Spirit Of The Seventies Spirit II

  Even with a shaft drive, this Yamaha XS750/850 (750 up-engined to an 850) is the epitome of a cafe racer.  While I think a regular sized headlight would look better, and the “spirit” on the front forks is too much, there’s not much else to criticize.  Well, OK, maybe a better seat pad would be nice, that one looks like a joke.  The color scheme and paint, on the other hand, is no joke and really emphasizes a sense of speed and power.

Spirit Of The Seventies

Alexandre Trotin’s XS650

  What to say about this bike?  Silodrome talked more about the builder’s life on the tropical paradise of Guadeloupe than the actual machine, which is interesting, but I want to know more about the build.  She has a very dark and foreboding look to her, and reminds me of someone who’s totally and only about the business at hand.  Besides the little lip on the headlight, everything on this bike is about riding.  Very purposeful and menacing, I’d say! 

Source: Cafe Racer & Silodrome

Kenny Spurlock’s Yamaha

  Kenny Spurlock took a 1979 Yamaha XS650, a decent enough bike in it’s own right, and created something even better.  Featuring the front end from a Yamaha R1 and a swing arm and rear wheel from a Yamaha FZ6R, it now boasts modern suspension, brakes, and wheels.  Throw in a custom titanium exhaust and a seat and tank from Legendary Motorcycles, and you have yourself an awesome cafe racer.  apparently Kenny’s not done yet, as boring the motor out to 750cc’s is next in his plans!

Source: Grease-n-Gasoline

Motors Work XS650

  Motors Work in Poland did this awesome 1979 Yamaha XS650 Bobber, and it’s packed to the brim with character.  It almost looks like things were added at random, yet each element adds to the whole without dominating it.  Great work!












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Motors Work CB750

  With a rough look that says get outta’ my way, this 1979 CB750 from Motors Work in Poland is another interesting creation.  Polished sure doesn’t describe it, and that’s fine with me.  There are so many refined machines, it’s nice to have one bad boy every now and then!







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The Tin Shack Special

  Tin Shack restorations specializes in old Land Rover resto’s, but every now and then they take on a motorcycle project.  What i really find interesting about this build is that it reminds me of Land Rovers.  You wouldn’t think that would be possible, and yet there it is.  Maybe it’s the shape of the tail, which is reminiscent of Land Rover front fenders, I don’t know.  Anyways, it’s a great build!







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Source: Pipeburn

Busch And Busch XS650

  I’m not a chopper kind of guy.  I’d much rather have a bike that puts function over form instead of the chopper’s emphasis on outrageous style.  But, like every rule, there are exceptions.  Maybe it’s the candy apple red tank, but there’s something about this 1979 Yamaha XS650 from Busch and Busch that I find irresistible.  The DNA springer fork looks right, the 16-inch Harley wheels shod in Firestone Champion Deluxe tires, the custom tank, seat, rear fender, and handlebars all work together, and it just looks good.  I just like it, and that’s good enough for me.







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Kiez Kustoms CB750

  This 1979 Honda CB750 from Kiez Kustoms in Hamburg, Germany is another example of why the CB is so popular in the custom world.  The checkered flag motif is a little cliché, but the basic design is strong and purposeful.  It’s nice to see a build that uses something other than the ubiquitous Firestone Champion Deluxe tires, as this baby is rolling on beefy Heidenau rubber (140/80 rear, 110/70 front). 





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Source: Silodrome