My maxim project coming along.... Plus other thoughts

Over the past few months I've been working on my 1981 xj550 maxim project. This is my first bike build and really I owe it to the helpful members here and a lot of useful information.

Currently there's still a lot to do on this bike but I've got it to a point where it can be ridden which is great because it runs fantastic.

On thing I hate about this bike is the weak front brakes and front suspension. Has anyone changed forks using the stock triple tree? If you have please share what bike you pulled it off. I would love to run double discs on the front.

If this is not possible, has anyone updated to a modern master cylinder that has a bit more punch? Have you noticed a change or are the stock lines and caliper just too far behind the technology?

Thanks. Feedback welcome.

 

Very nice!

 

Not sure about interchangability, but 750 Seca has dual discs up front, or other members here have switched front ends from modern sport bikes. I can't remember which bike is the donor, but it's inverted forks look amazing!

 

Found it: it's a 650 with regard front end. Check it out by searching "xjbikes: front end swap" on Google. My tablet won't allow me to post the link.

 

30 year old rubber brake lines aren't helping the brakes do their job. Braided lines are more better (Chacal sells them).

The euro 550 Seca got dual disc front. You will need to find a right-side lower fork leg to do add the second caliper (try Ebay Germany, or simmilar); the bolt holes are in the wheel for the disc already (may need to be tapped).

There is a thread around here where somebody swapped a GSXR front onto a xj550.

I'm pretty sure that there are cartridge emulators available for the 550 if you want to keep the classic look.

Also, use that compression braking to your advantage.

 

Upgraded steering bearing and progressive spring for your front shocks make a world of a difference. Chacal sells all of those.

 

Nice bike by the way.

 

Thanks guys, was able to track down a mint condition full front end off a CBR 900rr. Forks, tree, wheel, brakes, everything so I'm going to attempt the conversion.

I'll post the process for those interested.

 

Did you check the stem and bearing sizes already?

 

his bike is a maxim with a seca tank on it . he would not be able to find a lower maxim fork from eurpoe everyone i asked says a euro maxim does not exist .
yes the wheel is tapped on both sides

 

what size tires are you running ?
very nice look

 

I bought a new off brand front master cylinder, that combined with
new pads and a new stainless steel line.. my front brakes are hard and powerful

 

Ahhh, that does make a difference. He could still swap the forks in whole (using shims), or the entire front...which comes right back to maybe being better off swapping the front from something else unless looks are important.

 

I did some pretty rough measurements and I think the stem will fit. I got the whole front end for 200 so I had to jump on it. Does anyone know the stem measurements on the maxim off hand?
I have ordered a bearing kit from alls balls for this swap but I am aware this does guarantee a fit.

The tires are Shinko 712 and I believe the front is a 120/80 but I'll confirm that

 

nevermind.

 

Not sure how accurate this is but if anyone wants it I have a 129 page doc with compatible front end swaps for the xj550 maxim top and bottom bearings from All Balls. If you want it message me and I will send you the doc.

 

Thanks for the offer but I've seen the document. One thing to note is that just because a bearing kit exists does not mean that the stems will fit. I very roughly measured the stem length and have decided that there's a chance that it will fit. I'll post a comprehensive article to go over the swap to shed some light on this because there's really not a ton of info available.