XSLS

XSLS “Lane Splitter”

Royals first pro build, the XSLS. Published in Live to Ride Magazine.

This Xs650 hit the production line in 1981. It started its life as a heritage special in Canada where it was left in a barn with only 1600 genuine miles on it from new. It was shipped to the UK and brought up to standard so it could be MOT’d and registered here in the UK.

The same day it had passed its MOT, the build had begun, with the shop cutting the bike so it was just the neck and spine of the bike to work with.

While the frame was being constructed, the bikes electrical system was completely rerouted. This was going to be a digital conversion. Losing the points and making the wiring loom innately smaller. Graeme the "electrical wizard" made up a custom loom, rewiring everything so it was hidden and tucked under the seat between the frame tubes, which is a tight squeeze, square the circle to say the least.

(The dog was most helpful on this task)

Next was to give the engine a refresh. This bike had a great engine in really nice condition, smooth and ready to fire. But to make sure we were happy, the engine was stripped down and various parts sent away for vapour blasting, removing the original black paint on the engine. Once that had been blasted and returned, it had a full top end rebuild and she now runs absolutely flawlessly.

A set of stainless steel pipes that wrap around the frame were fabricated to set off this unique build.

Once all the fender placement and lines of the bike were set, the next task was to build up a seat pan to flow with the bike. We opted away from the springer style seat and wanted the lines of this build to be really clean with no gaps to keep the aesthetics seemless. Once we were happy with the custom fibre glass mould, we sent it down to Holy Goat Custom seats (a highly recommended team with extensive knowledge and expertise) to foam and cover. Holy Goat Customs did an absolutely amazing job and the seat really sets off the bike's character ready for the next phase.

The bars, for this part of the build we had a set of 12” bunny ears as they really set this bike off of anything anyone might see. The slim line bars and styling really work well with this bike. Controversial, some might even say crazy, but this project was never meant to be something that wouldn't and certainly couldn't catch your eye. She rides so well, has a very laid back riding position with full control and stability and simplicity with minimal controls up top and a a remote master cylinder for the cable to fluid set up. 

We finished the styling with a pastel blue metal flake all round, frame and tins. With the signature Royals “Memento Mori” logo from our T. Most of the parts have been chromed to make this build really shine and pop out.

The Wheels were rebuilt and chromed, as we didn’t want to lose the 68 spoke upfront wheel. Dressed with some classic vintage tyres. The bike was finished.

Thanks for checking out this build, our blood, sweat and tears went into this custom piece. Watch this space as we have plenty more custom bikes in the works. With every build our knowledge and ideas can only grow.

If you have an Xs650 that you’d like us to customise, or anything that has two wheels and an engine, you can be assured you’d have a one off, incredible build if you brought it to Royals Speed Shop.