XJ550 street fighter Project, "pic heavy"... Finally DONE!!!

Re: XJ550 Project bike, "pic heavy" Updated Feb 11/07

When I first ran her she over revved something like yours, but after winding back the idle screws and running her several times over a few days (floats were stuck and needed a lube) she settled down to what you hear today.

The PO painted the frame blue... I quite like it too but have no touchup paint... oh well

 

Re: XJ550 Project bike, "pic heavy" Updated Feb 11/07

small update...I made the brackets to hold the r6 pipes to the frame:




they still got to be made pretty and painted but you get the idea!!! :lol:

 

Re: XJ550 Project bike, "pic heavy" Updated Feb 11/07

looks good

 

Re: XJ550 Project bike, "pic heavy" Updated Feb 11/07

Bike look great . Can you show some pic on how you made the head lite brace and how you mounted it to the bike. Keep up the good work.

 

Re: XJ550 Project bike, "pic heavy" Updated Jan 14/07

Hey man you're definately not afraid to work outside the box.

I'm from Mount Pearl (and still living here).

My project is an 83 XJ650 Seca Cafe Racer I've been working on this winter.

I'll be sure to post up some pics of her when she's done so that you'll know who to look out for sunday nights at Tim's by the save-easy.

Here's the best shot I have of my seca as it stands now (will be black with some custom decals and pinstriping by the time I ride it again).



I recognize your truck from the convention center car show last year, you worked at futureshop right?

See you on the street.

 

Re: XJ550 Project bike, "pic heavy" Updated Jan 14/07

where did you get the tail light?, "USE" to work at FS, not anymore thank goodness, truck is no more, now theres a lifted Bronco :wink:

I'll keep my eyes open for ya at tims/save easy, tues night is a big one also, I should be kicking around with the NLEXTREMEZ croud :lol: ,

 

Re: XJ550 Project bike, "pic heavy" Updated Jan 14/07

I can remember a few years back buying some mtx subs and an amp for my buddy's Lincoln Towncar (subs have since been moved to a ford focus... and driven to Alberta) off a guy who was talking about his F150 having a crazy setup... That was you I gather (not that you would remember).

Yeah I used to head up that way to meet some of my riding buddies last year (An R6, 750 GSXR, and a Triumph Daytona... AND an 89 HD Heritage Softail, hah, Strange bedfellows for a SECA I know)... Seems everyone with a bike lives in Paradise.

The Taillight is just a generic cateye taillight for a Harley that I added some tabs onto to hold the NL Licence plate (harley guys normally just cut the plates). Just search E-Bay for Cateye Taillight... Never cost much.

 

Re: XJ550 Project bike, "pic heavy" Updated Feb 11/07

man that is so totally awsome I have the same bike and am just hopeing to get it back together after I'm done ripping it apart you have inspired me to make a true custom out of her can't wait for more pics

 

Re: XJ550 Project bike, "pic heavy" Updated Feb 11/07

haven't done much with it lately between being very sick and work, just no time right now, I did however decided on the tail light (not what you see in the pics) so as soon as I get around to it there will be more pics to come!

 

Re: XJ550 Project bike, "pic heavy" Updated Feb 11/07

Ease, where did you get that seat man...I love that....I have to have one of those...if anyone else knows where to get this type of seat it would be great

 

Re: XJ550 Project bike, "pic heavy" Updated Jan 14/07

Just started on a XJ550 Cafe racer, I'm using a early 900SS solos seat with a 19 Litre XJ650 Tank and some spanky bits like carbon fibre sidecovers

are you using the stock front end? clipons?

 

Re: XJ550 Project bike, "pic heavy" Updated Jan 14/07

You using that motor I sold you? Was it a runner?

 

Re: XJ550 Project bike, "pic heavy" Updated Jan 14/07

Yeah, I'm using the stock front end, but I have the front fender replaced with one off of a Kawi H2, and a fork brace I fabbed out of some roundbar and metal strips.

I just have some clubmans thrown on there. I'd like clipons, but I'm on a student's budget...
Clubmans give me the position I want for 20 bucks.

You any further with your project?
Love to see some pics.

