my 1982 xj550 project

So I decided to buy a 1982 xj550 for $250, I live in Vancouver, bc.

 

i have decided to strip it down to the bone and clean it up nice piece by piece. I have no knowledge of motorcycles ,i do have the service manual and you great folks to assist me ,I really would appreciate any input you would like to give me.I do not have money to spend on it but i believe I have all the parts, I was thinking of trying to make a cheap cafe racer out of it. what do you guys think?

 

I sanded down and sprayed painted the frame flat black to hide imperfections put the wheels back on to see what it looks like. I want to clean up the rear shocks any idea what i should use?

 

my shop is located under my back porch i also put up a large tarp to keep the rain out. Here is a pic of my all the bike parts, I have kept them organized so there is no confusion later.

 

so i have come to a decision over nights that i want to turn this into a bobber project. I dont know how to go about it but i think ill start with cutting the frame so there is no going back.

 

Wellllll, seeing as you have already jumped in and stripped it to the bone, you made sure that it was properly titled and in some kind of running order. IE: starts first time, good compression, all electrics work etc. If not, you may have put a lot of work albeit a little money into a non-runner.
Also, you mention no skills prior to the tear down and turning it into a Bobber, without money.
Modifying a bike or anything usually entails some skill in doing the modifications yourself or be prepared to pay a lot of money for someone to do the mods for you. IE: cutting and welding, ever done any, know someone that can? Stuff like that.
Yes, there is a lot of help available here, but I think you may have jumped the gun on this. Also a bit more background info on yourself and if you have a friend(s) or family that knows about bikes.
All I can say right now is I wish you the best of luck with the project.


Cheers, Graham

 

If you cut it clean you can put it back if you decide to

 

Here's a bunch of ideas.

 

I just looked at your previous posts. Is this the same bike:

http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic ... tml#250946

 

Ahh, your project bring back such pleasant memories.

 

That's a nice clean looking battery wiz! :twisted:

 

thank you for checking in on me guys, Maxim-x i have a couple friends that have bikes but they live so far from me so we dont see each other to often .I am the kind of guy that cant swim and will jumps in the deep end and learn as i go, I did decide that i am going to make it into a cheap bobber, wizard my shop looks just like yours in the pic lol. I did chop it today i got a few pics taken the engine that i also pulled apart see below. to me it looks i rough shape i want to clean her up get her to shine and yes i will invest a little here and there i will have too , i am really pumped about getting my hands dirty. my hands are full of cuts and knuckle rashes already.

 

engine parts dirty shit

 

does this look normal? can i just scrub it down, get that lovely shine back she once had

 

While you have the mill torn down, get it soda blasted, save you a lot of band aids on your knuckles.

 

wow very nice ! where would i get that done? cost? thanks mate

 

I hate to tell you this, but you shouldn't have torn the motor down that far if you don't have any money to spend on parts. By pulling the motor down like that you now HAVE to spend money on certain things (like rings, a new head gasket, probably valve stem seals, etc.,) just to get it running again.

Honestly, you'd be better off money-wise to find a running 550 motor to drop in there, and don't tear into it like that next time. A full top-end rebuild, even a "minimal" one, has certain inescapable costs associated with it. A decent running motor will probably cost less.

 

I was thinking the same thing. You may be able to find a spear engine for cheaper if you are lucky. Also, you could part that engine out and use some of the cash to offset the price. If you find a new engine check the compression before tearing it down.

 

Here you go: A running Seca 550 motor, even if it doubled the price with shipping, it'd be cheaper than buying rings and a top-end gasket set.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1981-YAM ... ccessories

 

Do you have the ownership for the bike and do you have a motorcycle licence?

 

yes i have ownership of the bike and a license. I will eventually put money into it, just right now times are hard i am in school full time so i am not working its gonna be a slow project probably throughout the next year, i like the idea of a new engine i will check around town for something that will fit, does it have to be a 550 maxim or seca or can i go a little smaller? thanks guys, I should not have torn into it. i will try sell parts to cover some cost,cheers

 

There's nothing smaller in the North American market that would drop right in. BIGGER (600) yes, but not smaller.

