Standard Mods?

I was wondering. I've seen a couple of things recommended for mods. Things such as a new fuse holder, or brighter bulbs. Is there a general list of recommendations for mods without making major mods to the bike.

thanks in advance,
mikeg

 

You got the first one right. Changing your fuse box is probably one of the best things you can do without too much trouble.

A good place to start is with Gamaru's How-To page. Just follow this link:

Gamaru's How-To Page

He tells you how to change the fuse box, add a fuel filter, lights, etc.

I'm sure other people will chime in too but fuse box and fuel filters in my honest opinion are necessary. Other things you can do that are non-destructive are:

- Change to pod air filters (not necessary and can require re-jetting your carbs)
- Add a headlight modulator (nice safety feature)
- Handlebars (easy to switch, just make sure your cable runs are good)
- Front fairing/windscreen (nice option if you do a lot of highway riding. Even a little windscreen can negate the human parachute effect.)
- Heated handgrips (if you change your fuse box make sure you leave a couple of empty banks for adding accessories. Just don't overdo your alternator output. Trust me on this. I am the renowned 'Killer of Batteries' on this site)
- Add some coloured LED's to your engine compartment. Run them off a double A battery and tuck them under the frame where no one can see them.
- Forward controls are an easy mod if you like that kinda thing.

There's a few to nibble on.

 

Gwyndwr,

You're right, Gamaru's how to page is exactly the sort of thing I was looking for as a starting point. Thanks a bunch!

So far I like the handlebars and it came with a windshield so I'll skip those two for now. I'll need to find out more about how much the alternator can handle at some point down the road but for now you've given me plenty to start with. I think I'll check with the local cops before I do the modulator though.

thanks again,
mikeg

 

Oh, and a big thanks to Gamaru for setting up the how to page.

mikeg

 

As a suggestion to any new XJ owner I would HIGHLY recommend reading this post before making a single post. It answers a lot of question you have (including electrical. The alternator outputs 19 amps max and the stock configuration draws about 12amps). I would take the time to go through this post:

http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=9032.html

Then the How-To's
Then Rick's Carb clinic

Then start posting for specific answers.

I know you are going to enjoy your bike and you have come to the right place. I refer to the early 80's XJ's as the Armageddon Bike. When mankind has destroyed itself and all that wanders the Earth are cockroaches and mutants the XJ's will be the only way to get around.

 

Nice useful links. Thanks for posting them up.

 

Just bumped my own collected notes on this, in XJ Chat forum

 

I saw that. That was exactly the sort of info I was looking for. I guess I should have dug deeper into the messages!

mikeg

 

:?

 

This is a great list! Thanks for the tips.

Dean