XJ650RJ Seca Build

So i'm finally getting around to creating my own build thread. I'm currently in the middle / early stages of this, but want to be able to document my process for myself as well as other members of this site.

This is my second XJ650 in the last year. I picked up an 81 Maxim and had it for a few months before the neighbors destroyed in -__-

after that unfortunate loss, I kept my eyes peeled for a Seca. Eventually finding one in town.


The previous owner had done a few minor "upgrades" to it.
- Clubman bars
- Wrapped pipes
- Pods -____-

After riding it for a little while, I decided to switch back to the stock airbox to resolve the high idle since the PO did not reject the carbs after putting Pods on the bike. This helped, but there were still some running issues. After completely re cleaning the carbs, breaking the rack, replacing all seals and a few jets which had seen better days the bike got even better.


Then, I got a wild idea to build the brat style bike I had wanted.....

 

If you bratted your Seca 650, then I suggest not posting the carnage here. That is among the most collectable of XJ models in the U.S.. Available for one-year-only here, and highy desireable.

If' it's the Maxim that you bobbed (and you should have since the damage shown is all easily reparable), then post away

 

After realizing that my uncovered parking spot at my apartment was not the best spot to attempt a build project, I was able to convinced the girlfriend's parents to lend me their garage for a few months while I worked on the bike. After getting it there, I got a corner of the garage setup as my station. Not a bad little setup for me. Here's the photo on day 1..


Here's the photo after 2 days of tear-down.


Everything has been carefully removed, labeled, and inventoried to help ensure that when its time to re-assemble, everything goes back as it should.... Don't want to worry in the back of my mind where those extra few bolts went.

Checklist of items still to complete before the re-assembly are:
1. Powder coating frame after minor fab work (seat hoop installed. Yes, I cut a Seca frame.)
2. Powder coating the rims to revive them, since they are older than I am.
3. Cleaning the engine before a nice coat of paint.
4. Stripping and repainting the tank.
5. Waiting on the post man to deliver a few more parts so everything is together before it goes back.

 

OK, SO-------you're hating on yourneighbors cuz they destroyed a 650 Maxim.........the you turn around and tell us that YOU are destroying a 650rj!?! Lol

I'd very interested in the seat if you're gonna ditch it, and the mufflers, too--And the tank

Dave F

 

Destroying is a strong word. Haha I know to a purist making any modification is scary. But the rear chop is minor. I'm only flattening the rear to keep the lines as they are and then building a nice seat to mount on top. I want to keep the pipes on it as I don't want to adjust anything with the engine. I restored the bike from having pods to go back to the air box for reliability.

But yah, the seat should be available. I'll snap some good photos for you to check out.

 

If you could, send them to me via cell phone... I can see them any time.....I'll give that to you in a private message

Dave

 

When a bike is collectible any change dramatically lowers the value. This isn't about being a purist; it's about having respect for what the machine is. I'm not sure what you paid for it, but restored examples are fetching between $4,000 and $5,000. While that doesn't seem like a lot, the same bike in the same condition was selling for less than $1500 about five years ago. You could have restored it, sold it, and financed half a dozen other builds (or taken a really nice vacaction).

Having said that: it's your bike to do with what you will. Take your time. Be precise with your work. I'm sure you'll have a fine looking machine once you're done.

 

but when Taylo105 is known as one of the most respected bike builders on the west coast, this will be one of his early works. easily fetching 20K+

 

Could be. I know a guy in Oregon who started out building bikes from parts who now does well over $2million a year in business at his shop. That takes a serious amount of dedication to both the trades and to business though.

 

The Seca would look great restored to original spec.

 

The 650RJ already has the look of a factory cafe racer.

 

Let me know about any 650rj stock parts you don't want hanging around and we can work something out.

 

Stock part list for sale. The next post will include photos

• Front fender. No dents or anything, but most likely will need some painting
• Rear fender with lights, tool pouch. (Brake light wires were cut)
• Front brake rotors.
• Front brake calipers
• Stainless steel brake lines (purchased from xj4ever)
• Stock gauge cluster. (Oil and high beam light have a crack)
• Stock levers. Wires are still intact
• Stock controls. Wires are still intact
• Aftermarket clubs. Installed by PO, and I personally am not a fan.
• All 4 turn signals. Wires are still intact
• Stock wiring harness. With original fuse block. (Needs to be replaced). Only wires which are cut are the brake lights.
• Triple tree. (Only top is pictured but full set is available)
• Front wheel
• Forks

I have all of the necessary bolts, nuts, and hardware for all above items and they will be included.

 

http://imgur.com/a/iEanv

 

Here's some updated photos of the build. Got the frame back from powder coating and got the new custom triple tree setup with the donor front end.


With the new brat seat pan mocked up. Now to get the new seat upholstered.

 

And the engine which is waiting to go back into the frame.

 

where did you get the hoop?

 

eBay for the win.

http://m.ebay.com/itm/CAFE-RACER-TR...ASAKI-230mm-/182272192219?txnId=1624927223008

 

Got the frame back from powdercoating and finally got the engine and swing arm attached.

I honestly don't think that the "chop" I did was too extensive. I know some will hate it, but o think it creates a nicer line and flow to the bike.

Still waiting on the new rubber to be put on. Waiting on a new tire valve stem from charcal. And having the fork seals replaced for the new front end. I didn't want to tackle that and found a shop that had a fair deal on the labor.

It should be a roller once again by next weekend. And then it's time to tackle the electronics with the motogadget munit.

 

Hello, do you an updated list of what parts are available for sale?...interested in both controls and possibly gauges/cluster


Thanks


Frank