islemann XS850 cafe' project build page
Projects: Honda CB550 Cafe' Kawasaki KZX550 Cafe' Yamaha XS850 Cafe'
cafe bikes gallery link opens in a new window
Courtesy Henrik in Germany
Make no mistake. This is NOT the project bike I'm building. This is a photo of an XS750 Cafe' from Germany that I find inspirational.
Yamaha never intended their shaft-drive, air-cooled, three cylinder XS850 to be a sporting ride. We don't care. We're going to shape this unique Yamaha triple into a new-retro cafe' bike. The donor bike was another abandoned and abused motorcycle found wandering aimlessly on the streets of Portland, Oregon. Signs of abuse included flat tires with wonderfully checked sidewalls, a wiring harness that looks as though it has been many a meal for a pack of large rodents, and paintwork that can only be described as - 'Blue' (and that is being kind).
The islemann XS850 Cafe' design brief -Cafe' seat and OE XS1100 European fuel tank in bright silver and Yamaha Racing Blue with "islemann silver" frame
Dunstall style tuned 'three into three' performance exhaust
Upgraded brakes with EBC HH pads in a Tokico 4 pot caliper up front / EBC pads out back
Upgraded suspension including rebuilt forks with RaceTech internals and Ikon rear shocks
Continental Sport Classic TKV 11/12 tires on powder coated cast wheels
Rebuilt wiring harness with OEM connectors using AGM maintenance-free / leak-proof battery
Dyno-tuned XS850 three cylinder motor with UniFilters
Yamaha Europe was the main influence behind the three cylinder dual overhead cam powered XS750 and XS850 bikes. The European influence was so strong that Yamaha opted for shaft drive ala BMW and Moto Guzzi. Sales were very good, especially with the introduction of the all black XSS850 Special. If you're familiar with the V-Max you'll see the influences of the XS in that iconic motorcycle. The islemann XS850 cafe' is a 'dare to be different' project. We hope you enjoy the fun.
Projects: Honda CB550 Cafe' Kawasaki KZ550 Cafe' Yamaha XS850 Cafe'