Article By: Matt Reel
Photos By: Kerri Schindler
Originally Published In The January 2013 Issue Of Cycle Source Magazine
When Daniel Donley of Pandemonium Choppers found himself with a little extra time and some extra parts, he decided he would put together a bike to take to West Virginia’s Mt. Fest. He wanted something simple and clean that W would showcase some of his parts and his ability as a builder. What he didn’t expect was how quickly this clean little XS would grab attention and help out his business. Any one who reads Cycle Source regularly knows Daniel’s name from his tech articles and previous features. His builds are super clean with an amazing attention to detail and this bike is no different. The more you look at it, the more subtle touches you will notice.
Daniel started out with a stock 1977 Yamaha XS650 frame. He then added one of his weld-on hardtails with 4 inches of stretch. The factory neck gusset was then removed and replaced with one of Pandemonium’s “Boomerang Neck Tie” gussets. The original front forks then received a quick shave (fender tabs), a rebuild, and a little height adjustment. One of Pandemonium’s headlight mounts was then added to finish off the front.
With the frame and forks ready, it was time to get this thing rolling. Daniel’s girlfriend, Kerri, who the bike is named after (I’ll explain that later), then picked out a set of Avon Distanzia tires and ordered them. Daniel actually remembers when the tires came, holding them and asking, “What style bike am I supposed to build to go with these tires?” Not being one to sweat the small stuff, he took the new tires and started putting wheels together. Daniel used a set of aluminum high lip rims that he lightened with speed holes. Now if you have ever wondered how speed holes are done, I’ll give you a quick lesson. First, a little math was done to figure out the circumference of each rim. Next, a little more math was done to figure out proper hole spacing. Finally, each wheel was marked and drilled on a drill press; that’s right, a drill press. No fancy computer controlled CNC thing-ama- bob. When all was said and done, the front wheel had 116 holes and the rear had a 108. The wheels were then powdercoated and the new tires mounted. Now that things were ready to roll, it was time for some brakes. Up front a Pandemonium Brembo brake adapter was used with a Nissin master cylinder mounted to a set of motocross bars. The rear drum brake was cleaned up, drilled with some speed holes and put back into service with a Pandemonium Knobby Knob adjuster.
The original engine was in good working order so it was given a good cleaning and a few upgrades. First, a Pamco ignition was added with a capacitor eliminating the need for a battery. A PMA charging system was then sourced from Hugh’s Handbuilt for a dependable electrical system. A Ya Mamma exhaust was then pulled from inventory and wrapped with heat wrap. The original chain drive was then used to tie things together with the assistance of a Bare Knuckle tensioner. With everything coming together, it was time for some sheet metal. A Pandemonium Fristr gas tank was modified with relocated petcock and cap locations. A rear fender was ordered from Led Sleds then shortened up and aired out with more speed holes. A sissybar was bent up by Big John to hold the fender in place. A Pandemonium E-Bomb electronics tank was then hung in the frame to hide the wiring. An A-Bracket vertical tag and taillight mount was bolted on to bring up the rear.
With everything together it was time to decide how to finish things up. Daniel decided to name this bike after his girl Kerri. It might have had something to do with the whole tire thing. So he used the name her childhood neighbor used to call her: Hayla. It was also decided to just Scotch-Brite the metal and leave it bare, so while at Mt. Fest, Mr. Oz added a couple stripes and a fitting name: Nekked Hayla. Daniel Donley put together a very fine representation of his skills. That’s not all Hayla did. Of course it made its way into this fine magazine, but also while at Mt. Fest, it helped convince someone that instead of building a Sportster they should have Daniel build them an XS of their own. Finally, after finding a new owner, Hayla helped in Daniel’s decision to expand his shop. Not bad for 3 ½ short weeks of work.
Nekked Hayla Tech Sheet
Owner: Chuck Donovan
City: Waukesha, WI
Fabrication By: Pandemonium Custom Choppers
Year: 1977
Model: Yamaha XS650
Value:
Time: 3 Weeks
ENGINE
Year: 1977
Model: Yamaha XS650
Builder: Pandemonium Custom Choppers
Ignition: Pamco w/ Capacitor (Batteryless)
Displacement: 650
Pistons: Stock
Heads: Stock
Cam(s): Stock
Carb: BS34 Jetted
Air Cleaner: UniPod Air Filters
Exhaust: Pandemonium “Ya Mama”
Primary:
TRANSMISSION
Year: Stock
Make:
Shifting:
FRAME
Year:
Make: Pandemonium Hardtail
Rake: Stock
Stretch: 4” Stretch
FRONT END
Type: 3” Lowered
Builder: Pandemonium – Shaved and Rebuilt
Extension:
Triple Trees:
WHEELS
Front Wheel: Powdercoated/Speed Holes by PCC
Size: 19”
Tire: Avon Distanzia
Brakes: PCC Brake Kit – Brembo Adapter
Rear Wheel: Powdercoated/Speed Holes by PCC
Size: 168”
Tire: Avon Distanzia
Brakes: Drum w/ PCC “Knobby Knob” Brake Adjuster
PAINT
Painter:
Type: Urethane
Color: ScotchBrite Pad – Finish Hand Rubbed
Molding:
Graphics: Pinstriped Lettering by “Mr. Oz”
Powder Coating: Powdercoating Plus
ACCESSORIES
Bars: PCC Custom MX Handlebars
Risers:
Hand Controls: Nissin Brake
Gas Tank(s): PCC “Fristr”
Front Fender: Nada
Rear Fender: Led Sled
Seat: Maumee Valley Trim, Defiance, OH
Foot Controls: PCC “Tight-n-High” Pass.Pegs
Oil Tank: PCC “E-Bomb” Electronics Tank
Taillight: PCC “A-Bracket” Vertical w/ Model A Light
Headlight: 4 1/2” Halogen w/ PCC Custom Bracket
Photographer: Kerri Schindler