X650 Storm Conversion Kit for the Yamaha 650 from Phil Little Racing

by PAUL CROWE from thekneeslider

The X650 Storm conversion kit from Phil Little Racing gives your Yamaha 650 the look of a Triumph Hurricane at a fraction of the price of the real vintage classic.

Phil Little has been creating some excellent kits for a whole series of motorcycles over the years, dramatically transforming their appearance for not a lot of money and they're perfect for the guy with basic hands on skills and the desire to spend a little time in the garage, cleaning up that old bike that doesn't get the love it should and converting it into something he'll be proud to show off to everyone.

Phil just introduced the Storm conversion kit for the Yamaha 650. If you've always had a soft spot for the Triumph Hurricane, but your budget is a bit short of what you need to pick up one of those vintage classics, this realistically captures the appearance, albeit minus one cylinder, with one piece appearing bodywork which is actually a cleverly designed separate tank and tail section. I think he did a really nice job with the seat, too, it attaches with some very secure velcro strips and it flows nicely from the tank to the tail so you don't have to go the foam slab route if your upholstery skills are lacking.

X650 Storm conversion kit for the Yamaha 650 from Phil Little Racing

The 3 gallon tank is made with an anti-ethanol resin so you don't have to worry about fuel leaks and the bodywork comes standard in orange, so you save a few hundred dollars right there because you don't need a fancy paint job, though you can get a black or white body if you prefer and paint it any color you want. Like I said, your basic hands on skill plus some garage time putting this kit together will yield some very eye catching results.

X650 Storm conversion kit for the Yamaha 650 from Phil Little Racing

The Storm body kit is priced at $959. Options include graphics, frame cover plates, low western bars, minimalist brake and taillight, fork brace, vintage style shocks and a side mounted license plate holder.

That good looking exhaust is available separately from Michael Morse for $300.

If you have an old Yamaha 650 sitting around looking a bit tired, or if you want to pick one up at a good price, I know where there's a sweet body kit that would be just perfect for it, guaranteed to produce a few double takes at the next bike night.

Link: Phil Little Racing

Rear view of the Storm conversion kit from Phil Little