The Monster Maxim

Hey peeps, I've started my project on my 1983 Maxim, I would like to raise my seat up. When i say that, I mean cutting the seat off and welding it back to the frame and or trying something that would sit me closer to the tank....I've included a pic of the bike....and what I've done soo far.

Also can someone tell me how to get my engine off! I've taken all the mounts off, and the only thing that is connect is the drive shaft, and that sucker is hard to get off...any comments or advice would be appreciated!

*in the red is the angle that I want the seat to sit*

 

Slide the rubber boot forward and reach in with you tools to remove the four bolts holding the u-joint flanges together. Once the bolts are out and all the cables/hoses/carbs/ground wires/oil filter housing/shift pedal/etc your good to lift motor out.
I would have a small platform at frame level beside the bike on the right side to slide motor out and onto - cause it's a heavy beast.

 

Prevailing wisdom would be to have a friend stand on the rear brake and put the tranny in gear before you try to brake the shaft joint bolts. Your bike is very nice as is, why not source another seat and hack it up to save your original?

 

I wouldn't know where to start as far as getting a seat, all I know is that if I am wanting to achieve that angle something must be done. And also..the bolts on that shaft are very very very very extremely tight....any advice on how to work with that...cuz it's a a pain....


*what do you guys think about my bike the way it looks right now?*

 

I love the Midnight Specials, I would like to get a set of those gold rims from an 81' 1100, to build my 82' Maxim 1100 into the Yamaha never made Midnight Maxim 1100.
My brother has an 80' XS11 Midnight Special in boxes he has wanted to restore, but as lazy as he is, I fear it'll never get done. But the 80 had the straight spokes, I really love the look of the swirl mags.