Anyone completed a XJ650H Max to XJ650RJ fork swap

I have a 81 XJ650H Maxim and just picked up a 82 XJ650RJ Seca, everything from the cut frame under the gas tank forward. Triple Tree, forks brakes rim and frame yoke.

Has anyone done this front end swap and was there any difference in handling. Since the maxim has a leading axle and the Seca does not, that might change things. However someone suggested that the triple tree is angled differently between the two to compensate for that.

Anyone have any information regarding this.

I am willing to give it a try.

I also dont know if the length of the forks are different from the different positioning of the axle.

 

The Maxim and Seca have different frames. I don't know how many degrees difference there are between the rake of the two frames, but I'm sure the triple trees won't compensate for it all.

Also keep in mind that the 650R was way undersprung from the factory, so even though you are doing the swap, you may still want to invest in some Progressive springs for the new front end.

 

Measuring from the axle to the top of the fork tube is 31 1/4 on both the maxim and the seca, but the triple tree fork mounts appear to be farther forward on the seca than the maxim which would compensate for the leading axle thereby putting the axle in the same location on both bikes.

Looks like an easy swap. I know there is an upgrade on the XS to tapered yoke bearings are there anything for the maxim /seca

 

Model dimensions:

...............................XJ650H....................XJ650RJ
Overall length:..........2165mm..................2170mm
Overall width:...........855mm....................730mm
Overall Height:..........1170mm..................1130mm
Wheelbase:...............1445mm..................1435mm


I know it's just a few millimeters, but it will quicken the steering, just be mindful of that fact on your first few trips.

I don't believe it will make a drastic difference in handling, but it should be noticeable.

Other than steering geometry there shouldn't be any problems with the swap.

Oh, BTW, yes I should have mentioned replacing the bearings in my first response. You'll already have it apart and it's just a few dollars. Will provide a lot of insurance and peace of mind by swapping them out.

 

The 650 Seca had a dual-disc front end, with the appropriately sized master cylinder for dual calipers.

The 650 Maxim has the goofy "pivot-pin" single disc, with associated smaller M/C, and a "leading axle."

Putting the Maxim front end on the Seca would be a "downgrade" to the Seca. I'm not understanding why you would want to do this. It might make more sense if you were talking about putting the Seca forks on the Max.

 

Fitz, that is actually what WP is referring to. She owns the '81 Maxim and she picked up an entire front end from a 650 Seca that she wants to swap out.

Picked it up for $40 no less! Wish we could all get that lucky sometimes.