81 XJ650 Bobber

This is my 81 XJ650 I picked up for 300.00 with XJ750 parts bike(no title).
I have at this point removed the rear section. Got new controls, bars, gauges, suspension ordered. Plus other misc stuff.
The drag bar and new brake and clutch setup has arrived so far. Once rest arrives I can get everything figured out. And start the custom work. And get the XJ750 dual disc lower setup transferred to the 650's fork tubes.

 

You'll have to swap front ends. The XJ750 brakes are not at all the same as the XJ650 (the mounts are not compatable), nor does the 650 right fork leg have a boss for mounting another caliper. Both also have different diameter fork tubes.

 

Yeah I know I need the lowers for the dual brake conversion.

And the tube diameters and length are identical between the XJ650 and XJ750. So all I need to do is swap the lower to get ability to run dual brakes.

I have both bikes side by side. And have measured to confirm. Its a pretty strait forward swap. Has nobody done it this way to get around the air assist?!

 

You want the adjustable air spring. Adjustable spring preload is a good thing.

Lower tube swaps have been done before (search and ye shall find a few threads). Brainfart on my part about the tube diameter.

 

I'm running progressive springs. The air assist will interfere with my design plan. I considered the air assist at first. But after planing it didn't fit my plans for the build.

 

The stock springs are progressively wound (though new springs are not a bad idea since you are not a 135 pound Japanese rider (just guessing)).
What are the plans for the build that will interfere with using the 750 triples?
You can drill and tap the 650 fork caps for schrader valves if you can't use the 750 setup.

 

I am moving the forks up on the tree to drop the front a little. Plus the 750 tubes have seen better days. And I don't want to use gators.

 

Fair enough. Consider modifying the 650 caps though. Having that extra bit of adjustabilty is really nice.

 

I will keep that thought. And decide while waiting on the new seals and stuff to arrive.

I have learned parts ain't as ample like the XS, triumph's, and HD as I'm use to working on. lol

 

Oh parts are ample, you just have to know who to talk to. And now that you have two in the stable, you're going to see them all over when you're out riding.

Have you checked out that flashy thing in the upper right of the page?

 

Last of the stuff for my handlebar arrived today. Along with my fork seals and tank for the electrical stuff.
Suspension is set to be delivered tomorrow. But ill see if that happens due to the ice storm that's coming my way.


P.S. I know the gauges are sitting odd. Just getting a basic idea what it will look like. In waiting on my new triple tree setup to arrive still.

 

Model number on the derby cover? Been trying to hunt those down for my build, were you able to find left and rights ?

 

They aren't called derby covers. That's an HD thing, and a totally different part.

You'll want to search for Poly Chrome ignition cover, or oil pump cover (even though they don't cover the oil pump). They come up on Ebay pretty often. Left side, right side = same same.
As the name suggests, they are plastic, so pay accordingly.

 

Like K-now said. Search XJ650 poly chrome ignition cover. And you will get a few hits. I paid 22.00 each for mine with free shipping.

I ordered smooth covers. So I'm getting the right ones Monday from seller.

 

Sweet, thanks for the reply. I guess i did good, just scored two chrome finned for $24 total, shipping included!

 

P.S. - diggin the build. planning to shove your electronics in the faux oil tank? Looking forward to updates.

 

Thank you. Yeah I am using a TC Brothers tank. Still working on where I'm going to mount it though. But ill get that figured out once I get the seat setup done.

 

Are you keeping the rear suspension, going with struts or possibly hardtail?

 

I am keeping the rear suspension. And running a 11 inch spring.

Already have 2 rigid frame bikes. Figured I would do my body a favor on this one. lol

 

Although I do wish there was an extended swing arm for these bikes.

 

So it can turn slower, or will you be drag racing?

Extended swingarms have been made. You'll need to extend the driveshaft too. Build a jig so it all stays straight.

 

Pretty easy to make one on the 550s since they're chain drive, but not sure about it with the shaft drive 650s and above.

 

I just like a slight stretch on my bikes.

The right covers showed up today on a side note didn't get anything done today. The new intake for my car showed up. So that has took all my time.(not bike related. But I'm excited about it. lol)

 

Fair enough. To pot som perspective on it, if it were built today your bike would be considered to have a longish wheelbase.

 

And it's stubby compared to my other bikes. I like to be stretched out and laying down a bit on my bikes.

I have a long torso so the stretch works good for me.

 

Little progress today. Got the bike tore down. Going to shave the frame and get some brackets burned in over rest of the week. Then I can get the frame powder coated.

 

What type of seat are you planning to go with, I'm assuming you're keeping the stock tank?

 

I'm keeping the stock tank. And going to a Biltwell solo 8 seat for sportster.

 

the sporty 8 might line up a lot better than most solo seats with the 'duck bill' end of our tanks with the front of the seat being somewhat flat. I switched tanks to something more streamline at the tail.

 

That's why I settled on it. The standard solo seat seems out of place with our tanks. I'm working on some ideas to clean up the tail end of the tank. And set it flowing a little better.

 

yeah, I tried my best to clean it up but it never flowed with my design/seat, so i opted to swap the tank out. Looking forward to see what you come up with.

 

Some work done today. Got 1/2 the frame shaved. Should have it finished tomorrow. And seat area set up.

 

Only got the tank on today. Didn't get as much time as I hoped. But its progress.

 

Been doing a little brain storming on the tank/seat situation.....

Idea I have is to cut the bill section off back of tank. Cut out the tank bracket on frame.
And braze/weld a vertical mount tab on rear of tank. And a new bracket on frame. Shift the tanks tail down a little further. And create a smoother transition at the rails.

Then I can mount the Biltwell seat up against the tank. And allow its upward slope to follow the tank.

Thoughts?

 

Second thought I could just bend the bill down and create a tab without welding on tank.

 

it could work, the only part of the stock tank that i really hated was how the 'edges' curved down. even if you remove the tab it looks unfinished against a seat. Atleast a round nose seat. You'll be better off than most with the flat front seat. I welded tabs on mine when i was going to attempt to use it. just becareful its cleaned out properly and dont burn holes in it.

 

What seat are you running? I looked into tank ideas a little. But the triple back bone kinda limits anything that I've seen at this point.

 

I'm running the La Rosa Eliminator seat, I did switch my tank out though. We're VERY limited with the triple back bone, some members have converted to a single back bone and others have found wide tunnel tanks to get the job done.

 

Frame is shaved. Little more clean up and paint stripper tonight. And I can start painting tomorrow.

 

What's the plan for the rear brake sensor? did you shave it off?

 

The rear brake sensor bracket is still there.

 

Hey I saw that you got new handle bar controls for your bike. Mine are pretty rough and I'd like to replace mine. Could you point me in the direction of where you got yours?

 

try starting a conversation with him he will get an email