Of course, anything's possible with enough creativity.

 

Great, now seeing as this may be a long process I suggest you find somewhere warm and dry inside the house for any electrical components and shiny bits, then get a spray can of WD 40 and mist anything else except rubber bits. If all your stuff is under a porch and you are using a tarp to keep out the rain then they will be subject to premature rusting.
When money does become available or just using your own labour for now, start examining and cleaning pieces, as you can afford time/money, fix, replace, repair or clean different bits of the bike
That may get you off to a good start and familiarise you with the components of the bike.
Seeing as the motor will be the biggest outlay, I'd save buying another until it's one of the last things on your list.
Meanwhile you can sell off parts you don't need for your build as others have suggested and re-coup some of your cash.
Good luck with the project and keep us updated.


Graham

 

thanks a lot for the suggestions and info guys i appreciate it. i will definitely bring bits and pieces inside until i get them on the bike.good idea about the cleaning stuff for now i will do that .ok so if i keep my engine i will have to buy a new gasket set? the link below is for a xj750 as an example of what i need is it correct?
http://shop.ebay.ca/i.html?_nkw=Engine+ ... 97.c0.m627
what parts of my engine, bike do you think i could sell? keeping in mind i want to bob it out eventually.and where could i post them apart from maybe ebay and craigslist?
cheers guys

 

400 may fit? what do you think of this?
sale-a7pqe-2146794395@craigslist.org

 

If you do keep your engine you will have to buy a new UPPER gasket set; everything from the cylinder base gasket up. You won't need an entire "engine set" if you're not splitting the cases.

Since the engine's now apart, and you have "disturbed" some long-established "mechanical relationships" you should also replace the rings and hone the cylinders as long as they're still in spec; and replace the valve stem seals and lap the valves.

I wouldn't sell or cut anything until you have a running, rideable bike; then decide what you do or don't need. Be a shame to get rid of something you have to subsequently go looking for...

 

The 400 motor is not a direct fit; your link is broken but any North American market 400 will be a twin, and NOT a direct drop-in replacement.

You can use a 550 Seca or Maxim motor, or an XJ/FJ600 motor, as long as it's the older, "upright" style.

Anything else will require custom fabrication (and a lot of work.)

 

after looking i find the gasket set will cost around $100,sorry what are the rings called you are referring to, seems like a lot of work i cannot do myself to hone the cylinders, replace the valve stem seals and lap the valves. i agree to hold on to things until ive finished my bike then sell off whatever i may not need. If i can some how figure how to get the 400mto fit i may just get it as it it running and completely in tacked. ill keep looking before i commit. thanks again guys

 

If you cannot do the work to the engine that will be needed for reassembly, then modifying that frame to fit the 400cc engine is way above your head. Like has been said ealier, look for a 550 Seca or Maxim motor. An early model FZ600 will also be a direct fit. This will probably require a different CDI and carb jetting for the increase in engine displacement over what you have now. Call around to the different motorcycle salvage yards. You may find a good 550 Seca motor there. You might also get lucky like I did and find one on Craigslist. Fill in the rest of your profile information. Knowing your location might help with getting leads on a motor.

 

ok thanks zombiehouse, we dont seem to have a lot of salvage yard around here in vancouver bc or maybe they just dont advertise them ive have been looking, ive got plenty of time to get this thing in order so i can play the waiting game and get myself a good deal on a 550 seca motor i think that would be ideal.

 

Put an ad on Craigslist, if you have it there, that you are looking for a 550 Seca. I got a titled frame and motor for free from one guy I found on there. I picked up a complete wreck from another guy I met through Ebay for $125.

 

thankx zombiehouse i put an add on my local craigslist for the few different motors that were suggested by you and others and i will just sit and wiat to see what comes myways. hopefully a 550 seca turbo motor ...sweeeeet!

 

There was a 650 Seca Turbo but not a 550. The 650 won't fit in our frame. It is a whole different animal. The 650 is a shaft drive and not a chain. Try to find another complete bike and not just the motor. It will usually cost you less for the whole bike.

 

Yeah I was going to say since it looks like you already have a "parts bike" now go find a whole bike to go with it.

