Jaybuilt XJ500T Kawasaki Bellytank Triple
Builders of incredible homebuilt machines keep popping up and here’s another example of a very impressive motorcycle designed for the purpose of handling the twisty roads of California’s canyons. This bike consists of a Kawasaki 500cc 2 stroke triple engine, front and rear suspension from a ZX9 and everything else “Jaybuilt.” Total weight is 310 pounds!
Jaybuilt XJ500T Kawasaki Bellytank Triple
The whole project was really well thought out. His intention was a minimal part count and easy maintenance, engine swaps are under 30 minutes. He built an engine stand that holds the engine with 1 bolt and slides under the bike. Remove a few bolts, disconnect a few wires and hoses and slide bike away, the engine is on the stand. The entire bike can be disassembled with about 20 bolts in under an hour.
Jaybuilt XJ500T Kawasaki Bellytank Triple
The fuel is carried in the foam filled bellytank, the area over the engine encloses the expansion chambers. He says heatwrap and directed airflow keeps everything cool.
Jaybuilt XJ500T expansion chamber routing
Performance, as you might expect, gets your attention. He geared the bike for a top speed of only 120, he figures he wouldn’t be riding anywhere at 160 so why not keep the power where you can use it.
Jaybuilt XJ500T Kawasaki Bellytank Triple
There’s a lot of interest in 2 strokes among builders of back road specials. I can only imagine what this bike is like to ride, lots of grins for sure. The readers over at the Bay Area Riders Forum, where the builder talks about it, all seem to like it, a lot, and I have to agree with them, this is one superb build.
Big tip of the hat to Andy, who pointed this out. Thanks!
Link: Bay Area Riders Forum
Jaybuilt XJ500T Kawasaki Bellytank Triple
