From "Old and Tired" to "Restored and Sporty"

Looking at this picture of an XS650, I could not figure out what it was about this bike that was so unlike my stock 1980 Maxim:



http://www.650central.com/Cafe_Racer.JPG

I finally figured it out:
My Maxim is "Old and Tired".

I already knew that I wanted to put Clubman handlebars on my bike, but there was something else about this bike.....

IT LOOKS BRAND SPANKIN' NEW!!!

I also liked the turning signals in the headlight assembly and think the rims are WAY better than the XJ "swirl" rims.

So I have made a to-do list for my Maxim:

1. CLEAN!!!
2. Polish!!!
3. Clubman handlebars + mirrors
4. XS rims and headlight assembly
5. New paint
6. Yamaha tank emblems
7. Tune-up (only ran a 14.3 in the 1/4 mile)

I only have a few questions about these modifications:

1. Will XS rims fit on an XJ since the XS was chain-driven?
2. I can get most of my Maxim to shine, but how will I get the old and gray engine to REALLY shine?

Remember, I am only 16 and money isn't growing on trees.

 

* Clubmans - A common mod seen here
* XS rims - Look great but can't help about fit
* Tank emblems - Cheap eBay emblems - NOT OEM style but nice (Seller kakahealthcare - I just received mine today - Thin and flexible great for a tank)
* Tune up is a rather generic and meaning less term, but other can problably help with rejetting and other stuff to get a little more power - At the same time if it is running great leave it alone and save ALOT of money - It's NOT a modern crotch rocket and never will be!!!
* Engine - Soda blasting of engine would be idea - Other try degreasing cleaners and lots of elbow grease - Also depends if plan on doing it in or out of the frame

Other than that good luck!

 

xs rims are out. There were some shafty xs bikes, 750, 850, 1100. I only know factually that the 1100 will not fit, and I have read that the others interchange with the 1100, making them different than the swirly guys also.

Make sure the bike is safe first and foremost, check brakes, tires, etc. Anything that could kill you if it fails. Def buy a haynes manual, and as far as a tune up maybe a good carb clean, re-build. Lets see a pic.

What part of Iowa you in? I am about a mile from IA border in MN.

 

Oh wait I see you have a pic in your gallery. It isn't as bad as you make it sound!

 

So, XS rims won't fit, or will they? Maybe at least the front rim?

And I am not planning on taking the motor out, so can it still be soda blasted?

Also, my front tire is cracking inside the tread, not on the outer wall. Is this dangerous? I think it's still the stock tire from 1980.

 

Hmmm, is a thirty year old tire safe????? :?
Sure it is, well, until you try riding it down the highway and it blows apart sending you and the bike sliding down the road! 8O
Think of it this way, would you trust a thirty year old rubber to have safe sex? :roll: :roll:
:twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

 

Boy YOU'RE in some kinda mood today, geez a little snow and...

BUT you're absolutely right.

THESE BIKES HAVE TUBELESS TIRES. Anything over 5-6 years old is a recipe for disaster.

 

as long as as the rubber wasn't dry rot during safe sex. would hate to go sliding down the sheets lol.

If the xs wheels wont work what about 700 wheels or virago wheels they are similar to xs wheels?

 

Hey ya I think the 700 wheels are straight swap, from what I've heard.They are similar to xs.

 

Ok thanks.