Custom motorcycle builders provided excellent fodder for articles, since the bikes are typically visually arresting and the stories of the builds are compelling for a range of riders. This is a short write-up I composed for Riders Domain Magazine in December 2017 about a pair of bikes built by Greg Hageman. Excerpts from the article are included below, and the full article can be viewed here: Yamaha Yard Built XS650 and XSR700 From Greg Hageman.
“…So it was game on from there. The “Faster Father” had a complete engine rebuild by way of MikesXS, a Florida-based company that has supplied every conceivable XS part needed for custom and restoration projects since 2001. They used pieces like new Mikuni VM34 carbs, a Pamco electronic ignition, XSCharge alternator and a lithium ion battery to power new LED lighting…”
“…He left off any major mechanical changes, directing attention to the style of the bike instead. Starting at the front, Hageman includes a pair of fork gaiters and a new 7-inch headlight bucket with LED headlight and integrated turn signals. The stock handlebar risers were dropped in favor of lower Virago risers, and a new handlebar was added. The stock speedometer stays, but is lowered and set more forward, and the front fender has been shortened…”