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? about hardtail struts for the ol 650 maxim

Discussion in 'XJ Modifications' started by streetmaster, Sep 10, 2011.

  1. streetmaster

    streetmaster Member

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    Of course im still in commin up with new idea's mode with my 80 XJ650, and i believe the cafe racer idea is starting to loose what life form it had. So im now thinking about hardtail struts, instead of hacking off the back half of the frame, and welding in some new tubes.

    My new brain storm i came up with is lining the back bone up with the lower shock stud thats on the bottom of the shaft hub, which would require a set of 8" struts that i'd have to fab myself. ? is would 8" strut be to short for safty reasons, or should i stay in the 10" range? Just bounc'in ideas around.
     
    streetmaster, Sep 10, 2011
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  2. skillet

    skillet Active Member

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    IMHO 8" might be too much! Not only the extreme angle that will put the drive shaft, you 've got to have at least 4" of ground clearance for cornering (that includes pipes and everything)...

    skillet
     
    skillet, Sep 11, 2011
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  3. streetmaster

    streetmaster Member

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    Yeah your probly right thanx for the input. I've got my bike all torn apart trying to figure which direction to go with this project, that is when i have the time to work on it. I got the bike off a buddy for something to tinker with, and it is my first bike ever, and its been a long while since i've been on one. So with the little knowlage that i have about bikes in general, i struggle a bit with having more questions than answers. So sometimes i find myself going from post to post, see somthing i like on another guys bike and want to do it, then change my mind.
     
    streetmaster, Sep 11, 2011
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  4. interstatejoe

    interstatejoe Member

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    Since you're fabing them up why not make struts with mounts for both 8" & 9' to see which you like better?
     
    interstatejoe, Sep 11, 2011
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  5. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    You're going from Cafe Racer to hardtail? Have you ever ridden a motorcycle with NO rear suspension?
     
    bigfitz52, Sep 11, 2011
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  6. streetmaster

    streetmaster Member

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    Yeah the cafe racer idea was somthing i was throw'in around, but i really wanted to go the hardtail route with this project from the get-go. But did'nt realise that there would be sutch a problem not haveing the airbox intact.

    So in order to keep the airbox, i came up with the idea of slapp'in on some short struts to get around the airbox issue, and post about it to get some feedback. But as far as ridding a bike with out a suspension on the back, the answer is (no) (point well taken there Fitz) I guess i'll move on to just putting on a set of 10.5" shocks.
     
    streetmaster, Sep 11, 2011
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