New build questions - 83 XJ750 Maxim Midnight

Hey everyone! Happy Thanksgiving!

I'm new to the forums, as well as motorcycles. I'm 23 and was raised doing BMX and riding some old enduro motocross bikes so I went out and got a bike this fall. It runs pretty well, but I'd like to clean it up and do a couple things to it to make it look as good as it rides!

I have always been a tinkerer, and love to build things, but this is by far the biggest project I've ever come across. I do not have a welder, though I have a friend who said he may be able to help.

1) Turn Signals / Lights I'd like to change the turn signals and rear brake light. What do I need to look for to make sure they will work on the bike?

2) Exhaust - I'd like some shorter mufflers. Mine currently are 20" black mufflers that came stock on the bike. Anyone know the intake diameter? Or what other mufflers work will on the bike?

3) Rear shocks - Looks like mine currently are 12.5" eye to eye. Are there any that will work without major modification (i've read murmurs of sportster springs)

4) Front Forks - They feel worn out and are like sponges. Looks like I will try to rebuild them this winter. Any suggestions on where to get new parts for it that would improve the handling

5) Bars / Controls - I'd like to get a new pair of bars and maybe some nicer and cleaner controls. Diameter of the bars? Anyone have suggestions on controls that work properly? Would love to have a better turn signal indicator, with better feedback on when I've turned them on/off.


Finally, just want to say thanks for reading and anyone who can help point me in the right direction. My budget for the project is ~400 bucks for now. And i'm sure you've all seen this one, but this is my inspiration for the project - http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2010/01/07/yamaha-maxim-transformed/

cheers,

Tyler

 

I'd worry about the rear brake: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=15874.html

Replacing the original 30 year old front brake lines, pads, and new brake fluid;

Getting the valves adjusted and the carbs cleaned and sync'ed;

Tires over 6 years old replaced;

THEN think about the cosmetics if you have anything left from the $400.

Otherwise you're going to spend a bunch of money and effort and then have all sorts of "problems" with the bike once you try to start riding it. Those won't be problems; they'll be the symptoms of neglect revealing themselves.

Have you at least run a compression test so you know if you should be spending any money or not yet?

 

Big + 1.

 

Good call on that rear brake, i'll have to dig into that.

The bike runs well now, I put about 500 miles on it this fall. Person I purchased it from rode it weekly for about 2 years. I have the carbs off the bike and plan on cleaning them either this week or next weekend.

New front tire is on the way this winter.

Thanks for the good advice!

 

Yes attend to the critical list first - save your bike and yourself.

Everything else you listed to be done, has been done so you can find advice, pictures, and options for sure. The front forks are a safety issue though and likely is worn out springs, warn out or missing oil. You can upgrade to progressive springs and put in fresh oil and seals-that will fix it. Check your tire pressure as well-can make it feel spongy.

Lights-are standard wiring - options galore! (replace your fuse box)
Bars-ditto to the above - but may need new cables.
Pipes-aftermarket available but expensive, may find some prev.used options (carb work possible)
Controls-not sure here but I think most Yamaha stuff translates
Rear shocks-most will work check for clearances etc.

Parts are available right here from XJ4Ever (top right of page), very reliable. You can go to Ebay or try a motorcycle supplier.

But you MUST post pictures and detail your experience for all to see. Otherwise we get our feelings hurt. Just kidding! no really we do like to see the work. Have fun!

 

Just to cover some of the little bits that have been missed.

The handle bars are 7/8" bars. Options galore for alternatives.

You can get fancy new chrome switches/controls at MikesXS. Most all of the XS controls will work. You may need to check for the correct wiring connections.

Shocks from sportsters, savages, rebels have all been used. Most generally you will want to stay in a 10.5" to 11" shock to prevent the driveshaft from binding.

The exhaust can be just about anything you want after the collector. Slip on mufflers with a 1 3/4" pipe should mount with little effort. You may have to fab up a mount to attach them to the bike. I have heard of sportster mufflers being used along with some from JCWhitney.

Finally. Once you carefully pull all those nice shinny gold, and black trim pieces off that bike. Let me know. I will be doing a restoration on a 83 Midnight Maxim, and will be interested in helping your project funds in exchange for those parts.

If you are planning on painting/polishing the engine. Please check with me first. I will gladly exchange standard paintable/polishable covers for the black original ones that you have.

Ghost

 

Here's the build so far. Stripped off everything, primered and painted the frame and swingarm. Rear wheel cleaned and put back on today. I expect this bike will be about 5 lbs lighter with all the dirt and grime I cleaned off it.

 

NOICE! Schweet

Seriously, good work man

 

whoa, holy bright green!

whats the color scheme are you thinking?

 

updates?

 

Sorry for the lack of updates. So busy lately. Project is way overdue now (original due date March 31st). Still lots to do. Here's some of the steps through the winter -



Custom painted the rear springs



Got a new set of black wheels, pinstriped them, painted the calipers and the discs. Also got the front forks rebuild by a yamaha tech shop in town.



You can see the chop of the seat, frame, and fender. I relocated the stock tail light higher up after chopping everything. The rear wheel has since come off again.

Currently: The engine is in, wiring is on, but not everything is working correctly. Turn signals all come on, but do not flash reliably. Carbs are back on and the engine does turn over. Trouble shooting to begin next week. If anyone needs the gold rims from the midnight max model, let me know.

More to come. Thank you for your interest!

 

That paint job is something... Is it reflective?

 

Nope, it is an Enamel paint from Rust-oleum

 

glad to hear you're still at it, keep it up man!