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81 maxim 550 project

Discussion in 'XJ Modifications' started by Rogan butler, May 16, 2017.

  1. Rogan butler

    Rogan butler New Member

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    Hey guys im brand new to this forum. I just got my first yamaha maxim a cpl weeks ago. Its a 550 that needs some love. This is going to be my first project so im looking for a bit of advice. Im a welder/fabricator by trade so i figure i have the right skill set to make this happen. Im planning on leaving the engine stock. I have some tin work to do on the gas tank as it has a cpl dents and some surface rust. The frame also needs some paint or powdercoat. I guess the questions i have are
    1) is there any options for putting forward controls on a 550 maxim?
    2) how hard and what is involved with changing the handlebars from stock to drag bars?
    3) as long as i leave the collector on the exhaust can i remove the mufflers and run it without an issue?
    4) what is the best option for a solo seat?
    5) can i put smaller shocks on the rear to lower it? And would i need to lower the front the same? Im thinking only a 2 inch drop?
    6) it looks as though the bike has been dropped on the right side (see brake pedal is bent) it runs fine but is there any internal issues that may have arose?
    Thanks everyone in advance for your knowledge and responses. Ill keep updating thus thread with my progress. And for some reason i cant upload a pic.
     
    Last edited: May 16, 2017
  2. XJ550H

    XJ550H Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    forward controls or rearward can all happen if you want to spend the money or can make them http://www.tcbroschoppers.com/ has sets you can get ideas from the pics

    drag bars will require shorter cables and may hit the gas tank. risers would help there is a thread about this but little info. clip ons are an option.
    Alternate triple tree for XJ550 Maxim?

    will be noisey there are shorty mufflers out there

    got nothing on the seat
    XJ550 Solo Seat

    unless the brake went through the motor doubtful and motor damage


    http://www.xjbikes.com/forums/threads/stebers-81-xj550-bobber.98704/
     
    Last edited: May 16, 2017
    newfrank likes this.
  3. newfrank

    newfrank Member

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    I'm doing some similar work to my 81 xj550 maxim as you. Drag bars, paint, etc.

    As far as rear shocks go, I think stock height is 320mm. Based on my little bit of research, you could go down to probably 270mm without any real issues.

    Changing handlebars is just unbolting the existing ones and moving everything over to the new bars, along with new grips and a new throttle tube.

    Since you're a welder, you could order any solo seat really and probably fab up a solo seat bracket, welded across the frame where you want the rear end of the seat to sit. Since I can't weld, I'll be cutting the original seat to the size and shape I want and getting it reupholstered.

    I think most. if not all, of the backpressure comes from the headers and the collector, so you'll probably be fine without the stock mufflers though it will be very loud. If you're just looking for a more aggressive sound, Emgo makes relatively cheap shorty mufflers, or you could go with stock harley sportser mufflers. As long as the inlet diameter of the exhaust is either 1 1/2" or 1 3/4" it should work (can't remember which).
     

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