A Cheap Yamaha XS650 Fork Mod

I used to race flat track, and the seasons when I ran the Vintage Heavy class, I did so on an XS650. (I used to joke that the category was in reference to the rider, not the bike!)

After lapping the bike a few times stock, it was immediately apparent that I needed more preload and heavier springs. I dug around in my parts pile and got both for free, and you can probably pull off the same trick for cheap.

I had a set of springs out of an old FX Shovel laying in a tote. I think they came out of a 1979 Low Rider, but most 35mm H-D springs should work in this application. They’re both heavier wound and longer than the springs found in 1977-and-up XS650s with a 35mm front end, which means you get a stiffer spring and don't even need to cut preload spacers—just pop 'em in and go.

I had my set ”in stock,” but you’ll probably want to hit the auction sites or the swap meet. Look for pieces from a 1977 to 1986 Sporty or Super Glide. Other models may well yield parts that are compatible, but I know for a fact those will get you a very tidy upgrade for very little money.