Photos & Video provided by David H.
Some people discover motorcycles later in life. David isn’t one of them. He grew up around bikes, started riding a Honda 50 at fifteen, and even got his motorcycle license before he bothered with a car license. Dirt bikes, off‑roading, fixing what broke — it was all part of growing up.
He never became a motorcycle mechanic by trade, but he learned enough over the years to keep his machines running and to understand how things fit together. And now, at 77 years old, with a bit more free time and a lifetime of riding behind him, he figured: why not finally build one of my own?
That’s how this 1977 Yamaha XS750 project began.
He found a great deal on a bike, then picked up two more as parts donors — even though all three were still mostly running. From there, he did what any practical, hands‑on rider would do: he selected the best, least‑worn components from each machine, rebuilt what needed rebuilding, and even scored an XS850 engine from one of the donor bikes to give the project a stronger heart.
No fancy shop. No CNC machines. Just a simple welder, basic tools, and a lot of elbow grease.
The biggest challenge? Converting the original dual‑shock swingarm into a monoshock setup. It’s the kind of job most people avoid unless they’re really committed, but David approached it the same way he’s approached bikes his whole life — steady, thoughtful, and willing to try. He lucked out finding a factory monoshock and spring combo from another bike of similar weight, and with some careful measuring and welding, he made it work.
Painting the tank was another hurdle, but he tackled that too. And from our point of view, the result looks great — clean lines, a confident stance, and a bike that carries the personality of someone who’s been around motorcycles long enough to know what matters.
The wiring didn’t go perfectly on the first try — and that’s normal. But between David’s patience, his willingness to ask questions, and the expertise of our NWT TechService, every hiccup got sorted out. Once the electrical system was dialed in, the rest of the build came together exactly the way he envisioned.
What David ended up with isn’t just a custom XS750. It’s a lifetime of riding distilled into one machine — built not in a rush, not for show, but simply because he finally had the time and the desire to make something of his own.
We always appreciate you, David, for taking #NWTAlongForTheRide, and for trusting our products and support to help bring this project to life.
