Pocket Rocket: This XS 400 Proves That Small Is Beautiful

The XS 400 often lurks in the shadows of its more popular RD 400 brother, but it’s a good candidate for a compact custom build. Although it makes less power than the two-stroke RD, the engine is far more useable for a bike around town. It’s also cheaper than the bigger XS 650, but has similar aftermarket support. All you need to do is find an XS 400 in reasonable starting condition—which should cost less than $2,000 in the States. This elegant, beautifully finished machine comes from the Australian workshop Ellaspede. Their customer Dan had always loved the XS 400—mostly...