Updating xj700 to modern "Phantom cruiser"

Hi, I'm obviously new around here. I'm attempting to undo some bad low-budget bobbing done by the 16 year old I purchased this 1985 xj700 from. In the process, I hope to update the style to more of a cruiser. I've been trying to track down parts using the usual suspects like ebay and jpcycles and what not. Most of the time I end up frustrated as the online world seems to think if Harley Davidson doesn't make it, it's not important... :/ any help is greatly appreciated. Especially the "bright stuff" which I plan on doing in either black chrome or matte black depending on what it is.

 

Welcome , I'm New here too but I can help a little if you goto http://www.xjbikes.com/forums/forums/xj4ever-supporting-vendor.23/ Chacal has catalogs to go through for parts here. I know what you mean with the Harley comment. The people here are very helpful and knowledgeable about these bikes so take any advice they give you seriously. A lot of good reads on here to. good luck with your project. I'll be reading looks like a good project to me.

 

Oh dear. That's a.....or was a Maxim-X. The frame has been cut. Oh dear...


If the dumba$$ kid happens to still have the bit of frame he cut off, get it from him.
You have a rare bike. Not only that, but it's a fairly desirable rare bike (though not yet a stupid-expensive desirable rare bike).

Here is how it looked before the butchery commenced.

 

Sadly.. I am all too aware of the sin that was perpetrated. That's part of why I bought it, to save it.. kid sold it to me for $300.00 ! Alas, he tossed the rear fender frame leaving me the task of recreating it. Thankfully, he still had the fender itself as well as the H pipe..

 

I'd love someone to post a picture/ description of the proper wiring setup for the turn signals as the kid scraped the originals. . I've purchased aftermarket ones that I like so far, but as is often the case, they have generic wires.

 

It's a simple two-wire system. On the bike: black is common, brown is one side (I'm not at home and can't remember which side), green is the other.
Looks ike you have 2-wir signals, so this will be an easy job. Black should be common and the colored wire will be connected to the colored wire in the harness.

 

Thanks, I'm sure I'll have quite a adventure ahead of me as things progress. .

 

Progress so far:
Mostly cosmetic- black paint/shadow chrome.
Replaced headlight bulb with led.
Added turn signals.
Replacing various gaskets.
Ceramic coated the header pipes, waiting on mufflers.
Purchased tubing to repair rear frame.
Purchased and installed clutch cable/handle and pivot arm.
Purchased/installed new master cylinder.
Purchased turn signal relay for leds. (Need to wire up)
That's it so far. Still could use any expert or well earned advice.

 

Here is a LOT of info:
http://www.xjbikes.com/forums/threads/the-information-overload-hour.27544/#post-233801

 

Morgan check your inbox

 

Slow down and tend to the mechanicals before you spend more money on cosmetic items.
Valve clearances, carbs cleaned if it's not running perfectly, the entire brake system rebuilt with new seals and lines.....read that information overload link; it covers almost everything.

 

Oh, I have all of that stuff on the punch list also. Just haven't posted on it.

 

Please save it!!!

 

Under the heading of non-cosmetic:
Replaced master cylinder
Replaced brake pads/shoes
Installed mising speedometer cable
De-rusted gas tank
Replaced/installed missing/broken bolts and studs
Replaced leaking gaskets/orings
Replaced battery

 

Replaced brake lines?
Rebuilt calipers?

 

Not yet, it's on the list.

 

Replaced handlebars today. Although it seems like it, this was not for cosmetic reasons. The kid installed handlebars for the "cool factor" not discerning clutch cable operating length or turn clearances. ...
I switched to a Daytona style which seems to be a good fit.

 

Finally bit the bullet and replaced the gauges!

 

nice.

 

.. To help set your mind at ease

 

Did you get tail of the frame restored yet?

 

Not yet, I have my eye on a donor frame, but life has a way of keeping you busy...

 

Oh, yeah...... I know about the busy part------

 

I just ordered a "new" clutch basket