Xj550 Tripple Tree Swap?

Does anyone know of an easy Tripple tree swap for the '82 xj550? Looking for a different look, something without the risers. Also, without changing the front end. I've searched the forum, so maybe someone has answered this already.
If you really wanna see my ugly bike, I'll post pictures. It's really just a bunch of slap-on's and newbie mods. But it's been fun.

 

even if you found a tree that would fit, it would still have risers. unless it used clip-ons, and if you did that you could just use the triple you have

 

Thanks for that. So, what are y'all doing to customize the front end regarding the trees? I've seen the handle bars slammed to the forks - is that a whole front end replacement? Sorry, I'm new.

 

Yamaha Radian forks and triple tree may work but of course you have to change upper and lower bearings and race ....recommend changing to tapered roller bearings anyway . What ever you attempt make sure it is safe to ride ....

 

if its the angled risers you do not like you could possibly have them machined down then drill a hole and go with vertical risers. check to see if they are hollow on the underside.
it all depends on how much money you want to spend. XJ's have different diameter forks. Seca 550 is 35mm Maxim 550 is 36mm. then you have to consider tripple tree to tank clearances or end up with a dented tank.
nothing is easy or cheap to do

 

Could something like a virago top clamp not work? I was looking at this for my 650 as they use a bolt through clamp style.

 

That depends on which Virago will be the donor.

 

If you’re fine with throwing money at it you can have a custom triple tree made. Cognito moto does great work. I ordered a full triple tree (upper and lower) with a new stem for my front end swap.

 

I just looked at a buddy's xs650; they're without risers at all... Wondering if that Tripple would fit my front end, or if the front end of it would fit in mine...

 

this is a bearing fork conversion link just remember there may be things you have to do besides jusy change the bearings
https://www.allballsracing.com/index.php/forkconversion

 

how does he attach the handle bars with out risers?

 

Clip ons. Like a sport bike

 

so use clip ons on your 550 and use the existing built in risers to mount your gps/phone or any other gadgets you may use

 

Hilarious. But no.

His 650 has top mounts like the xj, but without the bottom angled riser part. So, essentially, his bars sit right on top of his tree.

I should have taken a picture for the joksters.

 

have your buddy measure the diameter of his fork tubes if they are 36mm it may be possible. if you get the upper and lower tree next step would be how wide the forks are spread to determine if you can use your 550 tubes , may just have to make a spacer for axle

 

Yamaha 1986 - 1988 FZ600 FZ 600 upper Triple Tree Fork Clamp is a direct replacement for an xj550... That's what I used on my build. Nothing to be done but swap it over.. but you have to go with clipons or devise your own way of using bars.

 

Could you possibly share a pic of your Tripple? I'm still fresh to this. I can't see where the bars would mount on the fz600, and I am unsure about these clipons you speak of...

 

clipons connect to the fork tube

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/222526443061?rmvSB=true

right click and open link to tripple tree

 

fz 600 handle bars

https://www.yamahapartsnation.com/oemparts/a/yam/50042961f8700209bc789128/handlebar-cable

you can see that they screw/bolt to tripple tree

 

clip ons clamp to the fork tube

 

I attached a few pictures.. In these pictures I originally slid the fork tubes up the tree to mount the bars on top. I have since slid the tubes back down and mount them directly under the tree.

 

Ok, ok, I get the stock set up now... Im still really lost as to how you would put different bars on it. Are we talking drilling into the top tree? Or these still mythical clip-on's I can't seem to wrap my head around....?
Although, im planning on maybe putting these on...
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/282959753820
So, the question lies: do I even need to worry about the rise? And now that we are on the subject... Will the stock cables reach these? I can't seem to find the specs on these Damn things; I can only eye it. The "different tripple" idea was for some straight drags, or those inverted cafe's... But the feel of what i have going on is leaning me (or sitting me up straighter) towards the Z bars.

Opinions?

*Edit* I searched clip ons. I'm not as dumb now.

 

well... the fz600 fits all these.. maybe not the criteria of using those bars, that is a different story. The fz600 part is aluminum so you can't weld on it easily. not easy to mount bars to, would have to be clip ons. You could use them with stock upper triple/risers.. I think seca ones are lower than maxim. but dont quote me on that one.

 

the allen screws hold on the stock handle bars . you could possibly drill out the hole and mount risers in that location or fit them into the recess area if it has room

 

seca 550 has a smaller fork tube you would be clamping 36mm tubes into a 35mm hole.

 

Ya. The XJ550 has the riser cast into the triple, while the XS650, XJ650, and XJ750 have bolt-on risers.

 

Do you think the stock cables would fit on the Z bars? I know, it's just eyeballing it... Maybe someone has cable advise?

 

After modding my own bars and still being able to use the stock cables I would think so. The z bars aren't a super high rise are they? And less pullback?

 

No, they're not super high, and they're a little forward I'd say. Ive lifted the bars I have now up; there seems to be quite a but of length. I should be ok.

 

You can also reroute them slightly if necessary

 

Ahhh!!! I can't figure out how to make a new post... I was looking for advise on high mileage... My 82 xj550 has 48k... It isn't leaking oil, nothing weird other than some possible vacuum leaks from cracked intake boots. Can anyone lead me in the right direction? I feel lost...

 

Advice as far as what exactly? Make sure the carbs a church clean, valve clearances in spec, vacuum leaks fixed, and may also recommend a compression test. (Fully charged battery, wide open throttle, plugs out) This will give you a good overall idea of it's health. From what I've read these engines are very tough and there are plenty out there running well with higher mileage, maybe a little lower than spec compression numbers but as long as everything else is in order and the numbers aren't terribly low, ride it.

 

48k isn't high mileage. Age is the enemy. Rubber and plastic parts will become brittle and fail.
Throttle shaft seals,
Cam chain guides,
Intake boots,
I would not change any of those preventativley, just be aware of any changes in the noises the bike makes.

The Post New Thread button is in the upper right, and can sometimes be hidden by the forum search window.

 

You guys rock. I've almost sold it a couple times, thinking the mileage is way too high to want to put money into a project with it, but you guys have given me a new motivation to keep going (and not feel bad about dumping money into it.) Plus, I need an outlet from a bipolar-suffering girlfriend. At least this girl isn't going anywhere

 

Years ago I read a story (I think it was Classic Bikes) about a man who bought an Ariel (I forget which model) in 1938. It was his family's only motorized transportation for most of his adult life, and he rode it until he was forced to sell due to health issues. He was in his late 80's at the time of the article (just before the sale). 300,000 miles on the motorcycle. Of course he spent money on it for maintanance items and repairs, but that's what keeps machines working.

 

Ok... I can see clearly now, the rain is gone...
Im ordering a gasket set soon.