81 XJ650 Build

Alright guys, I am currently building an xs650 and in the midst of that someone offered me their xj650 in exchange for some work... so I took the man up on his offer and here I am. I decided to post the progress on this site, well, because this site is pretty cool and I have seen a lot of great input from all of the users and moderators.

Anyways, the bike is an 81 xj650 midnight(?) maxim. It didn't run very well, everything was spraycanned flat black, and had-has-some wiring issues and cosmetic issues.

Here she is after I picked her up and brought her back to my shop:


and another:


Not gonna lie, but imho it's an ugly bike.

 

First things first. The bike would start but only after tapping on the starter. So I replaced the starter brushes and fired it up only to find out it was only running right on the top end, so I took the carbs off and cleaned/synced them. Good news is that the bike idles good and is running right.

Next, I ditched/cut/grinded/disassembled everything that I know I am not going to use. Following that, I stripped the tank only to find out it has more bondo on it than I would care to mention... oh well.

After that, I chopped the rear end and I marked up the rear fender location. The tail ends of these bikes are definitley light compared to the front, so I'm going to find a way to strenghten the rear.

....sorry for the quick updates... I've been working on the bike for about ten days and I just decided to run a post. If anyone wants more info, please let me know!

 

More info! and pics please!

 

Got rid of the ridiculous stock handlebars and subbed them for the standard 28" drag bars. Master cylinder/front brake are off a Kawasaki KX and throttle tube is from parts unlimited (haven't mounted them yet though). Here is an updated pic:


and another:
http://www.xjbikes.com/modules/coppermi ... 000879.jpg

last one:


sorry for the blurry-ness. My blackberry takes bad pics.

 

I just noticed how bad the pictures are. Sorry guys. I will be sure and post some pics that I have on my digital camera here soon.

Here is my gameplan: 1) Everything I've done so far, 2) paint, solo seat, reassemble, 3) Polish, 4) Enjoy the beast, 5) Polish some more, and 6) Without rushing, I am going to fabricate custom exhaust, detail, and eventually get rid of the stock airbox (and I am aware of the problems associated with this...I might just compound the problem and fix a Garrett to it)

I am not, uh-hmm, planning on putting very much money into this. It will be put together with parts I have around my shop with the occasional splurge if I need to.

 

so far so good man. everything looks good.

 

I got to work on the bike a little last night. I painted the engine with VHT Wrinkle Plus and I went back this morning and polished up a few things to break up the black. Not sure if I want to sand any of the fins on the head yet. Initially I did, but I'm liking the look of the motor as is. Who knows.


Here is a close up of the wrinkle paint:


And another:

 

One more thing... I also put the airbox back in and got the carbs mounted. The airbox was not too tough to get back in... I removed the starter, clutch cable, and intake boots on the head, and just fiddled with it for a minute and it fell right in.

Putting the carbs back on was not as bad as I have read... Had them installed in about 15 minutes. If anyone needs any tips, just let me know and I'll try and help ya!

Hopefully this weekend I'll have the main wiring issues figured out and I'll fire this beast up!

 

The wrinkle paint looks great! How durable is it? I've been thinking about doing the same thing but I'm worried about rock chips.

 

the wrinkle paint looks great man, keep the pics coming, looks like a fun project

 

Thanks guys. The wrinkle paint is as durable as any other spray can stuff. I did the engine in my xs over a year ago and the only wear I can see is by the shifter. I did the xs in one can, but the xj took me two to get the desired effect... It can be done with one can, but I painted it in the 102 heat of an Alabama summer.

I'll get some better pics up this week.

 

Planning on painting the wheels... right? not that the gold isn't flashy but it dosent seem to go well with the "new" look.. sounds like shes coming together, oh and Welcome to the site

 

yes, I am going to paint the wheels. the gold is horrendous 8O .

Speaking of paint, I'm up for ideas about what color to paint this thing... tank, fenders, wheels???

 

I went with a Dupli-color Rim Paint resists chipping and goes on with a nice finish, oh and mine was black.... looks nice on these rims

 

Well the wheels and frame went satin black and most of the rest will be grafite, the contrast is nice