I donno if I already answered this on here... but the seat is one i made from fiberglass and an old seatpan i got off of e-bay.
Check it out here:
Seat For My Seca

 

Re: XJ550 Project bike, "pic heavy" Updated Feb 11/07

well I've been busy doing mechanical work on the bike for the last couple of weeks, figuring out wiring, replacing the thermal flasher with an eletcric one out of an '89 ford pickup (works great BTW ), and playing around with some paint schemes. heres what I've settled on:



it's a bit of a pain to do but should be worth it in the end, what do you think?

got to some of the body work, no more emblems!:


after looking and looking and looking at the tail end of the bike the frame just didn't fit with the look I am going with so:




that's it for now, but going to be real busy with the bike in the next couple of weeks on account of the weather here is slowly getting better, so more pics to come...

 

Re: XJ550 Project bike, "pic heavy" Updated Mar 31/07

Commin along for sure.

What are you spraying through to get that paint effect?
Shouldn't be hard to miss that at Tims.

 

Re: XJ550 Project bike, "pic heavy" Updated Mar 31/07

believe it or not I used fish net stockings for the effect, made the wife go buy them for me :roll: , going to have to go to the plus size dept for a pair big enough for the tank :lol: :lol: , been watching to many bike shows I guess :wink:

 

Re: XJ550 Project bike, "pic heavy" Updated April 4/07

finally I settled on the paint and finished the headlight bezel after 3 trys and alot of sanding :roll: , so here it is

in primer:


with the metallic candy red:


with the black added and cleared:


and one with the lights mounted:


what do you think...I can't wait to see the whole bike painted, just got to remember not to rush it :lol:

more to come...

 

Re: XJ550 Project bike, "pic heavy" Updated April 4/07

Looks like an evil Praying Mantis. I love it, cant wait to see the whole bike done.

 

Re: XJ550 Project bike, "pic heavy" Updated April 4/07

Nice one... the red and black is looking awesome.

Keep them pics coming

 

Re: XJ550 Project bike, "pic heavy" Updated April 4/07

I've got a damn-near pristine -- 100% Aluminum -- side rail and rear-grab combo off a 650, with YAMAHA in-lay ... that you JUST might be able to shorten, and slip right into those two frame openings ... ($20.00)

What do those two hacked-off ends measure-up across the back on centers?

 

Re: XJ550 Project bike, "pic heavy" Updated April 4/07

Rick...PM your way just in case low1-5-0 doesn't want that...

 

Re: XJ550 Project bike, "pic heavy" Updated April 4/07

Looks sweet, very superhero-ish. I like it alot

 

Re: XJ550 Project bike, "pic heavy" Updated April 4/07

RickCoMatic, I already have a grab bar, thanks for the offer though. I guess its' all yours PghXJ

I first had it painted with red and silver but a "buddy" said I would need to wear blue shorts when riding it (looked like something from spiderman), so it was repainted with the black :lol:

 

Re: XJ550 Project bike, "pic heavy" Updated April 4/07

I just switched to a computer with a less-crapy moniter and I gotta say, that candy red looks nice.
I like the pattern in the black too, mostly because it is a bit asymmetrical (the wave in the top portion).
Lookin great.

How do you plan on giving the tank the effect? Stripe? Wave?

 

Re: XJ550 Project bike, "pic heavy" Updated April 4/07

not sure yet, probably going to do the out line of the tank with the black

 

Re: XJ550 Project bike, "pic heavy" Updated April 4/07

Hmm... Everything is very cool individually (particularly that headlight bezel) however I think I'm going to have to reserve my personal judgement til the finished product. Like I said, Everything you've made so far has looked awesome I'm just not sure they work together or with that bike. That being said it is a work in progress and the individual parts look great so the bike probably will as well. Even if it doesn't to me, it's your bike. Plus I'd gladly have you work on my bike anyday.

On another note, I believe I see a late model Fullsize Bronco in your avatar. I've got an 86 myself. You should check out fullsizebronco.com particularly if you work on your truck even half as much as you are working on the bike. I am Pantsman on there as well. Also make sure you link to this thread in your intro. A lot of people over there would be very interested. Keep up the good work!

 

Re: XJ550 Project bike, "pic heavy" Updated April 4/07

I know what you are saying, I'm after changing my plans and mind numerous times, to try and get everything to work together...and it's probably going to change a few more times before it's finished, it's trial and error I guess. The head light bezel took 3 tries, the seat and seat cowl are on their third try and design, tank is still on the fence (keep it of get a seca tank), rear lighting plans just keep changing...eventually I'll get it done though, hopefully soon, the snow is going here and the temps are rising, and I'm itching for a ride!

I got the same user name on fullsize bronco also, been a member for a while now, great source of info as is this site!