From looking closely at your pics, I see rusty connecting rods. I strongly suspect that the motor you have is unsalvageable as-is, unless you do a COMPLETE rebuild, which isn't really even possible (parts availability.)

Go find a running 550, or at least a more complete one, and then build a bike from the best of the two. If you get a 550 Seca it will be easier (more parts commonality.)

 

hey thanks guys i will save a little money and find myself a seca that would be sweet and combined the two ,take the best of both great idea.question would i have to stick to the 81-83 seca or could i got older newer different model ? very interested thanks guys i will continue to post my updates with you as i get things rolling just may take a little bit .cheers all

 

The 550 Seca was only sold from 81 to 83. A 550 Maxim motor will work but it has different cams. For the ease of it all and since you are new to this I would stick to the 550 Seca this time around. Using the same model will also allow you to pick the nicest parts for your build.

 

The bike you have IS a 550 Seca, look in my gallery. ZH is right, the Maxim motor has different (milder) cams and different jetting, it's tuned for more low-end grunt. But quite honestly, I doubt you'd notice any difference.

Yes, you could look for an XJ/FJ600 with the same generation motor, it would drop right in; but not much of the other stuff would swap, and those bikes are harder to find than 550 Secas.

 

Schooter is asking if anyone will buy a 600 Radian motor (Same as fj)from him - less than 7000 miles. Mind you - he could be 100s of miles from you!!!

 

That would be thousands of miles. We're only on the same Continent; Vancouver, BC is quite a hike from rural Michigan.

 

D'oh! Should have noticed the OP was in Canada!!!!!!

 

hi guys do you know if a xz550 motor would fit on my maxim?

 

Nope. Won't fit. XJ550 Maxim or Seca is what you need. Looking back at your pics I see you actually have an XJ550 Maxim. Find that model if you can. If not find the 550 Seca.

 

If I were you I would watch craigslist every day. Something will come up, and by some thing I mean a parts bike. Eventually some one will post a bike that is cheap enough to grab up and perfect for your situation. If you found the exact bike, or at least the same model you would be set. I got my bike for $300 and it was rideable. Just keep an eye out. Oh and the idea about posting your ad on what you were looking for is a great idea as well. Look at it like this, You are already in the right place. Listen to what they say, this site is filled with helpful xjers.

Just be patient and wait for your exact bike or engine. It will be the best thing for you. Then swapping the parts over and fixing whats left should make your build much easier.

 

im with fitz you got a parts bike go find a whole one if it needs some parts use yours

 

will do guys, thanks for the advice i will definitely keep my eyes open on the old craigslist for a whole bike in running order and use mine as a parts bike. this site rocks thank you xjers, like i said i will keep you posted

 

guys I came across an add recently on Craigslist Vancouver I have cut and pasted the add below , I have not seen the bike as of yet as it is located about an hour and a half drive from me, and the guy does not have a digital camera at this time, he said he would let it go for $400 , he said it is a runner but the carbs are a bit bunged up, like I said I have not seen it yet but what do you think?

1981 Yamaha Maxim 550 - $495 (Fraser Valley)
1981 Yamaha Maxim 550 - 68,000 kms, great tires, new dual chrome mufflers, needs some work but definitely a great project, too many toys.

 

Question to ask yourself... How many parts would you get for $400?

If you have the room, money and time... Go offer him $350

 

Ok, no pictures...so is it on the road now or how long has it been off the road? How long has he had it? Can you take it for a ride or do you have to buy it on his word alone? does it start easy or hard? Any service history available? Most importantly, does he have the documentation in hand to complete the sale?
Just a few questions I'd be asking before making a three hour round trip.
Buyer beware.

 

Take a fully charged battery and your compression gauge with you and have a look. All you need is the motor, but you might end up with a treasure-trove of other useable parts in the deal. Maybe even a new basis for your project, and then your other pile of parts can stay a pile of parts.

 

thank you guy for the ideas ,it is true that i am only looking for a motor and other parts would be bonus, i will take the trip out there and offer him $300 he does have the papers for so the deal is able to be sealed then and there, I think that my project will finally begin in the next month or so.

cheers all