custom built yamaha xs650 motorcycle

custom built yamaha xs650 motorcycle designed by nick from metal head fabrication all images courtesy metal head fabrication

ted over at xs650chopper has informed us about a custom built yamaha xs650 motorcycle designed by nick from metal head fabrication, who also developed the motorbike’s leaks spring suspension.

up close of handlebars

the vehicle’s tanks are aluminium, each made of two haves that were hammer formed and then welded together.

‘the forks were a fun project. the spring is a trailer leaf that’s been cut in half. having a custom spring made or getting a replica indian spring could be an option, but they can be pretty pricey. aside from being more affordable, I kind of like the shape of the average leaf spring more than the flat ones. plus, making good use of parts intended for something else just adds to that feeling of chopping!‘ – nick, metal head fabrication

view of the tanks and mechanics of the bike

nick’s favorite part of the bike is the rear fender. a friend of his made a fender rolling machine to make a single fender for his own bike. the idea of having a solid brass fender on his bike came into mine, so he ran the idea by his friend, which has become a special feature to his custom design.

detail

detail

the bike’s tanks are made from aluminum

detail of the wheel and spokes

view from the seat

custom built yamaha xs650 motorcycle designed by nick from metal head fabrication

get your own creative juices flowing for designboom’s seoul cycle design competition! consisting of three categories: cycle design, cycle infrastructure and cycle fashion and accessory design, the competition is free to enter. 

the registration deadline is july 5, 2010. learn more about the competition here.