Frame swap?

rumblefiche · Gear grinder Joined: Feb 17, 2010 Posts: 6

Hope this isn't a much covered topic, not to savvy with the search on this forum. Anyway, I'm looking to swap an XJ 650 motor into a 1981 Seca 550 frame. Possible? Plausible? Any help in regards to the interchangeability of the body panels from one to the next would be really helpful.

WinstonC · 2nd gear Joined: Aug 03, 2008 Posts: 71 Location: Kansas

I see chain drive-shaft drive issues from the get go

ManBot13 · Posted: Wed Feb 17, 2010 6:13 pm Post subject: Re: Frame swap?

Yeah the shaft is housed in the swing arm, so you'd need that too...if everything else fit...which of course it probably doesn't. You could always try to make the 650 motor chain driven Twisted Evil

(just kidding)

TIMEtoRIDE · Posted: Wed Feb 17, 2010 6:59 pm Post subject: Re: Frame swap?

Not possible, and the "bodywork" won't align with any of the mounting points. Look for another (proper) frame.

Are you having title problems?

rumblefiche · Gear grinder Joined: Feb 17, 2010 Posts: 6

No, I have the title, the gentleman I'm trying to help out needs a titled frame. I'm starting to think the easiest thing would be to cut the headtube out of the titled frame and send it to him to weld in place of his headtube.

bigfitz52 · Posted: Thu Feb 18, 2010 7:42 am Post subject: Re: Frame swap?

A: You can't put a 650 shaftie motor into a Seca (or Maxim) 550 frame it's simply not long enough to accomodate the extra bulk of the middle gear case.

B: I don't recommend frame-cutting as a way around a title issue. Might be a whole lot easier to just get a titled 650 frame.

Krashen · Posted: Thu Feb 18, 2010 10:21 am Post subject: Re: Frame swap?

agreed with fitz

padre · Posted: Thu Feb 18, 2010 11:43 am Post subject: Re: Frame swap?

I really doubt if they are compatible, I suppose a Kawi. 4 cyl. engine trans would be more likely But in reality why not just color up to a bigger frame? You'd probably need a more durable frame to carry all of that horsepower, and the engines mentioned are much heavier than the lil' 550.

rumblefiche · Gear grinder Joined: Feb 17, 2010 Posts: 6

Yeah, I wouldn't bother myself, but this guy seems pretty intent...anyway, thanks for the help, I think i got what I needed. I really see no issue with swapping head tubes, I for one, can lay a prettier weld than I see on most old bikes! Thanks for all the help people.

Hillsy · Posted: Fri Feb 19, 2010 7:37 am Post subject: Re: Frame swap?

rumblefiche wrote:

Yeah, I wouldn't bother myself, but this guy seems pretty intent...anyway, thanks for the help, I think i got what I needed. I really see no issue with swapping head tubes, I for one, can lay a prettier weld than I see on most old bikes! Thanks for all the help people.

Not doubting your ability to weld, but do you have a frame jig? You'd be pretty much making a pile of junk if you haven't.

WesleyJN1975 · Posted: Fri Feb 19, 2010 8:22 am Post subject: Re: Frame swap?

Wouldn't it be a heck of a lot easier to just get a titled 650 frame and do a direct swap?