Help - what model is this?

I got this a year ago and haven't had much time to sort it out - it's a 1983 XJ550 as far as I know but after looking around on here something about the back end don't look standard... Is it a Seca? The seat mount angle looks odd, like someone has chopped it and welded something else on. The wiring is minimal and suits me fine. But I'll probably put normal pegs on as I'm not a huge fan of the forward controls. So who knows what it is?
I believe the tank is off a Honda Rebel and I got plans to lower the back end and change the wheels to XS250 customs.

 

It's a 550 Maxim.

 

That was quick! Cheers for that.

 

I've always wondered if a brake rod like that would bend in a panic stop. . .
Chopper, if you post-up the #'s on the steering neck and engine case, the folks here will ID your bike, and maybe tell you more about it.
What's with the airbox?

 

i believe that is a pvc built aftermarket that you put one pod on

 

The airbox! It had those pod filters on when I got it and it ran like s**t. I got hold of an airbox but it was troublesome to fit so I was inspired by what others on this forum had built... it's my first attempt but already some improvement. I'll get the frame number and post it - I believe it's a US import that ended up here in London at some point. Cheers for all your responses.

 

wow, i gottasay, that isnt the pretties bobber i have ever seen, i think his design team consisted of Helen Keller, Ray Charles, and Dr. Seus

 

I wouldn't call what you have there a "Bobber"
If I had to cast a vote it would be a toss-up between Rat Bike and Survival Bike.

Rat bikes are motorcycles that, over time, have fallen apart but been kept on the road and maintained for next to nothing.
Survival bikes look similar to, but are different in purpose from rat bikes--they are modified for stylistic reasons.

Miss-matching Plug Caps.
Hillbilly wiring.
Duct tape styling.
PVC Plumbing.
Recycled Bicycle Seat.

Yeah. That's a RAT!

Smile! Say, "Cheese"

 

MAN ! you guys are rough !

And can't you tell it's a SECA ??

 

thought the seca had straight spoke rims? but the maxim also had singal front disc. but if it came from london would it not simply be a 550 as over seas had no seca/maxim ? just as curious as the next person.

 

Yeah it's a rat for sure!
Lets's just say it's "work in progress". The wiring is untidy, to say the least, and there's one fuse on the whole thing. The plumbing is an experiment and the seat is something to sit on (for the moment).
If anyone can id this thing with the following frame/engine number?
4V8005168 is what it says.
Cheers for all your positive comments!

 

Here you go, from chacal's VIN decoding page:

COUNTRY: EUROPE

MODEL NAME: XJ550
STREET NAME: 1981 XJ550
MODEL ID CODE: 4V8
FRAME ID: 4V8
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
NOTES: styling and features the same as US Seca model, has dual front disc brakes.

That being said, this thing is a "bitsa." I see bits and pieces from the 550 Maxim on there too, it's quite a mongrel.

 

That's useful, thanks. My logbook says it's first registration in UK was 10.08.1983, so it could have come from your side of the pond. What Maxim parts can you identify?

 

I like it. If it runs and rides and you like it, that is what matters.

If'n it were mine, i would lop off the rest of the frame extentions past the seat, clean up the wiring a little and add a tail light low on the left side if there isn't one already, and ride, ride, ride it 'till the wheels came off of it.

 

That's what I intend to do! I'll probably get the rear mudguard on (you call it a fender, right?) and add a Vincent-style stop/tail light, with a small black numberplate with silver letters. It's rough-and-ready, like me! I may even spray the tank and get a cap that actually fits... I think it's a Honda Rebel tank, judging by the fuel tap. Then one day learn how to tune the carbs. If only I had the time and energy!

 

I take away the "Jury-rigged" look about it and have a go at "Dressing-up" the wiring.

I use only Black wire ties and the "Old-style" Black Electrical Tape. Not vinyl tape; but the "Fabric sort" to maintain its Vintage impression.

 

That would be friction tape. Great idea!

 

There's plenty that needs doing to this bike... Rome weren't built in a day and I envy those that have produced impressive modifications within a short time! Me, I battle with energy levels after helping to get my kids fed, washed and in bed. Then I'm generally knackered and end up drinking beer and falling asleep...