The Yamaha XS650 comfortably slots into the Universal Japanese Motorcycle (UJM) category, a familiar niche for this iconic model. Launched in 1969, the product maintained production for 16 years, with minimal modifications made over that period, aside from a few incremental technological advancements. When introduced, the XS650 engine stood out as a technological marvel, boasting unparalleled performance and marking Yamaha’s inaugural venture into four-stroke technology. That endeavor clearly paid off. Noted flat track racing legend ‘King’ Kenny Roberts utilized the reliable and powerful XS650 engine in his championship-winning OW72, making it a massive hit in the United States. Yamaha sold over 1 million XS650s worldwide, yielding a remarkably loyal fan base that persists to this day.
The Yamaha XS650 had long been the iconic darling of the custom motorcycle world. With the XS650 platform as their canvas, enthusiasts breathed new life into it, transforming it into a diverse array of custom motorcycles – from sleek cafe racers to rugged choppers and everything in between. Recently, surprisingly few XSR customs have emerged despite Yamaha’s significant acquisitions. It’s likely that the rise in popularity stems from their transformation into collectibles or their simply falling out of fashion, regardless of the reason, we were thrilled to see this bike submitted to our site for review.
Originally constructed by Austrian workshop Ace Bikes, this 1976 Yamaha XS650 was specially assembled for an Anglophile, namely Andreas Pilz, in consideration of his distinctive tastes. With a passion for all things Anglo-Saxon and an additional affinity for motorcycles – specifically, the thrill of riding a cafe racer – Andreas found himself deeply enthralled by this iconic cultural phenomenon. Seeking a reliable ride, he eyed Yamaha’s XS650, its ruggedness piqued, and commissioned Ace Bikes to revamp the machine.
For his venture, Herbert Lanner, lead singer of the rock band Ace Bikes, chose a straightforward approach. By giving the bike a nostalgic gaze reminiscent of a bygone era in the 1950s, it’s possible to achieve a unique look while eschewing modern components. Before making any design changes, they focused on optimizing the performance of their existing parallel-twin engine by improving donor output.
To boost the Yamaha YZF-R6’s performance, its engine capacity has been increased from 600cc to an impressive 680cc. Despite no longer relying on its original air intake, the bike still benefits from air drawn in via its airbox; however, it now expels exhaust gases through a system comprising chrome steel headers and Zard mufflers. To maximize the benefits of the new association, the engine’s carburetion has been recalibrated, while a larger oil filter ensures optimal temperature regulation. As they continued their efforts, the engine received a tidy-up, though not quite to a prize-winning standard. Given the rugged terrain and unpredictable weather conditions of the alloy circumstances, the bike’s manufacturers deliberately opted for a low-maintenance matte finish over a high-gloss polish. The cylinders were coated in a modern high-temperature black finish, while the edges of the tallest fins were carefully sanded to expose their underlying steel, creating an intriguing visual contrast.
The proprietor’s aim for this bike is to provide a reliable daily ride, so Ace thoroughly revamped its electrical system. The team replaced the bike’s electrical weak point with a Powerdynamo ignition system from German specialists Laden, featuring improved ignition factors and condensers. To preclude the likelihood of unpredictable electrical malfunctions, the bike can be equipped with a bespoke, custom-designed wiring harness.
Next, Ace focused on setting up the bike to accommodate its upcoming café conversion properly. By shortening the XS forks, they were able to harmonize the bike’s silhouette. A set of cafe-racer-inspired clip-on handlebars and Rais rear-set footpegs redefined the riding position.
The most significant updates to the XS arrived with the introduction of its reworked exterior design. The gas tank originates from a detailed Yamaha XS650 model closely related to the Yamaha XS750. This sleek, newly designed tank boasts a sporty silhouette that deviates from the traditional XS model’s profile, while its knee indents thoughtfully complement the café’s aesthetic. The entrance fairing, a testament to Laverda’s esteemed legacy, bears its iconic design hallmark. To complete its retro makeover, Ace Bikes successfully sourced a genuine Seventies-era Giuliari seat from its original era. The wasp’s tail-type saddle sat neatly atop the untouched subframe, allowing for potential future modifications that would restore the bike to its original state if needed. To give it a unified appearance, the seat now features perforated alloy panels on the rear bearing a distinctive 76 livery.
Within the revamped cockpit, a distinctive XS650 twin gauge cluster stands out, perfectly harmonizing with the fundamental architecture. All components, including the highest-quality change gear, exhibit authenticity, with the highest clamp exposed to reveal the underlying aluminum structure. The sole innovative feature you’ll uncover is actually integrated into the design as a practical charging port discreetly situated within one of the original handlebar mount holes.
For contemporary enhancements, Ace has limited updates solely to lighting improvements. The entire setup relies on miniature LED components from Motogadget for the flip indicators, while the rear lamp is an LED strip discreetly integrated into the tailpiece’s extremity. The headlight is a sleek LED unit, featuring a distinctive Daytime Running Light (DRL) halo that seamlessly integrates into the Laverda’s aerodynamic fairing design.
When it came down to selecting a paint scheme for this project, Ace made it simple. To complement the rugged aesthetic of the engine, the design team has deliberately retained some areas of the bodywork in a raw, unpainted state. The stripped panels are treated with a light-touch brushing technique to introduce subtle texture before being sealed with a clear coat for enhanced durability and longevity. To complete the appearance, the rest of the vehicle’s physique is finished in a rich British Racing Green paint, elegantly bordered with crisp white pinstripes. Interval-correct Yamaha and XS650 emblems, accompanied by subtle yet striking ghosted tuning fork emblems, seamlessly complete the overall aesthetic.
It’s been a while since we’ve featured a one-of-a-kind Yamaha XS650 on our site. Although this bike isn’t a show-stopper in its current form, it’s an excellent example of how well the XS platform lends itself to customization. Let’s hope to see more of those reliable Japanese models in the near future.
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