New to the XJ world!!!

Okay, so i just picked up an 83 xj 750 on a trade and i really want to cafe it out. I know alittle about bike but not all that much so any and all input would be greatly appreciated!! here's what im looking to do. First of all, i want to get rid of that hideous tank. Ive heard that a 81-83 seca 650 tank mounts right up?? second, i want to do a 4-to-1 exhaust. Does anyone know of any other bike that i could snatch a 4-to-1 of of?? third, i want to remove the airbox and put pod filters on it. Will this cause it to run too rich? if so, will a re-jet fix the problem. fourth, i want to raise the back end and was thinking of using some ATV springs...?? that a bad idea? The list goes on and on, but those are my four main concerns. Like i said, any input would be great!! Thx. Stay ridin!!

 

Welcome!

Before you hack it up you should probably:

1. Check the rear brakes for delamination, which can cause your back wheel to lock up without warning.

2. Check the valves for proper clearance and adjust any that need it

3. Rebuild the brake master cylinder

4. Rebuild the brake caliper

5. Check the date code on the brake lines and replace them if they are more than 4 years old (mine were 29 years old)

6. Check the date code on the tires and replace them if they are more than 6 years old

7. Do a compression test to see if it's even worth working on this bike at all, or if it needs an engine rebuild.

 

I planned on doing Steel braided brake lines and running some shinko tires. I didnt really put much thought in2 the brakes but now that u mention it, it should def take priority!! lol. I just hope i didnt bite off more then i can chew. (i dont know how to rebuild master cylinders or check valve clearences...) I know it needs a new valve cover gasket and little odds and ends. I just wanted something to work on to occupy my time and i love getting my hands dirty!!

 

i did the same as you buddy im having a blast with it triing to give it this muscle look iv seen some amazing rears done but they usually keep the huge tank i dont know why its growing on me tho!If you end up building it cafe post some pics as id love to see it done!

 

These bikes aren't hard to work on at all, so I doubt you're in over your head. You have to check the valves, though, as a valve that's too tight can kill your engine. It's not hard. There's a very good write-up on this forum that shows exactly how to do it. There's also one for a master cylinder rebuild, which I found to be very easy. I have them bookmarked on another computer. I will post them here for you when I get a chance to.

 

I have a Vance and Hines 4-1 and pods. The pipe required jetting so I went ahead and got a jet kit and pods. Now doing these mods will take some time to tune. Do you have a color tune? Used for setting idle mixture. If you put in the time you can get these old bikes to scream.

 

Whoops! Double-tap.

 

Valve adjustment: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=14827.html

Master cylinder rebuild: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/p=154712.html

Both pretty easy, really. The valve adjustment is critical to proper engine operation and reliability.

Get parts here: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=14561.html

E-mail info@xj4ever.com. Chacal has very good prices, and is very responsive to your needs.

 

@Sabre, Thanks for the links!! i should be picking the bike up sometime today or tomorrow. Ill def look in2 checking the valves and master if it needs to be done. @ Hash, yeah i think its gonna b alotta fun!! ive owned 5 suzuki's (3-gsxr600, TL100, Savage 650.) and i had the most fun working on that savage. I chopped it and bobbed it. Every since then ive been dying to get a new project. I almost 100% sure im going to go with the cafe. Or maybe cafe/bobber hybrid...?? Its gonna need to have a back seat b/c my gf wants to ride with me. lol. But pics will def follow!!