XJ 650 cafe racer in spe

Hi everyone. Just got a XJ 650 from 1981, drove like 20 miles home, and ripped it apart

My story short: 11 years as toolmaker/machinist, lots of CAD/CAM/CNC experience. 3 years as policeman, now I'm back as machinist/toolmaker. Working at University College of Engineering in Copenhagen, and am going to make the CNC millingmachines work properly. They are'nt beeing used a lot right now, but I'm going to change that

I'll probably ask a lot of questions, as I don't know that much about this bike.

Anyway, here it is:

 

Are there some kind of upload limit? Trying to upload another photo, but it wont work?

 

usually we use photobucket to host the image, then we just copy the link location over.
photobucket.com

 

well, you're already ahead of the curve, not needing to bar-mount your master cylinder and having a proper round headlight. turning any non-750 seca into a cafe bike is pretty darn easy.

 

Hi Doohan!
Have you gotten any further on your bike?
I'm looking at the same project! How to build a Cafe Racer!
My only two positions of let me call it fear are:
I live in Switzerland and basicly
- All changes that are done must be tested for safty and added to the vehicle documents
- Replacement parts need a document of approval (DTC-Gutachten)
- All changes done without registration, need to removed for the inspection (depending on where you live) all 2-4 years

Now the other point
I do have a lot of experience with cars. Some cars I owned and done the work and changes they need have been '70 Chevelle, '72 Vega V8, Old Chevy Trucks and since I live in Europe 2002 BMW, E30 Alpina B2,7 touring and 320i convertible... BUT!!!!!!!
-I have never done any work on a bike!
As a matter of fact, I have not been on one for the last 20 years.

If you or any one out there has some information I can start off with (please only concerning the bike and changes to it), I would be very thankful!

 

I hate to say this.
But that is one beautiful bike! Are you sure you want to turn it into a cafe? I think it looks incredible the way it is. To each his own I suppose, but sometimes you cant mess with perfection! Ha.

Im sure it will look good either way though honestly.

 

Hi Ravenz!

It is a great bike! I must admit, I'm usually a person that enjoys factory beauty! I've always done minimal optical tuning (sleeper) on my cars. Mainly the engine.
In this case, I have the urge to do something absolutely new. Since I have never done this before (I'm not getting younger) :roll: , I'll start off slow with the front, blinker and work my way to the most difficult (I believe) part. The rear! I was thinking of a 4 in 1 exhaust.
All I ever heard about this bike is positive (For how old this bike is). Any advice from your side? One problem is, often it shuts down after starting it (cold engine). Once the motor is warmed up she runs great. Carbs gunky?

 

Im sure there is those on here who can give better advice, but first check the rear brakes is typically the first thing anyone on here will tell you. Dont ignore safety concerns on the bike, replace tires!!!

You will probably need to clean the carbs, if nothing else it is something important to learn as far as owning one of these older bikes. Other than that, really you can find an infinite amount of help on here. This site makes me consider buying another Yamaha when I want another bike just because of the people here.

 

The carbs seem to be ok. The motor shuts off without a stutter when cold. Rear brake is really awesome. The tires are down to nothing. Funny, the front tire has more abrasion on the right side. But she runs absolutely straight. Need to keep an eye on that. 8O
Oh well! I'll do the service and check the engine issue. The rest will come by it self. We do have a long winter over/ up/ down here in CH.

 

subscribed... good luck man

 

Hi boonybax, great looking bike, I'm a stock guy, but you won't do too much harm to that bike turning it into a 'cafe racer', it's not like they were hardtailed or anything, keep the 4 into 2s, add clipons, set the pegs back a bit & mod the seat/tail & you're smoking.

 

Hi Wizard!
Thank you for the tipps! Question!!!
What are clipons (Fender?) and pegs (Foot rest?) ?
Sorry my first time!

 

clipons are handle bars that clip on to the front forks and pegs are foot rests...yes

 

Thanks!
Better clipons then strapons! :wink: I thought it was funny! :roll:

 

hahahahhahaa

 

Yeah man that is one damn good lookin bike for such an oldie! i wonder if that sweet tank will fit on my 700?? Im pickin up a 650 on weds to either fix up or part out. Havent decided. Lemme know if you need parts though!
-Chris

 

Thanks!
She is in pretty good shape for an ol' lady! I believe if I'm in the need of parts, I need to get them over here in Switzerland. All parts you add or change that do not come orig. with the bike, need to have a special document of proof that this part is made for the bike. This sucks big time, but that's Swiss law! No nice changes like in the States possible!

 

These bikes are cold blooded and will turn off by themselves when cold if you do not have the choke on. My 550 would usually take about 5 miles at around 55mph to warm up to running temp. You can use your choke for the first couple of minutes of riding your bike, but be sure to turn it off when it has warmed up enough or you can mess up your bike.

 

Yup! I did pull the choke! It did work, at idle she was turning to low when warm. I (fool) turned the idle screw just a bit. Now the 1. cyl. is cold. Since I don't have the tools or a handbook, place to take her apart... yet to mess around, I brougt her to the mech. She has had no service for the last 3 years. I just told them to do it all! There is a "klank" noise on the front wheel or fork when riding over bumps and breaking! Normal???

 

^^^^ CRAP! I don't want to see that bill

 

I'll just tell 'em: The guys on the other side of the pond will pay the bill! :lol:
I belive I need to smack down about CHF 700.00 (almost same in $). Hell if I would have this sort of issue with my car, I would have to multiply it by four! That's why I'm not complaining. You guys come over here and soup up my ride! You pay for the flight, I'll take over the rest! :wink: