Yamaha XS650 Café Racer by Twinline Motorcycles

First of all: this is not a recent build, but dates back to 2014. But there was noting to find about on the web, but I think this cool Yamaha XS650 Café Racer deserves a little bit attention. It’s based on a 1980 XS650 and the modifications are minor; it could be a yard built, so for those who want to build something like this: keep on reading!

Twinline Motorcycles popped up my radar after their cool Yamaha RD350 they’ve built this year and I liked the classic, typical café racer styled builds.

Our shop is a place where craft meets horsepower and wild schemes become reality. We’re inspired by classic engineering, state of the art technology, and good old-fashioned wrenching. From the revival of the 1960’s Café culture to the unimagined sport bike of the future, Twinline embodies an adventurous culture of motors. and is home to an arsenal of world-class motorcycle artistry.

The original engine was not modified, but got an electronic Pamco ignition and some Mikuni VM34 carburetors where fitted. To give the bike some more air, they used two Mike’s XS pod filters. The exhaust was built by Gordon Scott.

The fuel tank is from a XS750 and the custom rear seat with integrated taillight got some nice leather Mossimo. The overall paint job and striping was done by Red Cup Customs. Parts like the frame and swing arm where all powder-coated with a high gloss finish.

Since the guys from Twinline like modern technology, a Motogadget was a real must have. The custom triple tree, made by Kris Richardson holds a Motogadget motoscope speedometer to keep the front as clean as possible. The bike got an RFID ignition and a lightweight Shorai battery powers the bike.

The wheels got an upgrade on the stock hubs with new Akront rims and Avon AM26 tires.

Other parts used:

• Omar’s rear wheel spacers and 520 sprocket conversion
• Stock XS650, rebuilt, polished fork lowers cartridge emulators
• Cable actuated Mike’s XS master cylinder on the front, stock XS650 caliper
• On the rear: Mike’s XS reproduction master cylinder, stock XS650 caliper
• Adjustable steering damper
• Speigler stainless braided brake lines
• Mike’s XS headlight bucket
• Rear sets by Kris Richardson
• Torrozzi clip-ons
• MSR clutch and bake lever
• Kung fu grips
• Halcyon bar end mirrors