Motorcycles often carry with them incredible stories, passed down through generations. Such is the case with the 1973 Yamaha XS650, a bike that was once raced on the track by the current owner’s grandfather. With a legacy of racing and street feats, this Yamaha holds a special place in the hearts of its custodians. Purpose Built Moto had the honor of taking this family heirloom and transforming it into a cafe racer masterpiece, combining its rich history with modern performance and style.
A Legacy of Racing
The owner’s grandfather was a true adventurer and a legend in his own right. He raced this very Yamaha XS650 on the track, displaying the kind of grit and determination that defines a true motorcycle enthusiast. But that’s not where the story ends. Even well into his 60s, this bold rider took to the streets, challenging anyone who dared to test the prowess of his beloved bike.
Preserving Cafe Racer Styling with Modern Upgrades
When PBM took on the project, the goal was clear: preserve the cafe racer styling that had become synonymous with this bike’s legacy while equipping it with the performance parts and style it truly deserved.
The front end of the bike received a significant upgrade, featuring a quad-leading shoe brake that was modified for hydraulic operation. It’s paired with a Ceirani front end and a BMW bikini fairing, which was expertly mounted with custom brackets and a windscreen. The tail of the bike was hand-shaped, with a bobbed frame section, all brought to life with a striking Candy teal and silver paint job. To accentuate the bike’s aesthetics, most parts were either nickel-plated or highly polished, elevating the overall look to perfection.
Combining Creativity with Craftsmanship
The restoration of this family heirloom was a labor of love for Purpose Built. The project allowed their creativity to shine, resulting in high-quality, handmade parts that not only enhanced the bike’s appearance but also ensured flawless functionality. Every detail was meticulously crafted to make the motorcycle not just look incredible but perform flawlessly.
Unleashing Performance
Beneath the bike’s striking exterior lies a performance powerhouse. It boasts a 700cc high-compression piston kit, port and polished intake and exhaust, and a hydraulic clutch. Mikuni round-slide carbs, a Mike’s XS ignition, and performance coils come together to ignite the engine’s potential. The suspension was upgraded with Ceriani components, with the original Marzocchi rear shocks being completely restored and made adjustable for an enhanced riding experience.
The 1973 Yamaha XS650 by Purpose Built Motos is more than a motorcycle; it’s a living legacy. It carries with it the tales of daring races and spirited street battles fought by a legendary rider. PBM’s transformation of this family heirloom seamlessly blends its historic charm with modern performance and style. It’s a testament to the enduring legacy of motorcycles and the passion of those who breathe new life into them, preserving their stories for generations to come.