Xj550 maxim bobber. U.K :)

New to the site so just want to say hi.

I recently brought a 1982 xj550 maxim. It had be semi stripped and the owner was heading towards a cafe racer theme. I however have gone for the bobber route as that's the goal

Bike stripped, rear cut, lowered 2" then rewarded shocks in place.

The old tank had been beaten and turned into a cafe racer (more like a 550 seca) tank. Will be selling.

Dropped, satin black, white wall. That's the route!!

So here are a few pictures attached.

I am curious though as to wether anyone has fitted a 16" rear wheel to the front and if there is an off the shelf spacer/adapted for the sprocket/disc conversion?

 

is that a US model maxim? MODEL ID CODE: 5K5
whats the model code?
I ask because I am under the idea that it should have dual disc in front if it is not a US version

 

It is indeed a 5k5 model

Born in 1982, registered in the uk in 2002

 

So dual front discs are not us??

 

Small update. Finally found a replacement tank. Had a big dent but managed to pull it out, then skimmed with filler and currently have it primed ready for paint.

Also fitted some new drag bars this morning.

All looking good though and I'm really happy with the new stance!

 

not stock on 550 maxim or seca. euro 550 is not called a seca and 550 maxim is very rare or non existant as a euro model depends on who you ask

 

if the euro maxim does exist i want to convert my maxim to dual discs but as of yet unable to locate forks on ebay in the other countries

 

you did say you are going white wall tires?

 

I did indeed. Still a way off yet however few things done.

Tank fixed and painted. Just colour sanding to do.
Flat drag bars trailed
Neat rear lights positioned (not fitted properly as yet) found some with the same internal diameter as the tubing.

 

No it doesn't, really no. Only 550 Maxims here are imports, single disc.

 

you are not the first to give me this disappointing info but thanks for confirming it.
I now have a seca 550 and I know I will be able to get the dual disc setup for that after it is up and running for a while.

 

Little more progress today. Finally started cleaning up the wheels. Really pleased with the progress. Just the rear to do now.!!!!!

I also partially fitted the solo seat and got it out to check the stance. I have lowered the rear s few inches by moving the top shock mount but it still just seems a bit high. Does anybody think it'll sit a little lower once the engine is in?

Started cleaning up the frame too today in prep for frame painting on Tuesday.

Slowly getting there.

 

yes it will lower some when the motor is in it. you could put a few cinder blocks in the frame to see.
you could also adjust the spring load collar it will shorten the spring and stiffen your ride

 

I have clicked the shock preload down. One option I've wondered is to replace the shocks for possibly some 650 ones. Not sure. I don't suppose you know the stock length of standard 550 maxim shocks do you?

Shorter rears and slip the front fork tubes down a touch would be ideal.

 

May have jumped the gun but I snapped up a 140/80/16 rear tyre brand new for £60.

I hadn't thought however if it would need clearance for my sprocket. Anyone know??

 

your concern is for swing arm/chain clearance nothing to do with sprocket
130/90-16 is stock size

I will go measure my current clearance to swing arm and post it here

 

Ah interesting. I currently have a 120/90/16.

Your a gent. Thank you

 

so i can just fit a 5mm rod between tire and swing arm but 6mm rod will not fit.
the brake stay rod has less clearance.
so a 140 mm wide tire is not going to have the clearance you need less than 1 mm each side is what you will have before you sit on bike or hit a bump

front tire is 3.25H19-4PR which is 100/90-19 tire
100/90 = 3.25 to 3.50 in tire conversion chart

 

Very odd. The rear wheel currently is a 3.00x16 and has a 120/90 fitted with reasonable clearance. Thankfully as it's still a project I may try to manipulate the tyre into place. I'd like the look of the wider fatter tyre

 

Just found this so it indicates the tyre and rim suit ok just checking clearances!

 

tire manufacture have sets they sell they match up what they think should be used together.
many tires will fit on the rim.
rim width should not be confused with tire width.
120/90 = 120mm wide 90 is the tire height % of the width 120mm wide 108mm tall.
you can use whatever manufacture says will fit on the rim.
your 140/80 tire is not going to give you clearance on the brake stay rod .
and will give you less than 1mm clearance on each side of the tire.

the chart I posted is not refering to rim size

 

Ah right ok. You'll have to forgive me. I'm pretty new to bikes etc.

I have just learnt the second number is a % however. I alway thought it was a measurement in mm

 

So today had a good day on the bike. Frame, forks and swing arm painted. Rear wheel refurbished and my 1st whitewall fitted.

Tank paintwork has been cut back but not yet compounded.

Decided as I had already ordered it I would give it a go and xj550h you were semi right, it's close to the stay bar. I have about 3/4 mm however which I can accept. It's not too risky in my opinion and this hike is purely for myself so I'm not jeopardising anyone else.

 

classic white wall nice. you could put a washer under the stay for a little more clearance

this guy will custom make shocks stock length is 330mm eye to eye
black on black or black on chrome 270mm to 330 mm eye to eye
located Plymouth UK
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hagon-2810-...ash=item5429ddf4af:g:7uIAAOxyJ-FRkld1&vxp=mtr

 

That's excellent. I work in Plymouth too. Might give this chap a visit.

Thanks again. Love the help and support the forum can give to noobs like myself