New Seca 750 Project. Cafe or Bobber?

Whats up guys, I've got an 82 XJ750, I just started ripping her apart and don't really have many ideas, so any input will be appreciated. I'd like to do one of those small seats with the springs but I think it might look weird with the suspension. Frame will remain black, and the tins will be brown, some elements of chrome will be thrown in. I would like a round headlight, smalls gauges(idk who makes good ones), new bars, maybe clip ons, new controls, new tank, idk if a virago tank will fit but I like them so if anyone has some info please speak up. Umm, yea, I'm gonna post pictures. I'm also having some motor problems, it won't start, There's oil coming right out of the head on the exhaust side, the cyclinder all the way on the left/driver side, oil out of the tailpipe, white smoke, and I found out the valve cover was sealed with some sort of jb weld or something and no gasket. I will take pictures of the motor once I have it out but for now, just pictures of her now. Thanks guys, don't be shy

For Pictures visit www.photobucket.com/XJ750Cafe

And my video on youtube!

http://youtu.be/j_glHkK9tz8?hd=1

 

picture #8-whats the wood saw for?
picture #2-whats the girl on the left doing? Aint that stuff illegal?

Just yankin your chain bud! I got this same bike so Ill be anxious to see what you do with it. Good luck with your build & keep posting pics of your progress.

 

lol that would be my mom, and yea man I will, I've been getting a lot of good idea from this site, I want to learn how hard it is to ditch the shaft drive as well

 

Theres been some discussion about converting an XJ to chain drive but from what I gather its better to just get a chain drive bike if thats what you want. I know there used to be a conversion kit for the V max but thats a different motor altogether. I didnt like the idea of shaft drive at first but now I like it-practically maint-free & bullet-proof in design. You just never hear of a driveshaft on an XJ goin out, or at least I havent.
So whats it gonna be, friend- cafe or bobber? inquiring minds need to know LOL.

 

I honestly still don't know. Now that I have been looking at other builds, I like the idea of chopping it and doing a hardtail conversion, I have a picture of a dream bike of mine that I'll post. What are your takes on that, and I've decided to keep the shaft drive as well. Overall I'm leaning toward bobbing it.

 

Obviously - get it running well first. No sense proceeding unless it is in good running order.

The 750 Seca and 750 Maxim have almost identical drivelines and frames, so you are starting out with a semi-cruiser platform. Not exactly best for either bobber or cafe racer but still lots of room for customization. Definitely look up previous 750 Seca projects here.

I don't think the Virago tanks fit the XJ750s - different frame setup. However, the XJ750 Maxim tank fits just fine (in place of the Seca) and is the same volume. I think the XJ650 tank fits too, but is smaller and does not have the fuel level sensor. Also - the Honda CB750 tank (don't remember what year but it is in the Modifications section) will fit.

You also need to convert from the cable-operated master cylinder to a bar-mounted master cylinder so add this to your list. Many have done it before you. Several different ways to do it including getting a custom brake line from Chacal from a new MC to your splitter log. Also consider different right controls as the OEM cable/handle assembly will need to be ground off and still may interfere with the new MC and lever.

Either 750/650 Maxim front fender will fit in place of the Seca fender.

You can create your own seat - it doesn't need to have suspension if you keep the OEM rear suspension. Just fab up a metal, ABS plastic or wood platform, layer up some 1/2" closed-cell foam (exercise pads are cheap) so the seat height is a little taller than your pants inseam, trim to shape so that it fits YOU (trim, sit, trim, repeat), get some marine vinyl, staple it to the underside of the platform with a Harbor Freight pneumatic stapler and stainless steel staples, then fab up a way to mount it to the frame so that the seat pad is level.

Gauges - most Jap bike speedos will work, also need to think about how to handle indicator lights (in the speedo, separate array); only an electronic tach will work (if you still want one). Several have been used in previous conversions.

Bars - I'm not fond of clip-ons or hunched-over riding positions. The "Superbike" bend seems to work real well, but any 7/8" bar will fit.

 

here's the bike I really like, no idea what it is, just an inspiration basically even though its a hardtail

 

First, thanks for your help, very informative. Is there anyway to get around putting the mc on the bars, I'd rather not. I like the maxim tank I'll just use that instead thanks. No tach anymore, and I might mount one of those singles seats, and try and get a half fender or put my own together somehow for the rear. Thanks again

 

Not sure but it looks like an old SOHC CB750. I don't like hard tails - don't see the point. Especially on the roads I typically ride.

If this is what you really want, you might be better off getting a 60-70 SOHC Honda 550/650/750 4-cyl with spoke wheels and work off that. It will be way too much time/$ to get a 750 Seca to look like this.

 

I saw some with that style seat but soft tail, I can work with it, obviously not what I'm aiming for though. I don't to get a new bike, maybe later on down the road, I am just running ideas through my head, not really worried about how long it takes, money is always a factor though.

 

this is what changed my mind...beautiful, theres a moto guzzi gas tank similar to the one on the brown bike that I'm sure probably wont fit but I will look into it and post pictures

http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=30807.html

 

Anything can be done with the proper amount of $$$.

Check out this place for some more ideas (they even have a couple of Yamahas): Bike Exif

 

thanks dude will do

 

You can keep the cable-actuated MC if you want (then you also need to keep enough of the OEM headlight mount to support the remote MC). It's just that the OEM MC is a PITA to check and fill or refill when bleeding brakes. And the cable reduces front brake sensitivity to the handle.

FWIW you can get a small speedo with integrated indicator lights from Mike's XS here.

 

Just added a few more pictures to photo bucket before I rip the motor out

 

More pictures will be up today as I have taken the motor out and started tearing into that as well. Frame is soon to be sanded and painted with rattle cans. I'm trying to save some money.

 

does anyone know any good spray can brand for the frame and tins?

 

Valspar makes a really tough paint. It is a tractor and implement paint, and once cured it is about as tough as any rattle can paint I have found. It is normally found at Tractor Supply Company.

 

Thought about using bedliner on my frame