Theoretical Yamaha XS 650

[CIDE]

Alright, I've been forming an idea in my mind based on some reading. While I've got some mechanical knowledge almost none of it is with motorcycles. I kind of figured it wouldn't be that hard to make the swap but you never know.

As the title indicated the XS650 is the bike I had in mind for the build frame-wise. There's a whole slew of aftermarket parts and frame modes it's not even funny. Personally I was leaning towards the bobber set up (http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r210 ... erbike.jpg , http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r210 ... dpenny.jpg ) for a picture of the styling and general size/profile of the bike).

I was imagining a Kawasaki motor (http://www.kawpowr.com/engines/detail.aspx?id=3) for the build. Prices kind of throw me off but that goes on about virtually every price I've seen on a diesel motor. Then I was thinking of possibly mating this with the Ultima.

Any thoughts on the plausibility? Would it need to be cut beyond the standard bobber-style? Anyone had experience with the motor in question?

I'm bouncing back and forth between doing it myself with help from friends and family (as well as my work with a well equipped machine shop) or hooking up with Brett (Roverthetop). Basically looking for input before I start purchasing anything or setting anything in stone.

Note: Both of the above bike pictures are both the yamaha XS 650. One's frame seems altered a bit more extremely than the other to me.

[coachgeo]

...I was imagining a Kawasaki motor (http://www.kawpowr.com/engines/detail.aspx?id=3) for the build. ....

This link takes us to Kawi.. petrol/gasoline engines catalog. Don't see a Diesel in the bunch

[pietenpol2002]

As much as I love the XS650, the frame is quite limited for shoe-horning anything in. Even the little 10hp clones won't fit. And since they make such a sweet bobber, they've become quite in demand, driving up competition for them here in the states.
http://tinyurl.com/4tz4r6k

Don't rule out the venerable Honda CB750. They're a-dime-a-dozen and well supported with OEM and custom parts. Additionally, the engine opening in the frame would better accommodate a transplant such as you plan, including (with the DOHC frame) a removable frame member for engine installation. Later iterations including the CB900 frame would even offer shaft drive if you were so inclined.
http://tinyurl.com/4h6swxl (SOHC frame)
http://tinyurl.com/48h9jkv (DOHC frame)

Coachgeo inquired in his posting as to whether you are in fact planning a petrol or diesel conversion. If it's a diesel V-twin you're desiring, the chap in the link below usually stocks these combo's if you'd care to sneak one down across the border. Although the listing is expired, he routinely runs them. It would indeed make for a long bike requiring either a 90 degree gearbox for chain drive or an offset jackshaft for shaft drive, you'd have the luxury of a reverse gear for when you add your sidecar (or simply wish to look cool backing out of your parking space). Now that we're done indulging my fantasies, I'll stop.
http://tinyurl.com/49rxch7

[CIDE]

Editted:

The motor I originally posted was listed as diesel on one site and gas on another. More sites list it as gasoline rather than diesel so I think I should just disregard this one for now.

[CIDE]

I wasn't sure if I should've started a new topic for a simple question. A coworker is selling a Yamaha (yes, another Yamaha) YX600 "radion" that's in pretty damn good condition for 800. Fun little bike and with my resources at work--including other coworkers-- any mods would be relatively simple on this frame. Problem is I continue to forget to get the dimensions of the frame and figured I'd ask here because of how great you guys are.

Would this work for one of the larger 20hp+ motors or should I focus on another bike for the conversion? I'm probably grabbing the bike regardless. Just thought I'd ask.