 

Re: XJ550 Project bike, "pic heavy" Updated April 4/07

I got a little more done, headlights are mounted, front fender is done and on, tank is ready for paint, had to do a little re-wiring of the main harness, new fuse block installed and new battery, and changed the look of the pipes :wink:

front fender painted with the red:


ready for the black:


and the finished product:


heres the progress so far, still in the planing stage for the rear section and seat...again :roll:



I like the look of carbon fiber pipes but this being a backyard build on a poor mans budget, heres the poor mans carbon fiber ("look"), BTW, I painted the pipes to give it "the look", It came out pretty good if I do say so myself :lol: :


...The finish line is getting near...

 

Re: XJ550 Project bike, "pic heavy" Updated April 4/07

No Kidding.
Had me fooled.

...The further you get with that project, the more I feel like helping you source a seca tank... I think it would set the headlight setup and those dual shorty pipes off perfect.

 

Re: XJ550 Project bike, "pic heavy" Updated April 7/07

I dont know what other tanks would fit...
I think the Suzuki GS400 tank fits the XS650... dont know about your maxim though...

 

Re: XJ550 Project bike, "pic heavy" Updated April 7/07

little more work done, got the tank finished and started the rear seat/tail section :




Using the stock seat pan and some fiberglass I finally figured out a design that should go with the look I want for the bike:


...and a test fit to see what it looks like:

pose #1


pose #2


starting to come together, left to do is:
*clean and sync carbs
*mount tail light and rear signals
*fab plate mount
*install inner rear fender
*sand and paint tail section
*finish seat
*ride It
:twisted:

 

Re: XJ550 Project bike, "pic heavy" Updated April 13/07

She's really starting to come together now.... Looking good and it doesn't look like it'll be long until it's finished...

Well done that man

 

Re: XJ550 Project bike, "pic heavy" Updated April 13/07

Damn, she's really commin together.
I don't think you'll find 2 XJ's more different than our bikes.
Love it.

By the way, you don't need a dfferent tank, I was wrong.

- Ease

 

Re: XJ550 Project bike, "pic heavy" Updated April 13/07

well it looks like I may be taking my time finishing this project even though I'm pretty close to the end of it, I came across a bike at such a good deal I couldn't pass it up, all it needs is a set of tires and an oil change (and posibly a paint job :lol: )and I can be rolling in no time, here it is...a 1994 GSXR750W with only 21000 km on it, drove it home today:



just not sure on the kawi green paint :roll: , I don't know what to do :? finish the XJ now or put the Gixxer on the road, either way the XJ will be finished this summer, just don't know if sooner that later.

 

Re: XJ550 Project bike, "pic heavy" Updated April 13/07

I'd say sand and spray that fiberglass seat you have made there (i.e. finish the maxim), and then turn that Gixxer into a badass street fighter.

Actually, buy some tires and oil for the new bike. You'd be crazy not to get the newer bike on the road first.
Just don't forget about the maxim (or the photo op.) when you're out there burning off your new tires.
Plus, if you work on the maxim while you're riding the gixxer, then you'll have something to ride once you start ripping into the green-machine (Which, judging by your F150, Bronco, and Maxim, is completely unavoidable 8) )

My carbs are being rebuilt this coming weekend, so I'll see you on the street real soon (Actually I've been out around a couple times on her now... just doin the Mt. Pearl "Loop" to check out how she's runnin).

 

Re: XJ550 Project bike, "pic heavy" Updated April 13/07

whos doing your carbs?

 

Re: XJ550 Project bike, "pic heavy" Updated April 13/07

My cousin Eddie is a mechanic at Yamaha, he said he'll take a look at em for me this weekend... Dunk em and sync em.

I had em down to "Dr." Bob (Bob Stapleton, local engine guru and my good buddy Ted's father) in hopes he would pull some kinda miracle with em... He told me to "get em done."

I just want to get this thing running right before intersession starts at Memorial... well... I wanted it for monday (finished exams tomorrrow).

Why do you ask? Are you a small engine mechanic / know someone who's at carbs?

 

Re: XJ550 Project bike, "pic heavy" Updated April 13/07

no,I need the 550 carbs done as well, but I know tony at yamaha, (in service ), and he suppose to be the best, most of the sport bike guys bring their bikes to him for carb tuning no matter if its a yammy, suki, honda, or other...there is another guy around town that's suppose to be right up there in repairs but I can't remember his name...oh well!

 

Re: XJ550 Project bike, "pic heavy" Updated April 13/07

How's the other project commin along?

