Solo Seat, hardtail conversion of XJ700

I am a newbie to this forum and have not been able to find the info I need searching the mod forum.

I have an '85 XJ700 that I would like to convert to a Bobber and I have a couple of questions.

1. Is there a solo seat available specifically for the XJ700 or will I have to modify something else? What would be the best seat to modify if I have to?

2. Has anyone converted an XJ700 to a hardtail? I was thinking about removing the shocks, replacing them with struts to lower the bike several inches an then cutting the frame where the back seat is located and installing a fender that would hug the rear tire.

This is my first attempt at a mod so if any of you have some sage advice I would love to hear it.

Thanks for all the help!

 

As I know of. Theres NO specific solo seat 4 ur bike.. Theres "universal" solo seats that so many have used! I haven't converted an '85 XJ700 2 a hardtail but... I'm sure it'll be the same as how I'm doing my bike! Just make ur struts 2 ur specs. N install 'em.. That easy! But just dont go tooo drastic on the "drop"! I hope that helped u out..

KAOS

 

I plan on doing the same to bike I have some 3/4 inch square tubing that I am going to use anyone else have any other ideas as to what would work better for struts?

 

Hey, Jerry. Seems to me the best seat to modify into a solo seat for a XJ700 would be the solo seat from an XJ700. Just pull the vinyl cover off and dish out the foam a bit, recover, and Bobber's yer uncle. :wink:

Here's a (poor) example:



Btw, you might really wanna think about keeping some suspension on the rear. Hardtail is just biker-speak for sore back.

 

Maximum X,

You make 2 good points. The original seat will cover the frame and the battery and airbox much better than any solo seat.

Another good point about the hardtail. Do you know how I would go about cutting the springs a couple of inches to lower the bike a bit?

Would it be possible to paint the shocks and springs black to minimize their appearance?

Thanks for the reply.

 

I think PainterD is the guy to talk to about cutting springs; I haven't tried it yet. It can be done but I'm not sure I'm sold on the idea... There are lots of short shocks available but they are more expensive than cutting your own.

If you want to minimize their appearance, maybe get some older Max750 shocks with the chromed covers. The ones in the middle:



You can try painting them or funk it up a little and make some leather sleeves to cover them or slap some fork gaiters on there. Just a thought...