Darkrider Rebuild On-A-Budget (aka 1981 Seca 750)

I am being given a 1981 XJ 750 Seca by someone that got it for free, because the original owner dumped it and broke something in the transmission. So far we know the (I think he called it the shift center spring... Its the one at the back of the shifting mechanism) is broken. He is going to look deeper into the transmission just to make sure nothing else got destroyed in the transmission.

As for the rest of the bike, it has some minor road rash, and a couple of broken things. My first focus on it will be to get it street legal, and safe to ride. Then I will focus on making it look pretty.

I will probably need to purchase the following parts used off of eBay, but if someone has them sitting around, and doesn't mind parting with them for cheaper, or even for just the cost of shipping, I would love that. I am EXTREMELY tight on money right now. The only reason I am taking this project on is so I can have some transportation.

Here is the list of parts that I know I need to make it street legal. I need to know what years I can use for them, and if anyone has them sitting around and is willing to part with them. Normally, even if it was a little more expensive, I would buy from a forum member, but due to my budget (or lack thereof) I will have to get whatever is cheapest including shipping.

- Turn signals (all around would be good, but the only broken ones are left)
- Taillight or Tail cowl with taillight. (Color of cowl does not matter... That's what spray-paint is for)
- Clutch lever
- Possibly need new handlebar switches (I really like the ones darkfibre has for his project)
- Possibly need new handlebars. (although they looked straight when I looked at it today.)
- Possibly need new brake/clutch master cyl, levers etc.



Here is a list of parts that I would like, but are not necessary to make it street legal.

- HID compatible headlight/ driving light housing (I already have a supplier for the HID's)
- LED Turn Signals and taillight (Possibly do this right off the bat if I can figure out a way to fab up my own arms and have it look clean)
- Digital Gauge (Will be looking for recommendations on this.)
- New seat (current one is not worn, just faded as hell)
- New Gas Tank


When I actually have the bike in my possession, I will give it a through look-through and add/ subtract to the list as needed.


Here is a pic of the bike. A LOT more pictures to come. (this thread will probably not be 56k friendly for very long)

 

OK, I've been doing some research on the LED Lights, and it looks pretty cheap compared to what I thought it was going to be.

Here is what I am thinking.


Taillight:
WFLB24 series 24-LED Waterproof Flexible Light Bar
http://www.superbrightleds.com/cgi-bin/ ... xible.html
^^One of these along the middle of the lens for the running light, and one on top and bottom of lens for brake light.

STRB-4W series Vehicle Strobe Light
http://www.superbrightleds.com/cgi-bin/ ... lights.htm
^^One of these inside the taillight for brake light. Should definately make me more noticeable. (all of these in red of course.)



Turn Signals:
M1 series Truck Clearance Marker Lights
http://www.superbrightleds.com/cgi-bin/ ... lights.htm

I am assuming that the flash relay for the turn signals is built into the bike's electrical system.




Thoughts? I still have not decided the best way to mount the turn signals, but I probably won't be able to do that until I have the bike and can screw around with it a bit.

 

The '81 Seca has a mechanical flasher module mounted under the gas tank. You will have to replace it with an electronic flasher to go with LED indicators as they do not pull enough current to operate the mech. unit. This will also mean that the canceling circuit will not work anymore. Mine was unreliable anyway so no great loss there for me.

Be careful with the HID head lamp. I seem to recall a couple threads here regarding problems with the electrics over heating with some of the HID mods. I haven't looked into this for my self yet.

I have a stock set of handle bars and covers that are in decent shape. PM me if you are interested.

 

Thank you for that information!

http://www.superbrightleds.com/cgi-bin/ ... tml%23fl2s

I'll look into it, but I Don't think that it should be a problem other than the light housing melting if it's an aftermarket plastic one. HID's draw less current than halogen bulbs.

PM Sent

 

If you need signals. You can have my old signals (none are broken) for the cost of shipping a flat rate box to you. something like 10 bucks.

My rear cowl/taillight is for sale, too. Everything is fine on it, no breaks or scrapes. Needs a sanding/painting though.

I'd let it go for $20 plus shipping.

I also think I still have the stock bars. free, just pay shipping.

 

PM Sent!

 

You might be a little disappointed by the cost to refurb. I don't know much about the transmission, hopefully the problem there doesn't require major surgery. A complete rebuild of the brakes will easily run you close to $300 (4 new SS lines, 2 caliper rebuild kits, 1 mc rebuild kit, odds and ends). Rear brake shoes need to be replaced (see bigfitx52's thread). Tires, carb bits, etc. Maybe $1000+. Still cheaper than new, but as much or more than a maintained runner (with a lot less time).

I made the same "mistake"...dreamed about what color I'd paint it before take a wrench to it and wasted a lot of time. 2 years and 3000+ miles later I don't regret any of it...but money was all that tight for me. Still dreaming about the paint scheme.

What's wrong with the tank?

 

I'm about to go home and start working so money should get a little better here in the very near future. Really the only stuff broken on it is the electronics, that spring in the tranny, and I want new gauges. Gunna get new disc and drum pads too. I don't forsee this taking too long as soon as I can afford the parts. I'm pretty good with my hands. Worst case scenario, i sell it for 500 or somehting like that to someone that can afford to work on it, and put the money towards get a newer running vehicle. but the vehicle I get all depends on if i get a job with my unit, or if I have to take the home depot offer.

 

oh, and the gas tank, if you look at it in the pic, has a pretty gnarly dent on it. Gunna focus on getting it running safely and legaly first, then work on the cosmetic stuff like that.

 

People don't like original 750 seca tanks...so they aren't too hard to get. I *might* be willing to part with one of my three...once I finally figure out and get one painted.

Hopefully your rebuild goes well. I wasted a lot of time and money trying to learn how to paint properly. Less than worst case scenario...you part it out and get well more the $500 . It looks all there. Hopefully it blows good compression and everything else can be fixed. You'll enjoy it...I like mine alot.

 

I'm not thinking too hard about paint color... I seen on gloss black, and loved it, and my father knows how to paint, so if I can borrow a gun from one of my friends, I'll be golden there. Paint is the least of my worries.

As far as Pat (the guy giving me the bike) knows, it still fires and runs properly. Wouldn't surprise me if it needed the carbs rebuilt but that wont be too bad.


The one thing I have been struggling with in my head, is the gastank, seat, and taillight combo. So far the best idea I have in my head is to keep it completely stock, but I would like a small storage box under the rear seat (Plan on mounting a ham radio underneath it eventually)

Turn signals will be ebay-special LED signals, if I stay with stock taillight, I'm going to re-do it with LED lights.

Switches will most likely be the ones darkfibre used for the pumba project, as well as the gauges, and headlights. I hate to base so much off of someone elses bike, but I REALLY liked how clean it all looked. Bars will be naked, and ignition key moving down somewhere off the bars. Since I am re-doing all of the wiring, and know a little about electronics, this shouldnt be too hard. Just gotta figure out the prioritys.