Maxim cafe racer?

So, I got into the xj world by accident. I didn't know anything about the bikes, until I stumbled upon this website (from which I have learned a boat load). I've since come to fancy secas over the maxim I ended up with, and have taken a fancy to all those nice cafe racers built by xj members out there. To take account of the fact that I own a Maxim, and would like a Seca, I've decided to make a Sexim. I found and modified a Seca tank to fit my frame, and I also installed a old Kawasaki seat. I would like to change the bars and some of the accessories. But here it is, as it stands.

 

I look forward to seeing the finished product. From the looks of it, you can make your Cafe unique. I think you will find that riding a Cafe Racer puts you in a club all its own. Have fun.

 

Im loving that seat! What model kawi did you get it off of? Also, how hard was it to fasten on (as well as your moded seca tank) Im in the same boat as you, I got a maxim but would rather have a seca.

 

The seller said it was off a 75 Kawasaki 750, but there was an owner's manual tucked in it's rightful spot, and it shows a KZ650 and most likely a 77 or 78.

I had to weld on hinges for the seat. So, it's a bit of a project. Fortunately, the pin size is the same as your run-of-the-mill door hinge, so I butchered one up and welded it to the frame. I've just got a temporary hold down for the other side at the moment, but I plan to install a proper locking mechanisim to hold down the seat. The main challenge was mating it with the tank, once I determined its location.

Mounting the tank was no cake walk either. Required some cutting and welding on the tank itself.

 

Well you did a great job. Sounds like quite the headache. It looks great so im sure its worth it.

 

Thats the coolest thing ive ever seen. Keep posting pics.

 

More pics coming soon.

 

Awesome! I didn't realize it was so hard to put a seca tank on. I had been wanting to do the same to mine.

I'm kind of going for the street fighter look with my bike. I'll try to snap a picture of it if you like..

 

The tank was so hard to put on b/c it was for a 650 and yours is a 550 right? It looks really nice too! Keep up the good work!

 

Donophan, I'm not sure. The place where I bought it from had 550 written on it. But they admitted that the labeling was often wrong.

 

Here's another pic with the maxim tank on.

 

My first bike was a 78 KZ650. Good beginner bike. But I think I'll like my XJ1100 better : )

 

is that a custom side panel?

 

looks good, im diggin the seca tank. throw some clipons or clubmans on that bike and your good to go

 

If your into making it look more like a Seca, I have an original square headlight (just like new) I would trade for your round one if your interested!! >PD<