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New XJ650 owner, looking to do some light customizations

Discussion in 'XJ Modifications' started by AustinDean, Jul 29, 2017.

  1. AustinDean

    AustinDean New Member

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    I purchased my first motorcycle ever last night at midnight, the beautiful Seca XJ650..let me start by saying I LOVE this bike, not a huge fan of crotch rockets or Harleys and this seems like the perfect middle ground..with that being said I would like to start my adventure with a new set of handlebars and grips, specifically tracker bars..9 years of motocross has left a huge impact on my life and from that background, straighter bars seem like a more comfortable option..any pros and cons of that style that you know of would be very helpful and thanks in advance..also any suggestions for new, smaller gauges would be much appreciated 0729171106_HDR.jpg
     
  2. a100man

    a100man Well-Known Member

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    Not sure why you want to mess with this bike. You love it, then leave it original. Spend the time/money on more fruitful activities such as a service inc a valve clearance check. My four penneth/two cents / your native currency equivalent here..

    PS Welcome first poster..
     
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  3. AustinDean

    AustinDean New Member

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    Thank you for your feedback, my biggest reason for wanting to make the changes is just visual satisfaction..the very few things that I see and think, "that would look better this way", sounds cheesy but it's almost like a picture that I put together in my mind almost without even knowing it..some people ignore this for the simple fact of keeping it original but I prefer to take that idea and make it my own, unlike any other..otherwise, whose bike are you actually riding? Someone else's dream or your own?
     
  4. jayrodoh

    jayrodoh YimYam

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    Welcome to the forum! Awesome bike, looks pretty close to stock shape too. While we understand the desire to make a bike your own, please keep in mind you have a rare, one year for the US model and really should appreciate in value if kept that way. Handlebars etc. aren't going to kill it, but just hang onto the original parts.
     
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  5. MattiThundrrr

    MattiThundrrr Not a guru

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    If memory serves me correctly, the controls are grounded through the bars. If you get painted bars, there will be electrical issues. You might be able to sand down the paint where it grounds, but I'm not sure.
    That is a super clean Seca. What mileage? I've been looking for months, haven't even seen one around here, let alone that complete!
     
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  6. Wintersdark

    Wintersdark Well-Known Member

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    That's a really nice looking Seca. Beautiful, in wonderful condition.
     
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  7. Quixote

    Quixote Active Member

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    Nice bike! I have one much like it.
    I put tracker bars on it years ago - and promptly put a small dent in the tank because I didn't realize that the switchgear hit the tank when I turned the bars all the way to the left. Doh! Be sure to check that if you do change the bars. I changed the bars again to ones with a small rise and they worked better but I had that little ding for years to remind me.
    Changing bars is a great way to get the bike to fit you better, and it's completely reversible if you want to change it back to stock later.
     
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  8. AustinDean

    AustinDean New Member

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    I'll have to try out a few different things with the bars and just see what works best, it's got 33,000 miles and runs like a dream..my buddy that went with me to pick it up is the one that test drove it and he came back saying "if you're wanting this bike for the way it looks, buy it, don't even consider walking away because it is mechanically sound"..I've hardly been able to get off it since yesterday when I rode it for the first time


    I plan on keeping every stock part that I take off of it to switch back if I ever decide to bring back that original charm..handlebars, clutch and brake levers, grips, gauges, and possibly mirrors (although this is a safety concern, they actually look great)..I would also like to add a very short grab bar with a bit of a sporty look to the back of the seat..but, without building a custom bar who knows where to begin with that..possibly switch out for an xj750 seat, or the turbo which I completely forgot about until now (assuming it would fit)
     
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  9. Quixote

    Quixote Active Member

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    One more thing - if you are changing grips and you might be riding in cold weather, consider heated grips. Cold stiff fingers are not only uncomfortable but also unsafe. Once you've tried heated grips you will wonder how you ever got along without them.
     
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  10. a100man

    a100man Well-Known Member

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    The mirrors you can lose - pretty sure they are not standard issue..
     
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  11. AustinDean

    AustinDean New Member

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    Thank you for the advice, I came across some heated grips on my lengthy search and I looked right past them
     
  12. AustinDean

    AustinDean New Member

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    Good to know, thank you very much..kinda disappointing honestly so I guess it's back to eBay to find both, original and aftermarket
     
  13. Simmy

    Simmy Well-Known Member

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    those look like the correct mirrors.
     
  14. DenCon509

    DenCon509 Member

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    Ah, she's a beauty. Do watch out for handlebar clearance - the choke lever (on the left) protrudes more than the right switchgear. Clubmans suck (I just replaced mine with CB400F bars and they are perfect!). Yes, your mirrors appear to be stock. Good barend mirrors will vibrate less and look pretty good too.
    The Seca 650 was designed to be a sport "tourer", with lower, narrow bars and slightly-rearset foot controls. I think going with tracker bars will detract from the package. Be careful not to stray too far from what is a most-excellently balanced motorcycle.
    Please join our Seca 650 FB group https://www.facebook.com/groups/307049559651392/
     
    Last edited: Aug 1, 2017

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