Max to Rad(ian) Custom Work

Here's a few pics of my new-to-me XJ550 Max in the process of being customized using a few Radian pieces.

Both XJ550 and YX600 use the same frame with minor differences.

Added Radian Tank [paint: semi-matte engine enamel],
YX600 Seat, custom XS fr. fender
Bullet Turn Signals.
Cateye Taillight.
Dragbars.
Carbon Fiber - Stainless Exhaust.

Tossed the too high risers. Bike sounds great, handles even better (on a skinny oem front tire).

Next it's on with a Maier Bikini fairing, custom fiberglass side covers and handmade rear tail piece with more blackout paint.

 

Re: Max to Rad(ian)

Preview pics are of things in mock-up stage.

Making progress on fiberglass Tail Piece mold buildup.
Will not be load-bearing.
Side trim will follow frame and seat profile.

 

Re: Max to Rad(ian)

Pretty sharp lookin!

 

Re: Max to Rad(ian)

Thanks .. always admired the solid colorful look of the Radian bikes.

Slow process, side trim pieces break easy. Everything has to be fitted.
Part will be complex - has to fit over rear crossbar and straddle the seat support.
Each part is glued up; "making a box".
Nylon buttons on inner side walls will allow precise fit.

Update 8/25 Rear mold is complete.
Ready for 'glassing.

 

Nice Idea ... poor material choice.

Looks like a Green Goo prop from 'Creature From The Black Lagoon'

Green Styrofoam base melted/shrank 20% before the resin could set.

Back to the drawing board.... er foam board?
------------------------------
Now that the first layer has set up...
it may be salvageable after all by adding layers (for strength)
and a little b-o-n-d-o.

It's either re-cut & re-glue a new mold or "edit" the current shape.
A fair 50/50 deal.
------------------------------
8/28 UPDATE:

Finally found the proper foam board to use with auto resin. It's sold by Home Depot as Foil-backed Yellow Insulation Panel 4 x 8' sheets 2" thick. Technically its made of yellow polyisocyanurate foam the kind that doesn't get attacked by the styrene solvent in Bondo Automotive Repair Resin or similar, e.g. the less expensive types.

One can use Gorilla Glue to join blocks / sheets of foam together ... mostly put it in the center of your panels 'cause its tough to sand properly once dry. This type of foam can be fine sanded.

There's a Radian rear fender enroute so the new tailpiece base will be slightly different.

Painted the tank again - Gloss Black.
Time to apply clear coat tonite.

 

On a better-results-than-expected note.

You know those flame embossed seat covers?
I finally went and ordered one for the 'ole XJ

Sure changed its looks for the better getting rid of the old trashed cover.

 

Here's a pattern for the right Frame Cover I made ... to be duplicated in brushed stainless steel.
Made mounts from toilet studs put through oem eyelet with threads facing out, used Chrysler 12mm hood hardware Nut/Washer combo 'cause it grips tighter.

The thicker 12-14 gauge metal panel seems best. It's a bit it harder to work with but holds up better to debris & abuse. Mine came from a local A/C contractor - free.

Alternative:
Old used Aluminum Signs or blanks @ 10 gauge ... they're the bomb for all types of finishes.

 

Holy crap! I thought "The Bomb" Died a long time ago! Fresh Prince flashbacks!
Neat concept! I got mad old signs
-Chris

 

Speaking of signs; last weekend an SUV wiped out a utility pole down the street.
In the process the driver left behind a priceless find - his FENDER.
It's made from one of the lightweight / super strong plastics and already painted (ez rework).

Thanks whoever you are!

I'll fashion 2 trim panels for under the Radian seat and paint to match the gas tank.

 

Here's everything done so far in mock up stage.

Black out paint, detailing and rear fender will complete.

 

More details on the new Radian Streetfighter look. Tank is proving to be a tough nut.
Will require more effort to get satin smooth with a deep shine.
Frame rails will be color-matched along with new side covers (same Red Pearl Krazer as front fender).
Hard-to-find oem Fuel Cap Lock had to be de-gummed, restored.

 

GO FIGURE DEPT.

After starting the Max to Rad Project -

A guy at work, new to motorcycling, saw the Maxim version 2 months ago. Now he wants to purchase it. Only problem is; which version does he want?

Stocker?
or
Rocker?

 

Taildragger, I sent you a PM.

 

Here's the new custom-painted Radian Tank and Custom painted Side covers that match the front fender. Pics don't begin to do justice to the color depth and shine obtained. Covers use Alsa's Red Pearl Krazer over Krylon Gloss Black.

Fuel tank now has 3 coats of Duplicolor Pro Series Jet Black & 2 coats of Pro Clear.

Tank required restored lock w/ 2 custom made keys.

 

wait- you painted the tank black, but you did the other stuff with the aweosme paint job? why? I would paint it either all black or all the awesome paint job- also, shorten up your exhaust, that pipe sticks out waaaay too far, but its comin along nicely

 

thanks schooter -

Nearly Complete Project gets sidetracked until next Friday.

Was gonna go all the way with the custom pearl tank etc. then my buyer called; "You still have your Maxim? I want that bike."

The awesome pearl paint job for the new jet black / glossy tank is "waiting in the wings." Alsa Pearl Krazer goes on easy over jet black especially if its already been cleared. Radian stuff is getting hard-to-find in good shape .... that market may soak up an extra clean tank quick.

Paint color N style depends on what the new buyer wants.
However; If the new owner comes thru with the green stuff he wants it stock. So the customized parts will most likely be reserved for another xs/xj project.


Now I know why the Factory kept the upswept exhaust look on both bikes:
Pipe placement with XJ550 frame is difficult to get just right (was gonna do the cut-the-can thing). Unless one is delicate with the cutting and bending moves rear attachments get in the way. Most likely I'll have to remove the Staintune Stainless Exhaust 'cause the buyer doesn't want a loud bike. As you can tell I'm real sad 'cause the pipe will have to go on another project.

 

Looks like the guy definitely wants my bike. Called him. He went out and got his motorcycle endorsement and is awaiting funds. In the meantime; it was relatively simple to take the bike back to it's stock appearance. Looks super clean now. He should be real happy - it runs fantastic.

 

9/11/09 update:

Guy took delivery of the bike at noon. Drove it 55 miles on Freeway. Then called me from side of the road with "there's white smoke coming out the exhaust" (at 75 mph). Said "it lost power like it wasn't getting any fuel."
He checked and there's plenty of gas in the tank and showing in the see-thru filter. Petcock is rebuilt and has been trouble-free.

Now I've run the bike pretty hard up & down thru the gears and never had a problem with oil / smoke / or power loss.

Bike sat for 16 years virtually untouched.
Is it possible the oil control rings have to re-seat?
Hasn't shown any sign of trouble engine-wise up to now.

Strange stuff indeed.
Carbs are immaculate and were working fine.
I'll need to see the plugs before I can tell if its too much oil but it's starting to sound like "fire being drowned" from the description.
Will try new plugs and removing excess oil.
If that doesn't work one of the coils may be going bad.

 

It's been four days. New owner never called back.

Speculation: He had the carb choke ON and was running WFO hence all the white smoke = raw fuel vaporizing.
A newbie rider discovers every bike has it's limits when subjected to rider error / abuse.

 

thats good to hear