Recent content by rbirkey

Yes, it does... I agree!

Well, the 1981 Yamaha XS650S project bike is now nearly completed and running! I've integrated a Triumph Bonneville seat and an LED rear taillight/signals product. The front turn signals are also LED. The new exhaust is a Delkavic all-stainless 2 into 1 system. The tank color is Triumph...

I am in the process of finish sanding the tank.

Today, I finished repainting all the parts for this 2002 Bonneville, with new Sky Blue / Silver stripe graphics and clearcoats.

Here is a side cover after spraying the silver base coat.

I've decided to go in a different direction, by adding a silver stripe down the center of the bike... fenders, tank and side covers.

One of my project bikes is a 2002 Triumph Bonneville in that Sky Blue / Metallic Silver color combo. This one had a dent in the tank on the right side what I have decided to try to fix on my own. At first, I used a dent puller kit which worked to an extent. Then on one last attempt, some...

I'm thinking about adding the second caliper and rotor to the front fork like these Specials had when they were sold in Europe. I will probably keep the original metallic silver paint, and either just buff it out, or possibly clear coat and then buff... leaving the imperfections and age spots...

After completing the 1977 Yamaha XS650D project bike #4 for my friend Scott, I decided to purchase a similar bike from the same seller. It is a slightly newer 1981 Yamaha XS650S (Special) with under 9,000 miles on it. I have torn it down pretty far, assessed things, and ordered parts, etc. So...

ILeftNJ, Looks like you are having fun! The Dunstalls you installed look good. They look very similar to the Norman Hyde Toga's, which I have used on some Bonneville's and like the sound of. Since your Bonneville is a 2015 model, it is electronic fuel injected (EFI) and does not have...

ILeftNJ, Looks like you are having fun! The Dunstalls you installed look good. They look very similar to the Norman Hyde Toga's, which I have used on some Bonneville's and like the sound of. Since your Bonneville is a 2015 model, it is electronic fuel injected (EFI) and does not have...

I just bought a 1981 Yamaha XS650S myself! Next project!

The Yamaha 650 project bike is now running and being ridden by my friend. It is safe and reliable with new tires, chain, lights, ignition, etc. There are still more small projects we'd like to do as time goes on, but it's ready to roll! I've learned a lot in this build process. Although the...

I have a friend who was able to purchase a 1977 Yamaha XS650D from a neighbor. I have volunteered to help him get it running. I've always been curious about these bikes because they have been called "Bonneville Copies" having a parallel twin engine and a similar frame, gas tank, and overall...

Nice... congratulations!