Cheap/Free mods to a '81 XJ750 Seca?

I have a bit of a project on my hands See Here.

Being a broke college student, I have next to nothing for my budget. Are there any cheap/free (less than $20) modifications you can reccomend?

I have a large tool set available, decent mechanical and electrical skills, and am ambitious/foolish enough to take on difficult projects, so don't hold back!

 

Looks like you have a lot of work ahead of you. Not as bad as what I started with though. Before you start doing any mods you should get it running. Spending money on mods before you get it running will empty your wallet of any money you may need just to get the bike to run. Hit the basics first. If the motor is shot then no use in spending money on mods. Just because you were told it ran when it was put up doesn't mean it really did.

 

well after seeing the picture i bet your tci is not bad i would guess wiring

 

i would have said strip everything useless but i see you have a good start!
keep it up!

 

Yup, I'd agree that you have "a bit of a project" in front of you. Listen to what the others have indicated about putting the cart way out in front of the proverbial horse because you have more then a couple of weeks to think about any future mods that you may want to do.

Your bike, in it's stock form was a very reliable, very capable machine however you will learn by either the easy way (by listening) or the hard way (by spending money) that it isn't a bike that lends itself to a lot of mods other then creature comforts such as grips, seat mods and turn signal perogatives.

You will probably be able to get it running fairly easy if everything is reasonably in good shape so saving your money for the possible carb rebuild kits might be the best course of action at least until you get it running nicely.

I've had to get more then one bike running when on a "no money" budget so you'll have to use your head and be inventive. Solenoids & turn signal flashers from either a junked bike or a junked car will cost you nothing(if you're nice to the owner) and if you get to a situation where you need some decent used parts, you can offer work instead of money to the yard owner. I was able to get a fender for my VW bug and a door for my '67 Gran Sport that way. Headlights from Kmart might work as well as the 12 dollar type if you're careful about which bulb you buy, or better yet, get that at the yard too. I didn't see the tank or seat so you might have to barter for those or adapt/modify them from another bike to fit. Careful with the seat though, you want to be sure to have a tight installation cause losing your seat at 65mph could prove interesting at the least.

Good luck with your project!

jeff