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XJ750J Cafe Racer Attempt

Discussion in 'XJ Modifications' started by mshah0686, Jan 7, 2021.

  1. mshah0686

    mshah0686 Member

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    Hey ya'll,

    Just wanted to share my progress on making a cafe racer from a 83 XJ750J. I love the cafe racer look and this is my first time trying something like this. I am just a college kid who's just about to turn 21 so not the most experienced as some people here on this stuff. But hey, gotta start somewhere right?

    Here's a before picture:
    IMG_20201212_105716.jpg

    Here's how it looks right now (still work left to do):
    IMG_20210107_125655.jpg
    And some progress pictures in the middle:
    IMG_20210105_114235.jpg IMG_20210105_114231.jpg IMG_20210104_141305.jpg IMG_20201222_152407.jpg IMG_20201216_151106.jpg
    I don't have a welder so that's been really hard to overcome. If you guys have any suggestions or comments, please do comment I really would love some input!

    I really don't expect the bike to turn out super amazing and eye catching, but I just want something I can look at at and feel proud. I am in it more for learning about motorcycles and building rather than the product.
     
  2. Door dude

    Door dude Active Member Premium Member

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    Im not much into the cafe racer look but... I like your spunk, i hope you can get a welder on the low low. What you have done so far is working. Keep at it.
     
  3. mshah0686

    mshah0686 Member

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    Thanks! I have been looking for some classes or such to learn to weld. But even without, I've been finding some work by using existing brackets on the frame. It doesn't look as great/appealing however
     
  4. Door dude

    Door dude Active Member Premium Member

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    If you have an imagination and the drive to do it ... what else but do it ! What are you doing with the stock parts that you are removing ?
     
    Last edited: Jan 9, 2021
  5. mshah0686

    mshah0686 Member

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  6. PavelK313

    PavelK313 Active Member

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    Props on doing work man! Imho something about it makes it look bulky and heavy, not enough open space anywhere.
     
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  7. mshah0686

    mshah0686 Member

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    I agree you're right....hmm what do you think I can change? I did chop the cowl down some so its not as chunky.

    I have kept the stock air-box and battery locations so I wanted to cover it with side panels.

    Here's an updated look.

    IMG_20210109_120627.jpg
     
  8. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    Keep the look. It harkens back to the NSU racers of the 50's.
    [​IMG]

    Everyone does the open-air look, and at this point that's just become a tired trope.
     
  9. mshah0686

    mshah0686 Member

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    Woah this is cool and different I like it.

    I think I'm gonna trim the side panels a bit to follow the curve of the frame in the back. I think that'll add some interesting lines instead of a straight panel
     
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  10. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    Now that I'm thinking of it....A first-gen Virago would look good dressd up like that NSU.
    Hmmmm........

    Neeed more money and more space.
     
  11. Minimutly

    Minimutly Well-Known Member

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    I think the issue - if there is one is in the sidepanels - you've done a good job making them, but all the original ones are smaller - maybe they knew something?
     
  12. mshah0686

    mshah0686 Member

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    Yep you are right. I'm considering trimming them down they definitely look really bulky right now. Good to get a second opinion thanks guys!
     
  13. a100man

    a100man Well-Known Member

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    They look bulky because they are currently a contrasting colour. Paint then black so they blend in and then add some oval 'number boards' and you might get a better look.
     

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