My XJ650 "Taildragger"

Ok, if I can figure out how to do this (sounds odd coming from an IT guy doesn't it?) I'm going to post a couple of pics of my recently finished "XJ Taildragger".

 

Ok guys, someone help out the witless IT guy. I can't get my photos to post.

 

Pics,pics,pics,pics........ :lol:

 

500x500 here or IMG tags from photbucket or whatever.

 

Here we go. This is the "before" pic. This is what the bike looked like when I bought it, except it was wearing the ugliest black paint I've ever seen.

 

Here it is after two full weeks of work and about 500 bucks.

 

One big, fat, happy biker!! Can you believe this tiny thing hauls my 6'2" 275lb a$$ around without any difficulty? I'm lovin' it!

 

Looks good. That center stand needs to come off for some paint. It was the first thing I saw on the second pic!

 

Yeah it does kind of stand out doesn't it? I just noticed it. That's the good in an objective set of eyeballs.

 

BTW, the engine cover fasteners are all brand new SS panhead screws. An easy dress-up, but believe it or not one of the more expensive parts of the customizing process. I was expecting them to be made out of gold, based on the price.

 

The bike is looking really good. Are those the TC Bros forward controls? Where did you get your rear struts?

 

Looks great man, although I would probably look for some "sleeker" looking turn signals, witht he freshly cleaned up rear end, the whole biek would benefit from some smaller turn signals, and to get rid of the big "shrek ears". Just my $0.02 though

 

Yeah, they're TC Bros. Pretty easy set-up, and the quality is superb. They are pricey, but worth it in my opinion. Made the bike a DREAM to ride. The rear struts are off of flea bay for about 30 bucks. They are meant for a HD sportster, so the mounting points will need to be drilled to 12mm, and you will need to do some grinding, based on your application. SLOW grinding; you don't want to get them too hot and cause them to loose any strength. These are cold-rolled, tig welded, and powder coated. Another quality product.


CORRECTION: The mounting studs on the Maxim are actually 14mm, not 12. My mistake. HD uses a 1/2" stud, so you will need to do some drilling.

 

Next on the list. BTW, everyone's $0.02 is welcomed here.

 

I see you painted the engine, what paint and degree paint did you use? how did you prep the engine, it's something I'd really like to do to my bike in the near future.

 

This was actually really easy. First, I used Rustoleum High Heat. I believe it is rated to 1200* and as far as I know is the best high temp paint available in a rattle can. I stripped the bike down to basically rolling frame and engine, masked everything off, and then gave a healthy coating of Aluma-brite. This strips ALL of the loose dirt and corrosion off of the engine. It will not, however, remove grease. As far as I know, this still has to be done the old-fashioned way with Dawn and elbow grease. Then I stuffed rags into the intake and exhaust ports and went to spraying. After the paint had cured I took a rubber sanding block and polished the fins and valve cover. I started with 80 grit and worked my way up to 320. It was a fun project, but be warned that gasoline will DESTROY your new paint job. Be very careful and use lots of rags when removing/reinstalling your carbs and gas tank.

 

thanks, interesting, definetly sounds do-able. thanks for the input.

 

That looks very nice, I bet people can't tell the work you did that haven't seen the original. Whats the rear fender, harley bob, suzuki, or something else???

 

looks like a harley rear fat bob fender to me.

 

Engine looks great. Like the seat, is that a Sportster seat? Also like the mufflers.

 

yes agreed. this is probably my new favorite bike on the forum. it's not really chopped but its so clean looking, Kinda looks like this is the way it should have come from the factory. Probably would have been a much larger success.

 

+1

 

I would just ditch the centerstand...when I built my xs low like that couldn't pull it up onto the stand anymore anyway......bike looks real good though.......there's a ton of crappy looking "bobbers" on here but you managed to keep it all in proportion

 

Yeah man like to know if thats a quickbob, or a sportbob fender.

 

did you post the make of your mufflers? i'd like to get rid of my original trumpet style....thanks.

 

Look's like Sportster mufflers to me.

 

What size tank is that?
If it was from a different bike. What size bike and year?

 

I bet you can get some chrome caps to go over your wheel nuts from a truck stop or something.

 

Sorry guys. I hit a rogh patch and lost my employment for a few months. I will try to get all of the questions answered. I hate it that I just dropped off the planet like that but that's what happens when you can't pay your internet bill.

 

The fender is a replacement sport bob fender. It was cut off right at the "flare" to allow mounting on the XJ. The battery box will be protected by cutting the bottom off of the original plastic inner fender and replacing it in its original position. Got the fender off of flea bay, think I paid about $50 for it. I saw some on there that wouldn't have needed cutting.

 

Yes, the seat is from a sportster. If you look closely in the photos, you can see the "Sportster" logo stitched into the side of the passenger pad. The mufflers and headers are a complete exhaust system from Mac Exhaust. As far as I know this is the only complete system available for the XJ, but with the condition of my original exhaust it was worth the $360 price tag.

 

Mac Exhaust. Available through Amazon.

 

As far as I know it is the original 1982 650 Maxim tank. It was on the bike when I got it, and the logo mounts had already been filled.

 

Great Idea!! Never thought of that. Thanks.

 

Thanks for all of the kind words guys. Again, I apologize for just dropping off the forum like that, but I should be pretty active again now. Projects for this spring include: Removal of center stand, fabricated sheet metal side covers, new turn signals, new handlebars, Harley Sportster shocks, and a makeover of the instruments and headlight. If anyone knows where to get a good set of T-bars for one of these bikes please let me know. ;-)

 

Tbars will be difficult, especially if you have the molded in bar clamps. Theres a set available with clamps that attach to your old bars, then cutting off the ends of the old bars. Don't know who makes them but several guys on the site have them, maybe someone will chime in that knows.

 

I know I have seen some sets around. cmccully04 had a set on the bike that he sold, and I have saw another set or two on here. Maybe z-bars would be a better way to go. I have also thought about upside down clubman bars. Want something a little different. Any thoughts?

 

Cmccully04 started out with upside down clubmans, but his MC was at an angle because of how the MC attached to his original bars. The upside down clubmans worked great on my bike as the MC attached level, so it will depend on your MC as to what bars will work. Just remember you need 7/8's diameter unless your going to change out your switchs, throttle & hand controls. Also if you go with taller bars you'll most likely have to change to longer brake, clutch, throttle & fuel enrichment cables.

 

I did use upside down clubsman, and then switched to WINDOW bars. That way you can still use the molded in clamps. very simple swap, no big deal easy to do.

 

Thanks man. Window bars. Ok makes sense to me. Thanks again.

 

Forward controls?! Where did you find XJ compatible ones?

 

I believe he mentioned he ordered them from TC Bros, as did I. $175+shipping. You'll need linkages; they sell a kit for $50, but you can pick up ball or hiem joints and 3/8 all thread rod at nearly any hardware store and build your own for 1/2 the price easy.

 

sweet lookin' build interstatejoe. is that a Biltwell helmet?

 

Thanks HirsuitHeathen! No not a Biltwell, its an old NOS 70s LSI(?) brand. My buddies novelty Biltwell is just a wee bit bigger, but more comfy.

 

Thanks HirsuitHeathen! No not a Biltwell, its an old NOS 70s LSI(?) brand. My buddies novelty Biltwell is just a wee bit bigger, but more comfy.

 

Very nice...and before I hijack this thread the "tail dragger" is pretty bass good shit. I need to find more swap meets, there's usually none around here to speak of. I wanna old Bell or something like you have Joe.