Few bikes have earned their place in the custom scene like the Yamaha XS650. Affordable, reliable, and mechanically straightforward, the parallel twin has long been a favorite among garage-built enthusiasts. Whether you’re chasing the stripped-back lines of a chopper, the lean aggression of a street tracker, or the go-anywhere attitude of a scrambler, the XS platform offers a rock-solid foundation and an engine with serious pedigree.
Born in the late 60s and powered by a rugged 653cc mill, the Yamaha was more than just a commuter—it had teeth. It even carried King Kenny Roberts to an AMA Flat Track championship, cementing its status as more than just a budget bike. Today, it’s the ideal canvas for builders of every stripe, backed by a thriving aftermarket and decades of tuning knowledge.
With all of the products available, we’ve put together five ways to customize the Yamaha XS650.
Voodoo Vintage Single loop Hardtail
When it comes to transforming the silhouette of the XS, few modifications make as dramatic an impact as swapping out the rear section of the frame. Enter the Voodoo Vintage Fabrications Single Loop Hardtail —a mod that doesn’t just tweak its lines, but rewrites them entirely. Designed with the minimalist chopper and bobber aesthetic in mind, this hardtail section refines the factory frame, lightens the bike, and adds a sense of fluidity and proportion that the stock setup can’t match.
The Single Loop Hardtail stands out with its loop-style axle plates, offering a vintage look. It’s thoughtfully engineered to install to the frame without requiring a professional jig—making it a realistic option for garage builders. Better still, it retains compatibility with the stock rear axle and brake drum. Because it modifies the rear half of the frame, the factory VIN remains intact, ensuring the build stays road-legal. Clean, functional, and dripping with old-school style, Voodoo Vintage’s hardtail is a no-brainer for anyone customizing an XS650. [Voodoo Vintage Fabrication]
JumpStreet/Beck Built Jockey Shift Kit
For builders chasing the raw, stripped-back aesthetic of vintage choppers, few mods make a statement quite like a jockey shift. The Beck Built Jockey Shift setup is purpose-built for this kind of transformation, delivering both style and functionality in a bolt-on package that requires zero permanent modifications.
The foot clutch component mounts directly into the stock worm gear opening on the left side of the engine case, using the factory clutch adjustment mechanism. Once installed, it gives you an external clutch arm to connect a custom linkage to—simple, clean, and effective. The hand shifter, meanwhile, bolts straight onto the case. No cutting, no welding—just bolt-on simplicity.
Designed by JumpStreet Customs and made in the USA, Beck Built’s jockey shift kit is crafted with precision and designed for builders who want functional retro flavor without over-complicating their build. And since each unit is made to order, it’s clear this is a piece built with care—not churned out en masse. [Beck Built Fab]
Pandemonium 2 N 2-1 Exhaust
Known for their deep expertise in XS engine builds, Pandemonium isn’t just a parts supplier—they’re one of the go-to names in the scene. If you’re building a XS650 and want an exhaust that performs as well as it looks, why not go to the experts? The Pandemonium Custom Choppers 2 n 2-1 Exhaust is crafted by hand with TIG-welded mandrel-bent tubing and laser-cut flanges, ensuring each unit fits perfectly and performs flawlessly.
The 2-into-1 design merges both headers into a sleek cone muffler via a hand-built collector, giving the bike a clean, aggressive look and a punchy, tuned exhaust note. The system is compatible with 1974 and newer models and includes everything you need—gaskets, stainless hardware, a mounting bracket, and the muffler itself.
Whether you’re working on a scrappy street tracker, a tidy chopper, or even a subtly tweaked stock build, Pandemonium’s 2 n 2-1 exhaust adds both attitude and performance. It’s more than just a bolt-on part—it’s a handcrafted piece of the XS650’s ever-evolving custom legacy. [Pandemonium]
Hugh’s Handbuilt XS650 CDI System
If there’s one thing that can make or break a vintage custom, it’s the electrical system. That’s where Hugh’s HandBuilt CDI System comes in—an all-in-one charging and ignition setup that replaces the factory’s outdated electronics with a bulletproof, modern solution. Designed specifically for OEM-style 360-degree engines, this system isn’t just a minor upgrade—it’s a total transformation. Crank-driven and self-powered, it brings new-school reliability to the Yamaha’s motor without compromising its old-school character.
At the heart of the system is a fully integrated CDI ignition paired with a 200W charging setup. Gone are the days of chasing gremlins in a tired points system. The CDI setup reads directly off the crankshaft for precise, consistent ignition at all RPMs.
What makes the Hugh’s system truly stand out is its completeness. It includes everything: stator, pickup coil, flywheel, MOSFET regulator, CDI box, coil, plugs, wiring harness, and even the hardware to bolt it all up. With 80% of the system being bolt-on, minimal fabrication is required—just a few crimp connections and maybe some minor case work. For builders who want to simplify their wiring, boost reliability, and run a stripped-back setup, this CDI system is the no-brainer upgrade. [Hugh’s Handbuilt]
JumpStreet/Beck Built Fab Mid Controls
Rider ergonomics are just as critical as aesthetics—and nothing dials in the riding position like a solid set of controls. Beck Built’s XS650 Mid Controls are a go-to solution for builders wanting to ditch the factory setup in favor of something tighter, more responsive, and undeniably cooler. Available for both disc and drum brake models, these controls are a complete bolt-on package—no guesswork, no chasing parts.
Designed with customization in mind, Beck Built’s mids use 1” peg mounts, so you can easily swap in your favorite grips for a tailored look and feel. Each set is CAD-designed, CNC laser-cut, and TIG-welded in the USA. The raw steel finish gives builders the freedom to paint, polish, or powder coat to match the rest of their build. [Beck Built Fab]
The Yamaha XS650’s staying power in the custom scene isn’t just a product of nostalgia—it’s earned. With its bulletproof engine, clean lines, and virtually limitless aftermarket support, the XS is the kind of bike that rewards creativity and effort in equal measure. In a world of cookie-cutter customs, the XS650 still stands as a platform that invites you to leave your mark.