Drove the bike out saturday morning (awefully cold on the highway) and hopefully I'll have it back this coming weekend.

So with any luck I'll be out riding next sunday (maybe even thursday :?: ). And I'd like to know what to look out for on the street / lot.

 

Re: XJ550 Project bike, "pic heavy" Updated April 13/07

sorry to say but the XJ is on the back burner for the time being :cry: , just finished the GSXR (it was the easiest, quickest, and cheapest to get on the road), now the funds have dried up :roll: , next got to concentrate on the CX650 so I can sell it to get the cash to finish the XJ...looks like its' going to mid summer before is't done, but I'll still poke at it from time to time and post any progress

BTW heres the GSXR facelift:

http://www.chadrichard.net/nlextremez/v ... ?f=4&t=780

and my little collection (before the GSXR got finished):




we'll be in contact...

 

Re: XJ550 Project bike, "pic heavy" Updated April 13/07

Great ob on the Gixxer - looks 100X better.

And btw sweet paint booth. Looks alot like mine:

 

Re: XJ550 Project bike, "pic heavy" Updated April 13/07

yeah, just cover up what you can and go at it

 

Re: XJ550 Project bike, "pic heavy" Updated April 13/07

any progress??

 

Re: XJ550 Project bike, "pic heavy" Updated April 13/07

Man that's one sick XJ. Hey how did you get the pipe to look like carbon fiber if you don't mind me asking. I woud like to do some thing like that. Also did you just slip one the mid pipes,or did you have to fab some up. Thanks

 

Re: XJ550 Project bike, "pic heavy" Updated April 13/07

no progress on the XJ, I decided to get at the CX650e ready for sale and now that is done and sold I had some issues with the Gixxer, so as soon as I get that the way I want, then I'll get back to the XJ, I'm not in a rush to do it, but it WILL get done and hopefully this summer. projected deadline for the XJ is mid to late July, theres a car/bike show that I want to enter it in on July 29th!

the pipes were painted to look like carbon fiber, seen this trick on some car tv show, first it was painted with a graphite, then a nylon mesh was wraped around it, then it was sprayed with high heat black, once that was dried I removed the mesh and gave it a nice few coats of high heat clear, wet sand, buff and shine, and presto!...I also had to modify the crossover outlets so the R6 pipes could clamp on.

 

Re: XJ550 Project bike, "pic heavy" Updated April 13/07

What show are you talking about?

I'll make sure I'm there - Maybe a little friendly competition??

 

Re: XJ550 Project bike, "pic heavy" Updated April 13/07

http://www.nlautoshow.com/

doesn't say anything about bikes but the I heard that the organizers are looking for some, they contacted the NLEXTREMEZ senior members and asked about doing a display...wish I still had the lowrider :roll:

I maybe going with the rest of the NLEXTREMEZ group, probably going to have it in the booth or next to it, if all goes according to plan. I got a lot of work to do by then though, and the new baby is due on July 25th, so I might not be able to make it ...but if I can, it would be pretty great to have the two bikes set up side by side...It's 2 months away so we shall see

 

Re: XJ550 Project bike, "pic heavy" Updated April 13/07

Congrats on the new baby dude.

... I agree man, imagine the look on people's faces when you tell em they started out as essentially the same bike 8O.

I have a bit of finishing and touch up work to do if I am gonna put it in a show - but if you can hook me up with a spot next to your bike it'd be sweet for sure!!

If you need a hand with anything just drop me a PM or an e-mail and I'll give out the number and what not.

Gonna be finishing up another bike soon that I'm modifying for/with my buddy Adam. Keep an eye out for an army green CB 400T with a red star on the gas tank... should be a cool little bike in a couple weeks.

 

Re: XJ550 Project bike, "pic heavy" Updated April 13/07

Hmmm... Took some hunting but finally found the thread... Wondered how this bike was coming along...

Nice work on the Gixxer.... Time to knuckle down and sort out the baby gear, then try and find some good garage time

Be good to see some shots of those two bikes lining up together

Hint Hint :lol:

 

Re: XJ550 Project bike, "pic heavy" Updated April 13/07

OK, just read this thread for the first time today.....
I was thinking of a close to stock restoration at first of my XS400, but after looking at this.... dammit, I'm inspired..... been thinking of a custom headlight as the stock one I have is a mess, I have missing badges and 1 panel missing....
Will be fabbing up some stuff i think.....only draw back, I don't weld....but my brother does, so I guess I need to visit more often hehe