Ad Hoc #8 xj650
By Ali Latimer - 13 Sep 14
So once again Ad Hoc have breathed life back into an 80's Yamaha XJ; they did it to a 750 last time, which featured on these pages back in February, now its little brother has received a good helping of their unique custom style that we love so much.
Now when you look at the Ad Hoc back catalogue; you'll see a diverse mix from a Honda CB750 to a Ducati Multistrada, we know they can do anything; but yet there is a unique style that tells us they're an Ad Hoc build; and I'm not just talking about their infamous logo on the tank!
The donor bike like many was in a lousy state when Cristian bought it, she had been laid up for several years getting rusty and dusty in someones shed; Cristian delivered the sorry little 650 to Ad Hoc after being impressed with the 750 build. Due to the amount of time she was left abandoned, she needed more than just a cosmetic uplift; Ad Hoc proceeded not just to get her running, but to fine tune her carbs and fit power filters.
The idea behind the build was to create a long and low bike, this was achieved cutting down both the front and rear suspension to get the stance just right. She wears a 16" front and 15" rear wheel and both are dressed with Metzeler Marathon tyres, the cream rims match the tank and stand out beautifully against the bare brushed fork stations, stainless spokes and black rubber.
Up front she wears a bold square head lamp mounted on bespoke brackets, from the cockpit you get a clear and precise view of your travelling pace thanks to the single large speedometer, the rest of the bars have delicate minimal switchgear with internal wiring and leather wrapped grips. The headlamp bracket is painted in the same stone green as the tank offering more seamless flow for the eye.
As you work down the bike you can't help notice the drop from tank height to the seat, it makes the tank look slightly bulky; but then you need to think that this bike isn't a show bike... at least not one that's parked; it has been built to be used, and once the pilot is located they will become a part of the motorcycles lines. The fuel tank is a Sanglas 400-Y and houses the lightweight lithium battery and wiring within a bottom compartment. Flanking the tanks stunning paint scheme are those oversized Ad Hoc logos which have been laser cut from steel.
The seat is masterfully upholstered in nappa leather and the seams have been stitched to replicate that of a classic Bultaco. The pillion strap has eyelets allowing the riders key chain to tether to the bike from its relocated ignition.
Wrapped headers and a straight through exhaust system ensure she'll be heard ahead of being seen... photographing, gawping and daydreaming will then follow for the fortunate observers. The stumpy mudguards give a practical usability without restricting the aesthetic beauty and other details like the gas cap, bates style tail light and brushed metal work just compliment the rest of the build really well.
As I said... Ad Hoc really have done it again; they never disappoint and when a new build hits our inbox we're always impressed. Thanks for sharing David, she is sure to inspire many just as your past builds have.
If you want to see more from Ad Hoc, you can check out their website and of course, their very own page in the Shed.
Now when you look at the Ad Hoc back catalogue; you'll see a diverse mix from a Honda CB750 to a Ducati Multistrada, we know they can do anything; but yet there is a unique style that tells us they're an Ad Hoc build; and I'm not just talking about their infamous logo on the tank!
The donor bike like many was in a lousy state when Cristian bought it, she had been laid up for several years getting rusty and dusty in someones shed; Cristian delivered the sorry little 650 to Ad Hoc after being impressed with the 750 build. Due to the amount of time she was left abandoned, she needed more than just a cosmetic uplift; Ad Hoc proceeded not just to get her running, but to fine tune her carbs and fit power filters.
The idea behind the build was to create a long and low bike, this was achieved cutting down both the front and rear suspension to get the stance just right. She wears a 16" front and 15" rear wheel and both are dressed with Metzeler Marathon tyres, the cream rims match the tank and stand out beautifully against the bare brushed fork stations, stainless spokes and black rubber.
Up front she wears a bold square head lamp mounted on bespoke brackets, from the cockpit you get a clear and precise view of your travelling pace thanks to the single large speedometer, the rest of the bars have delicate minimal switchgear with internal wiring and leather wrapped grips. The headlamp bracket is painted in the same stone green as the tank offering more seamless flow for the eye.
As you work down the bike you can't help notice the drop from tank height to the seat, it makes the tank look slightly bulky; but then you need to think that this bike isn't a show bike... at least not one that's parked; it has been built to be used, and once the pilot is located they will become a part of the motorcycles lines. The fuel tank is a Sanglas 400-Y and houses the lightweight lithium battery and wiring within a bottom compartment. Flanking the tanks stunning paint scheme are those oversized Ad Hoc logos which have been laser cut from steel.
The seat is masterfully upholstered in nappa leather and the seams have been stitched to replicate that of a classic Bultaco. The pillion strap has eyelets allowing the riders key chain to tether to the bike from its relocated ignition.
Wrapped headers and a straight through exhaust system ensure she'll be heard ahead of being seen... photographing, gawping and daydreaming will then follow for the fortunate observers. The stumpy mudguards give a practical usability without restricting the aesthetic beauty and other details like the gas cap, bates style tail light and brushed metal work just compliment the rest of the build really well.
As I said... Ad Hoc really have done it again; they never disappoint and when a new build hits our inbox we're always impressed. Thanks for sharing David, she is sure to inspire many just as your past builds have.
If you want to see more from Ad Hoc, you can check out their website and of course, their very own page in the Shed.