Hello XJ community...

So I have a pretty long story with my '83 SECA 900. It all started on a whim purchase for a nearly scrap bike about 5 years ago. Engine ran and she made it through all the gears, so I decided it would be worth a try. A few mechanical fixes just to get her to ride reasoanbly well and after about 300 miles of shakedown testing, I took the bike on a weekend motorcycle camping excursion, a three day, 1600 mile romp of Michigan's mitten. Ever since then (late 2009) I've been scrounging and scraping parts and paint, mashed two 83 900's together for a best parts swap, did a frame up repaint, and here's a teaser of the completed project. Still have a few loose ends, but she'll be pretty and ready to go as soon as the temperature holds above 45F on a regular basis.
So, without further ado...

 

Welcome here!

I just bought an '83 Seca 900 two months ago but haven't ridden it yet due to snow all around! I already own a '95 Honda Magna 750 but I was looking for a better riding position because I'm 6'2" with long legs and thought the Seca would fit me better.

How tall are you? DId you find the Seca really comfortable for long distances like 500 or 600 miles a day?

 

I had the seat re-upholstered to add a few cm of foam as she used to dig into my thighs on long trips. If I get around to posting some pics of what the bike used to look like, you'll see that the Michigan trip was spent riding on a lambskin, but she is real comfortable now. The position is very upright and relaxed with plenty of room to lean in underneath the windscreen. I'm 5'10 and can easily flatfoot the bike on stock suspension and I have some leg room to spare when tucked in riding position. The seat height is great, but compared to your Magna, it's gonna' throw your center of gravity quite a bit higher.

 

Nice job she's looking good in black I have to say.

Welcome to the forums, hope you'll be sticking round?

 

Thanks for the feedback. I'D like to see "before" pics.

I've already owned an '84 Honda Nighthawk 650 and also a '79 Goldwing with a very flat seat, so I don't think I'll be out of my comfort zone with my center of gravity a bit higher.

 

Welcome aboard, and very nice looking scoot. Rear disk brake, i'm jealous =).


If you're inclined for a northern MI jaunt, M119 from Harbor springs up is a spectacular MC cruise.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nw1I2CJaPVc - not me, just found it on YT, though I did take a spin through there last fall.

 

It's not "Black", per se. I'll throw a tank detail picture below. It's actually a dark blue pearl with a little bit of black in the clear coat with some hard thin black Flame work. Makes the flame work only "pop" in some direct sunshine.
M119 heading south was on our trip middle of day two. Have some pictures of the run. That was just before I had to jump the headlight on that trip at our campsight that day. The view when you leave the trees and come out onto that open harbor is pretty awesome.

 

Wow that color is Awesome! Love that!

 

Could you please PM me? I ma the registrar for the 1983 XJ900RK Seca (USA-Delivered) Database.

I'd like to get your's registered. There is NO charge what-so-ever.

Thanks,

Dave Fox

 

Dug some pics out of the build process. I'll find some of what she used to look like. Had to rebuild quite a bit of the fairing (all fiberglass work), and a picture of the frame and engine when she wasn't quite a rolling chassis yet.

 

That's truly lovely paint job, rewards those who look closer than a passing glance

 

Jasin Ramey of Ramey Customs out of Dayton, OH did the paint. I rent some floor space in the same old industrial building a few guys all work out of. It's very cool space with a bunch of gear heads and years and years of mechanical and paint expertise under one roof. Place is like a commune of automotive gurus. I've been fortunate to have them all as mentors and friends during the build process.

 

Sounds like you were at the right place, at the right moment with the right guys! Lucky you!

 

I'm jealous, Beautiful paint job. I need to do that to my bike(full overhaul). But I will probably ride her till the motor goes. The weather here is year round always fair. But I have ridden in rain ,wind, snow (no fun). But have 60.000 miles on motor now.

 

VERY NICE JOB!!!!

 

ASwrencher,

Welcome. Nice bike.

Gary

 

So I found a good picture of what she used to look like, finally. All tealed up like the later diversion models with some really poor stick on pin striping, a busted up fairing and mismatched side cover. I love motorcycle camping...

 

Hey, good to see you again........Don't forget--I need the serial so I can finish the 900rk database registration! PM me.........

Dave Fox

 

nice job!

 

8O WOW!!!

 

Very Cool!