a testament to the potential of the classic XS650 platform.
Mike’s journey with this bike is a tale of transformation. He admits, “I came close to getting rid of this stock 81 xs650 until I rode it around a bit. It was everything I wished my pre unit triumph was.” This revelation sparked a desire to create something truly special – a fusion of flat track and chopper styles with a 70s-inspired twist.
What sets this build apart is Mike’s hands-on approach. He shares, “I taught myself how to tig weld and cut and bent all the sheet metal for the rear fender with Harbor Freight tools and my knee.” This DIY spirit is evident throughout the build, with numerous custom-fabricated parts showcasing Mike’s newfound skills.
The heart of this beast is a bored-out 750cc engine, complemented by Mikuni VM34 carbs, a Webcam 159 cam, performance valves, and a slightly ported head. The addition of a complete CDI kit from Hugh’s Hand Built, along with various delete kits, streamlines the bike’s electrical system and appearance.
One of the most striking features is the custom rear end. Mike explains, “I wanted to do something different than the standard weld on rear end hard tails.”
The result is a unique setup that maintains performance while achieving a distinctive look. The rear fender, handcrafted by Mike himself, adds to the bike’s bespoke appeal.
The attention to detail is impressive, with hidden turn signals, custom-made T-bars from Zombie Performance, and even repurposed BMX parts. Mike notes, “Sticking with the BMX thing I put Mongoose pegs on for highway and passenger pegs.” The rider foot pegs, crafted from modified Redline BMX cranks, further emphasize this theme.
Other notable features include dual Bates headlights, a custom bracket setup, 6″ over fork tubes with polished lowers, and a raw, polished top tree from Speed Moto Co. The bike runs kick-only with no battery, adding to its stripped-down, performance-focused ethos.
Perhaps one of the most innovative aspects is the removable sissy bar. Mike proudly describes his creation: “The sissy bar I made and welded on some machining mandrel fixture clamps that slide down long tubes inside the fender and I can tighten or release them with an Allen wrench through tiny holes underneath the fender. That was pretty trick too I thought.”
This Yamaha XS650 build is more than just a custom motorcycle; it’s a rolling showcase of creativity, engineering, and craftsmanship. Mike Von Sothen’s “Yamahell XS66650” stands as a shining example of what’s possible when passion meets ingenuity in the world of custom motorcycles.
