just got a maxim 550

So I picked the bike up for 150$, no title so far . no tank/seat an broke headlight glass. Guy said it was started about 6 months ago and sat for 5 or 6 years before that. So Im thinking clean the car and check all the fluids and brakes and try to get it started when I can. My plan is to make it a cafe racer to sit along side my cbr600rr.

 

Start with the information overload hour. Make it safe first, then customize/modify as you see fit and if at all possible avoid pods. The church of clean is the only way to go with the carbs

 

Read This First

 

Oh I def plan on making it safe before anything else an making sure it runs right before throw a leg over. The front brake seems stuck so I'm going to check the fluid on that too haha. Anyone ever don't the Vermont method for a new title?

Anyone recommend a good carb rebuild kit and engine gasket kit?

 

There is a link in the top right corner of this page to xj4ever. The parts will be right the first time.
Also, there's a thread about the Vermont title process somewhere...

http://xjbikes.com/forums/threads/m...g-the-82-xj650-bought-without-a-title.117725/

Or
https://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&sour...FjAAegQIBhAB&usg=AOvVaw2A3lmT-tN7P49DJDy8BRFR

 

Good chance the piston is seized on front brake . Pull Caliper remove brake line try compressed air to try to push piston out by using a nozzle where brake line attaches . or if that does not work a grease gun threaded in the same mount and pump it full of grease till piston comes free. You will have to clean it out but replace the internal seal and dust seal. What ever you do ..DO NOT use a pair of hogs to try to remove piston it will chew it up with deep gouges effecting sealing . There is a good chance most bikes calipers have never been rebuilt so the seals are usually rock hard and pistons can corrode . Seal kits are cheap. Also you should replace the rubber hoses with braided steel lines XJ4ever has them, look at your lines if the have an 81,82 etc date on them REPLACE you will be on borrowed time.

 

Believe I figured out why the brake didn't release...

 

Gonna upload stuff to keep track of it on here like the fuse box has broken tabs

 

Cracked boots

 

I did the VT reg loophole. There is a well know article that says you need to notarize the bill of sale. That is incorrect. Let me know if you have any questions on the process.

 

Thanks dude I saw there's a site with an all black background that says u don't need it notorized as well

 

I think you may be talking about this site with the black background.
http://www.chinonthetank.com/2014/04/get-a-title-with-a-vermont-registration/

It says you need to have the bill of sale notarized but VT registry does not require it. Really good site tho.

 

Carb pics ,opinions? Looks clean ..

 

Did not know the pictures would be this big when I uploaded them from my phone!

 

Replace fuse block with a blade type fuse block .keeps wiring neat and keeps it looking like rednecks dream .

 

I should have added your boots are not in real good shape. But you could smear them with fuel resistance RTV or an inner tube that is slightly smaller diameter cut to length and stretched over boot . Be cautious of the NEW boots on ebay they have been known to collapse internally . Another item be careful removing the boots the Allen bolts have been known to snap off and can be a bear to remove. If you get them out ok make sure you use anti seize on threads of new bolts do not re use as insurance they are not expensive read ACE hardware or Sears hardare store carry a nice selection of metric fasteers.

 

Looks like someone stuffed muffin crumbs in the master cylinder!

 

I figured with all the screws etc I'm gonna take it slow so I don't snap anything , I hope

 

Yea it's really odd, not sure if I'll be able to get it all out of there or if I should just find another one