Hello and Style Question

Hi Everyone,

First post, though I've been exploring the site for a while now. I've recently become the proud owner of an 83 xj650. It was originally red, PO painted it black. I'm a cafe fan and I'm trying to capture some of the style from the late 60's. I've changed the bars to some almost flat ones that I find more comfortable (i'll post a pic soon). Anyway, I'm a noob when it comes to the technical side of things but I'm fortunate enough to have a friend whose got 30+ years as a bike racer/mechanic to help with the more technical issues, and to show me the ropes.

All right, I'm wondering if anyone could give me some suggestions for tank switches that will give more of a cafe look to the maxim. A squarer tank or one that looks more streamlined (i.e a seca tank), that is an easy switch. Preferably with a similar petcock.

Second question: Ive read about gator boots on here before but looking for installation help. Can I remove front tire, brakes, fender, and simply slid them up, or do i have to completely separate the forks?

Third: the aforementioned bar change has left me with mirrors that do very little. Any suggestions out there for mirrors that are easy and good looking?

thanks in advance!
Tom

 

some cheap bar end mirrors will probably be best for your look, I'd imagine. The XJ is a kind of distant base for a cafe platform, but it can be done. Seca tank will fit with some modification, others will chime in on that here soon. You might consider different length suspension to level out the system, for that 'I turn aggressively' look.

Removing the forks isn't hard at all, I wouldn't be afraid of it, especially if you have a clever friend around. That being said, I don't know if you have remove them or not for that... No experience on that one.

Why is similar petcock a criteria?

I'd do a search on these forums, there's been posts of people doing it with their process on here before. Type whatever you like, plus "site:xjbikes.com" into google, and you'll get results only from this website. (take away the quotes).

 

Thanks for the quick reply! I'll try. Petcock similarity was for simplicity, no other reason. I was thinking about those mirrors I'll check 'em out.

Thanks again.
T

 

Hey guys,

Ive switched to bar-ends. I love em because i can finally see again. After switching my bars to some shorter almost straight bars, my stock mirrors showed me only my shoulders. However, with the new bar ends the throttle side bar end sticks a little, and I now have to manually decrease throttle, which is a pain. Im going to try sticking a washer between the end of the grips and the mirror to see if that lets it rotate a little easier, but i was wondering if anyone had any advice?

thanks in advance!
tom

 

Make sure there is a small gap between the end of the grip and the bar end mirror. You probably snugged the mirror up and it's rubbing on the grip.

 

Move your throttle "up" the bar away from the mirror a tad.

Make sure you carved enough out of the end of the grip AND the throttle barrel to allow for free movement.

 

Thanks for the quick responses. I've attached a pic to simply my question... can i simply cut off the throttle tub until it lines up with the end of the handlebars? I can't slide the throttle any farther up the bars.

 

To slide the throttle grip you will need to loosen the 2 bolts on the handlebar switch housing, and the 2 bolts on the master cylinder mount. The gently twist them as you move them inward on the bar. Once the bar sticks out the end of the throttle grip slightly tighten everthing back down.

On the fork gaitors
It will be easier to pull the forks out of the steering head (AKA triple tree).

Ghost

 

Why not?

You CAN shorten the grip to provide the necessary clearance; but you'll end up with a rather stubby grip.

Fork gaiters (boots) will not slip on over the lower legs. You'll need to drop the forks out of the triple tree.

 

I've actually slid the throttle around already, but i'll try to get it farther up the bar. I realize that i had put it where it was because on my new bars the stock mirrors really didn't work, so to be able to see anything behind me I had them positioned awkwardly.

As for "why not" I still look upon the workings of a bike as black magic. However, so far the learning curve is pretty steep. I think I need a dead bike that needs an overhaul that i can just take apart and put back together to give me confidence...or fry my brain. haha.

I'm not going to do the forks for a few weeks. Going on a vacation! but there's a lot of info on the forum about removing forks so i should be OK. I would appreciate any advice on what not to do, i.e. never ever do....blank when removing forks.

Once again what a great resource and thank you for you help.


Tom

 

Since you already replaced the bar, you know how the stuff is attached.

You should be able to move the master cylinder a few more MM "up" so there's room for the throttle assembly without hacking it. If you still have the original Maxim "angled" M/C, you might want to consider switching to a flatter style.

What NOT to do when taking the front end apart is lose any pieces like axle spacers, etc.

Back to repositioning the master cylinder on the bar: you can slide it right up to wherever the bar starts to bend, as long as it's clamping on a straight portion. Mine ended up being close to right up against the curve:

 

Sweet bike! and thanks!
similar bars as well, i think mine are a bit flatter. I'll update how it goes.

T