The XS850 is big and heavy, but beneath the touring bulk sits a handsome triple and a strong base for a classic endurance-style café racer.

A Kawasaki ZXR front end and brakes bring modern control, while R6 switchgear and a monoshock conversion replace much of the original running gear. The frame and swingarm required substantial surgery to package the new rear suspension cleanly.

The kick-start triple breathes through Mikuni RS38 carburettors and a hand-built stainless system, finished with twin workshop-made silencers. The result is technical and muscular without losing the XS's early-1980s character.

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