Yamaha XS 650 by FNA Zoll Zyklen – The attachment of the flex to the frame already looks like a pure rebellion, but it is forbidden in Germany anyway. In the USA, on the other hand, it is well known that you don’t have to make a lot of time if you want to turn a production bike into a flat chopper.
Eric Allard
Thus Eric Allard separates the entire rear end from the XS-650 main frame without blinking his eyelashes, leaving only the steering head with upper and lower beam. Since the US regulatory authorities do not care about such handicrafts, half of America saws around on motorcycle frames without the population being massively reduced by vehicle accidents.
At FNA in Lakeland/Florida, Eric’s screwdriver’s booth, an entirely rigid frame rear end for welding on different motorcycle types is available. FNA also offers its “Weldon Hardtail” kit for the Yamaha XS 650, type 447, hence the circular flex. With the 325 dollars costing rear part, the seat height sinks to “below kneecap.” It is the only way to turn the plump XS into a real “straight out of the past” chopper, Eric is sure. Unfortunately, we have to avoid such self-confident sayings between Flensburg and Rosenheim and continue to improvise with the original setting. The MOT, you know.
Yamaha XS 650 by FNA Zoll Zyklen’s engine
But let’s take a closer look at Eric’s creation. The FNA team at Ruhl had the two-cylinder engine professionally refurbished. Tuning was not on the wish list, but rather reliability. Ruhl installed new Wiseco pistons, 32 Bing carburetors from a BMW R 75/5 and overhauled all the engine interiors. The undamped 2-in-2 pandemonium exhaust system catches the eye. These are two parallel elbow pipes, wrapped with heat tape, and legal in Florida.
Exciting, isn’t it?
The frame rear end welded well below the carburetor battery harmonizes with the rest of the standard tubes and gives the bike an own swing. In the released frame triangle, the Lakelanders position a small gel cell, the footrests are positioned as mid controls in their original position. After removing unimportant holders on the immersion tubes, the standard telescopic fork could be used again.
Black coated spoke rims with dual sports tires, a Sportster tank with FNA cap, a Z-bar handlebar, a Samarrippas solo saddle and the standard FNA tail light make the 70s bike a fresh everyday vehicle. Custom-Painter 53 Graffix and Airbrusher Danny designed the lacquer parts in a decent race look. The fact that Eric’s creations are also reputed to be extremely inexpensive doesn’t help us beyond the Atlantic. For us, such a vehicle is considered to be life-threatening, strictly forbidden, perhaps even antisocial. Exciting, isn’t it?
Yamaha XS 650 by FNA Zoll Zyklen – Main Features
Yamaha XS 650, year of construction 1979
Builder: Eric Allard/FNA Custom Cycles
- Engine: Two-cylinder four-stroke, two-valve, 653 ccm (bore/stroke 74 x 75 mm)
- Piston: Wiseco
- Carburetor: Bing 32 mm
- Air filter: K&N
- Exhaust: Pandemonium Choppers
- Transmission: Five-speed
- Secondary drive: Chain
- Power: 50 PS at 6800/min
- Torque: 55 Nm at 5600/min
- Maximum speed: 165 km/h
Double-loop tubular steel frame with FNA “Weldon Hardtail” kit
Fork: Yamaha Tele, shaved
Wheels: front 120/90-19, rear 150/70-16
Brakes: front disc, rear drum
Tank: H-D Sportster
mudguards: FNA
Handlebar: FNA Z-Bar
Seat: FNA/Samarrippas
Footrests: FNA Beartrap
Taillight: FNA
Tare weight: 180 kg
Wheelbase: 1570 mm
Info: www.fnacustomcycles.com
