Photo: Left Hand Cycles
Making a bike beautiful does not necessarily mean that adorning it with a heap of aftermarket parts is the only way. Of course, such a thing could appeal to some riders, but this is not a rule of thumb by a long shot. And Netherlands-based Left Hand Cycles' (LHC) latest creation is the perfect proof: a custom Yamaha SX650 SE which takes simplicity into the realm of art.
What's even nicer is the fact that Lex and Richard of LHC started off with a bike in a terrible condition, no longer working and pretty mauled. However, they saw the potential of this late seventies bike and decided to give it a run.
Just like in many other cases, the first step was to strip it down to the bare, and then figure which parts should be reinstalled, replaced or simply left behind. After rebuilding the engine and having it running like a new one, the stock carbs were revised and got high-flow pod filters to match the new character of the project.
Getting rid of the airbox left the subframe half empty and with an “undecided” look, so off went the electric start and associated wiring, leaving the old Yamaha only with a kickstart, for a truly retro feel. The remainder electrics were tucked under the flat seat pan and helped for a neat and tidy attire.
Lowered clip-on bars and a custom Bates headlight have been installed and the whole bike got a matte paint job, with the center of the front rotor and tank in a fiery red, making a wonderful contrast with the rest of the darkened bike. Finally, classic Avon Speedmaster and Heidenau K34 tires shod the cast rims and the LHC #3 is now ready to prowl the streets.
Just like in many other cases, the first step was to strip it down to the bare, and then figure which parts should be reinstalled, replaced or simply left behind. After rebuilding the engine and having it running like a new one, the stock carbs were revised and got high-flow pod filters to match the new character of the project.
Getting rid of the airbox left the subframe half empty and with an “undecided” look, so off went the electric start and associated wiring, leaving the old Yamaha only with a kickstart, for a truly retro feel. The remainder electrics were tucked under the flat seat pan and helped for a neat and tidy attire.
Lowered clip-on bars and a custom Bates headlight have been installed and the whole bike got a matte paint job, with the center of the front rotor and tank in a fiery red, making a wonderful contrast with the rest of the darkened bike. Finally, classic Avon Speedmaster and Heidenau K34 tires shod the cast rims and the LHC #3 is now ready to prowl the streets.
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